After joining the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) in 1996, Reinier was project director for De Rotterdam, a major mixed-use development on the banks of one of the world’s largest harbours. As Partner of OMA he is responsible for a number of projects in Europe and the Middle East.
His current works include the commission for the redevelopment of the Commonwealth Institute site in London, master plans for the White City area of London and the Bovisa quarter of Milan; a harbour redevelopment in Riga and the first contemporary art museum for Latvia, also in Riga. In the middle-east his projects include several master plans in Dubai, including Waterfront City, Kuwait, and Ras-Al-Khaimah, and buildings in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
Reinier supervises the work of AMO, the research and design studio established by Rem Koolhaas in 1998 as a counterpart to the architectural practice. AMO applies architectural thinking to issues and opportunities beyond the conventional borders of architecture and urbanism. Currently AMO is working for the Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg) and for fashion house Prada. In addition it is engaged in studies for the European Union and various OMA projects. AMO’s resume includes work for Universal Studios, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Harvard University, Condé Nast, Heineken, and Ikea. Most recently AMO did an in-depth study of the urbanization of the cities along the Gulf resulting in an exhibition during the Venice Biennale 2006 and two publications.
Prior to working at OMA Reinier de Graaf worked for architecture firms in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. He holds an architecture diploma from Delft University and a master degree in architecture from the Berlage Institute. Reinier de Graaf lectures frequently in the academic and professional realm.
Abstract:
In his second presentation of the day, Reinier de Graaf spoke broadly on the importance of forward thinking as a basis for how practices position themselves to embrace emerging opportunities. Reinier has much experience in theoretical thinking and research with AMO. He will talk about how this research affects his thinking and work in practice, especially in relation to live and futures projects being undertaken around the world. Reinier will be reflecting how a speculation of the future guides our approach to work today.
