Wallhouse #2 and John Hejduk

Since 2001 the city of Groningen has at its disposal a building of world fame. In that year Wall House #2 was completed as the only house designed by the renowned American architect and architectural theorist John Hejduk (1929-2000) that was actually built. The house stands as an architectural icon, and is cited in all important architecture catalogs.

The Wall House is challenging architecture, par excellence. A freestanding wall 18 meters long and 14 meters high is at its heart, against which spaces are placed on either side. These spaces - the living room, studio, bedroom, etc. - are separate from one another, which emphasizes their separate functions. In this way Wall House ingeniously interweaves architecture and thinking about architecture. It is impossible to walk through the building oblivious to the architect's intent. One is continually involved in confrontations that force the mind to focus on the traditional ideas about how a house should be put together (living room downstairs, bedroom upstairs). It should not be surprising that its architect, John Hejduk, suggested that good architecture by definition prompts reflection and discussion: 'The architect is responsible for the spirit of a thought'.

The Wall House in Groningen is the only house designed by John Hejduk that was actually built. Between 1968 and 1974 Hejduk made sketches for three Wall Houses, of which number 2 was on assignment, for a location in Ridgefield, Connecticut in the US. Although they were never realised there, the designs stand as one of the architectural highlights of the 20st century.
In 2001 Wallhouse #2 was eventually built in Groningen, in a new housing estate (Hoornse Meer). The design from 1973 served as basis for the project, although it was translated to modern day building regulations and methodes. The sizes of the original design were enlarged by 120 %. It took ten years of work to realize Wall House #2.

Although Hejduk considered his sketches to be finished works of art as well as works in progress (all his life he kept adjusting his designs, and considered every fase a finished and unique process). With the building of Wall House #2 a dream was realized. Unfortunately Hejduk died some months before the construction was finished.
Because of the great architectural and architecture philosophical value the Wallhouse #2 Foundation was established.

John Hejduk
John Hejduk (New York, 1929-2000) was educated at the Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture of the Cooper Union in New York. He followed a study course in which architecture was strongly integrated to other visual arts (as in the Bauhaus). Hejduk would eventually teach at the Cooper Union Institute and later occupy a position as dean of the college. Hejduk began his career as an architect at the end of the fifties. His first designs were inspired by de Stijl, but gradually he developed a most personal, autobiographical and theoretical way of designing. His sketches for Diamond Houses and Wall Houses, constructed of geometrical shapes and surfaces, were most of all meant to inspire en provoke ('It is essential that the Architect creates works that are thought provoking, sense provoking, and ultimately life provoking'). More and more he combined his architectural designs with related poems, drawings, water colours and literature.

With the exception of Groningen, where Wall House no. 2 was built, his early work never advanced further than the drawing board. His reputation is primarily the result of his theories and ideas on architecture. The fundamental question he said was the key to architecture, is if it can touch the spirit. Only then building becomes architecture.

More informatie and visuals on Wall House #2: www.wallhouse.nl (English version).