Glandrup Architecture
blending japanese and dutch design philosophies
‘’ Architecture is about relationships—between people, between interior and exterior, between human beings and nature. Every project begins with a deep understanding of its users and their context. We design harmonious, sensory-rich spaces that enhance well-being, using nature, tactility, light, shadow, sound, and color as our tools. ’’
‘ Creating inspiring learning spaces ’
let me introduce myself
Hi, I’m Karen Glandrup, a Dutch architect with over 15 years of experience working across Europe, South America, and Japan.
I specialize in public interior design and private home renovations, focusing on creating spaces that are functional, beautiful, and tailored to the people who use them. My work spans education, healthcare, hospitality, housing, and transformative renovation projects.
A central theme in my work is designing spaces that seamlessly connect interiors and exteriors, enhancing the relationship between people and their environment.
I prioritize collaboration with users and local communities through workshops and consultations, ensuring that each design reflects their needs and aspirations.
In addition to running my studio in Rotterdam, I collaborate with architects, engineers, artists and architectural historians both in the Netherlands and Japan, bringing together diverse perspectives to deliver thoughtful and inspiring designs.
Japan Wood Design Award 2022
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Japan Wood Design Award 2022 -
Award Winning School Design
"I am honored to have received the Japan Wood Design Award, which recognizes excellence in sustainable architecture. This prestigious award celebrates the power of design to showcase the value of wood in creating meaningful, functional, and environmentally responsible spaces. The jury, which includes renowned architect Kengo Kuma, evaluates projects based on their innovative use of wood and their contribution to sustainable architecture."木漏れ日
komorebi
Komorebi is a Japanese word that expresses a feeling of 'the beauty of rays of light dappling through leaves, projecting dancing shadows on the forest floor.‘
This ‘Komorebi feeling’ has been the starting point of the design of the atrium of the Canadian Academy international school in Kobe.
“For the renovation of the Canadian Academy, I managed the project from start to finish, overseeing master planning, collaborating with users during the co-creation phase, developing the concept design, and providing detailed supervision throughout the execution phase, including furniture design.”
creating new connections and see throughs
Canadian Academy International School
‘Architecture is about relationships - between people, between interior and exterior, between human beings and nature.
In Japanese architecture this is called 間 ‘Ma’ The space between_
In Japan the intermediary space lies at the core of the Japanese thinking about architecture, art and crafts. In Japanese they call this 間 ‘Ma’ The space between. The character for Ma (間) combines the characters of “gate” and “sun” - it evokes the sunlight traveling through a door - it is about stillness, a pauze, the space between filled with energy and possibilities.
This Japanese philosophy intrigues me and has put an extra layer on my design thinking.
During my time in Japan I have visited many places to learn more about japanese architecture, art & craftmanship and japanese gardens. I have met incredible people who have shared their passion with me.
On my website I will share my thoughts and experiences from Japan with you.
driving positive habit changes
“ For the renovation of the Canadian Academy International School in Kobe I have spend many hours with teachers to define what habit change was desired before starting designing. These so called user meetings are for me the basis for continued co-creation and reaching intended user behavior. As an architect you have to change hats in this phase and forget about the execution; user understanding first. “
What I can do.
I have experience in small and big scale projects in the field of education, healthcare, hospitality and (private) housing. The user & community always play a leading role in my projects and I try to combine the best of Japanese and Dutch design thinking to create unique, inspiring and sustainable spaces.
I can take care from A-Z; from masterplanning, user meetings and concept design up to and including detailing and design supervision during execution.
In the Netherlands and in Japan I work together with other architects & designers in order to meet specific wishes from clients.
If you are interested in exploring new ideas, working together or just drinking a coffee, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.
Together we can do more_
consultancy
strategy & masterplanning
feasibility study
user meetings
leading workshops
mapping user needs
design
architectural design
interior design
furniture design
realization
design supervision
colours & branding
look & feel
education
workshops
teaching