The Berlage

Space Encounters is an award-winning office for architecture based in Amsterdam, led by brothers Gijs and Joost Baks. Operating internationally, they create architecture for living, working, and playing at all scales. They approach each project as an invitation to create the best possible project given the situation, understanding that collaboration is a shared exploration needed to come to well-made architecture. They posit that finding the best responses to complex architectural challenges requires an optimistic attitude, an original vision, and a hands-on approach.

The Berlage Keynotes, organized as part of the Faculty of Architecture’s Public Program, is an ongoing lecture series featuring internationally prominent architects, designers, and thinkers who are at the forefront of design discourse and innovation. A selection of speakers working from different disciplinary perspectives and in different geographic, cultural, and political contexts speak on how their work engages with contemporary issues and debates. The fall 2024 semester, speakers will include amid.cero9, BAST, Robert Hutchison Architecture, Sam Chermayeff Office, Space Encounters, and SUMMACUMFEMMER.