Space Encounters is an internationally operating and award-winning office for architecture led by the brothers Gijs and Joost Baks. With great joy and sensitivity, they create innovative and remarkable architecture for living, working and playing on all scales. They approach each project as an invitation to find an answer to the question: what is the very best this project can be? To them, each collaboration is a shared exploration to come to well-made architecture. Finding the best responses to complex architectural challenges requires an open, optimistic attitude, original vision and a hands-on approach.
Their work is celebrated for its clarity, refined rigour, and imaginative approach to solving challenges of the built environment. The designs of Space Encounters take on a resounding position and have a lasting positive impact on their surroundings and users. Their broad expertise encompasses building transformations, sustainable living solutions and building in complex urban contexts.
As a team, they regularly discuss the meaning of architecture and architectural thinking in contemporary society. From these discussions, they have formulated nine core ideas that together constitute the foundation of Space Encounters’ approach.
Prizes
2020 Winner Gulden Feniks. Het Platform, De Nieuwe Stad.
2020 Winner Stadsbouwprijs Amersfoort. Het Platform.
2020 Winner Architectenweb Award Office Building of the Year. Het Platform.
2018 Winner Frame Award Emerging Designer of the Year.
2018 Winner ARC17 Interior Award, Sony Music Entertainment office.
2017 Winner The International Architecture Award. Joolz office.
2017 Winner BNA Building of the Year (Stimulating Environments). Joolz office.
2017 Winner Next Step Award.
2016 Winner Milan Design Award. Boring Collection.
2014 First prize Best Architecture Almere. Rebel House.
Their work is celebrated for its clarity, refined rigour, and imaginative approach to solving challenges of the built environment. The designs of Space Encounters take on a resounding position and have a lasting positive impact on their surroundings and users. Their broad expertise encompasses building transformations, sustainable living solutions and building in complex urban contexts.
As a team, they regularly discuss the meaning of architecture and architectural thinking in contemporary society. From these discussions, they have formulated nine core ideas that together constitute the foundation of Space Encounters’ approach.
Prizes
2020 Winner Gulden Feniks. Het Platform, De Nieuwe Stad.
2020 Winner Stadsbouwprijs Amersfoort. Het Platform.
2020 Winner Architectenweb Award Office Building of the Year. Het Platform.
2018 Winner Frame Award Emerging Designer of the Year.
2018 Winner ARC17 Interior Award, Sony Music Entertainment office.
2017 Winner The International Architecture Award. Joolz office.
2017 Winner BNA Building of the Year (Stimulating Environments). Joolz office.
2017 Winner Next Step Award.
2016 Winner Milan Design Award. Boring Collection.
2014 First prize Best Architecture Almere. Rebel House.
