FABRICations

FABRICations, an Amsterdam based design practice, merges spatial design with urban metabolism, circular economies and sustainable strategies.

FABRICations is an award winning design practice involved in architecture, urbanism and regional strategies. Founded in 2007 by Eric Frijters and Olv Klijn, the office’s work focuses on the spatial impact of a socially, economically and ecologically better environment.

08/04/2025

Our team members Olv, Melissa, and Jenny recently visited Den Helder to begin the spatial inventory process for the entrance area at De Helderse Vallei.

Our goal: to transform this space into a more welcoming, water-rich, and nature-inclusive environment. While removing fences is a key step, it’s just the beginning. Achieving true openness requires careful design and a smart, cohesive implementation strategy.

Keep an eye on our socials for updates and make sure to check out our projects on our website:

📷 Photos from the fieldtrip to Den Helder, by Jenny Hu

06/03/2025

How can we create a food system that works within the Earth's natural limits?

The ’Witboek’ by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality envisions a sustainable, resilient food system by 2050 - one that balances nature, food security, and prosperity. FABRICations contributed to this vision through spatial research and system drawings, identifying challenges and mapping out solutions for a more sustainable future.

With a focus on biodiversity, regenerative agriculture, and resilient rural landscapes, the ’Witboek’ serves as a guide for policymakers shaping the future of food, land, and nature in the Netherlands.

This document evolves with ongoing input from political and societal stakeholders. Learn more here:
🔗 https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/publicaties/2024/04/26/witboek-ministerie-van-landbouw-natuur-en-voedselkwaliteit

📷 Image caption: Graphics by a former colleague Arina

#2025

28/02/2025

Project spotlight - Ruimte voor Water

In a recent meeting at Waterschap Amstel, Gooi en Vecht, where all participants of the Deltaprogramma Centraal Holland gathered, Rens Wijnakker presented the results of FABRICations' 'Quick Scan Ruimte voor Water' study. This initial assessment outlines the necessary steps to prevent flooding in the region, combining both technical solutions and spatial adjustments. The takeaway? Tackling heavy rainfall requires cooperation from all parties and a balanced approach of water system improvements and spatial planning.

The ’Ruimte voor Water’ project focuses on how smart water management and spatial design can strengthen Central Holland’s resilience to climate challenges. This package of measures, informed by the ’Quick Scan’, offers practical solutions to absorb extreme rainfall and keep the region livable and future-proof.

Curious to learn more? Find more about this project on our website.

📷 Image caption:

Rens Wijnakker presenting the results at the meeting at Waterschap Amstel, Gooi en Vecht.

14/02/2025

Meet Daimy Huizinga, an 18-year-old Game Art student from Media College. Skilled in 3D modeling, 3D animation, and 2D art, she has joined FABRICations as a visualization intern.

Daimy discovered FABRICations through Stagemarkt - an online platform that helps MBO students find internships. “The ad said they were specifically looking for AV/Game artist students, not many ads say that, so I was interested in it.”

At FABRICations, Daimy will be working on animations and is looking forward to “learning new programs and being able to understand them better.” Her advice for future interns? “Don’t be afraid to ask questions - everyone is super nice!”

Welcome to the team, Daimy.

Curious to find out more about the FABRICations team? Find more on our website (link in bio).

12/02/2025

We’re pleased to share that our 'Friezstad' exhibition was featured in 'Leeuwarder Courant' newspaper!

Last week, we officially opened 'Friezstad' at OBE Leeuwarden, a special exhibition that dives into the vital role water plays in urban landscapes - something that is central to many of our projects. Through a landscape tapestry and film installation, we explore Leeuwarden’s evolving relationship with water and its historical significance.

We’re happy to share some moments from the opening day captured by and Piet Douma . Be sure to visit the exhibition at OBE Leeuwarden before the exhibition closes on February 26th.

A big thank you to OBE Leeuwarden for hosting, Paul Swagerman for his close collaboration, and Gemeente Leeuwarden for their support in bringing this vision to life.

📷 Image caption:

1. Exhibition in 'Leeuwarder Courant' newspaper
2. ‘Friezstad’ opening captured by Piet Douma
3. ‘Friezstad’ opening captured by Piet Douma
4. ‘Friezstad’ opening captured by Piet Douma
5. ‘Friezstad’ opening captured by Piet Douma
6. ‘Friezstad’ opening captured by Piet Douma
7. ‘Friezstad’ opening captured by Paul Swagerman
8. ‘Friezstad’ opening captured by Paul Swagerman

07/02/2025

On February 11 at LUX Nijmegen, Eric Frijters - founding partner of FABRICations and lecturer for Future Urban Regions, the research group behind ’The City as a System’ will give an insightful lecture exploring the ideas behind the publication. He will also discuss some of our recent smart urban mix projects and how they relate to the theories presented in the book.

But what is ’The City as a System’ about?

The book challenges us to rethink urban design. Instead of focusing solely on spatial changes, it highlights the need to transform the underlying systems that shape our cities - energy, food, materials, and digital technologies. By shifting our perspective, we can create smarter, more sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes.

You’ll also have the chance to purchase the book at the lecture! See you there.

📅 Date: Tuesday, February 11

🕒 Time: 20:00 - 21:30

📍Location: LUX, Nijmegen

👥 Organized by ASN

🎟️ Tickets: €7.50 | €1 (low income)

📷 Image caption:
1. Eric Frijters at the opening of 'Frieszstad', photo by Piet Douma
2 & 3 Excerpts from ’The City as a System’ publication

31/01/2025

Project spotlight: Julianadorp

Often mistaken for part of Den Helder, Julianadorp has always stood on its own – rooted in agriculture and later shaped by the ‘cauliflower’ urban model, prioritizing community and green spaces.

Today, Julianadorp's core values are under pressure: social cohesion is declining, car dependency is rising, and climate challenges demand action. Like the whole of the Netherlands, the village is on the eve of a number of major transitions. Transitions that concern climate, energy, biodiversity, (fresh) water management and circularity, to name the most important.

Is Julianadorp ready for the future? Read more about the project on our website (link in bio) and stay tuned for updates!

📷 Image caption:

- Panoramic Perspective of Julianadorp

27/01/2025

Looking for a fresh perspective on how cities can evolve sustainably? Join us on February 11 at LUX Nijmegen for an insightful lecture by Eric Frijters, FABRICations founding partner and lector of Future Urban Regions, the research group behind 'City as a System'.

In his lecture, Eric will dive into the ideas from his book, challenging the traditional view of cities as separate buildings and structures. He’ll explain how we can use data-driven insights and holistic design to create cities that are not only sustainable but resilient, adaptive, and harmonious with nature.

Reserve your spot now by emailing [email protected]. See you there!

📅 Date: Tuesday, February 11

🕒Time: 20:00 - 21:30

📍Location: LUX, Nijmegen

👥 Organized by

🎟️ Tickets: €7.50 | €1 (low income)

24/01/2025

Kom bij ons team!

Vacature medior / senior ruimtelijk ontwerper

Bij FABRICations zien we stad en land als een samenhangend systeem. We zoeken een gepassioneerde ruimtelijk ontwerper die binnen een brede waaier van disciplines impact wil maken. Of je nu een medior bent met minimaal twee jaar ervaring, of een senior met ten minste vijf jaar ervaring, bij ons krijg je de kans om met jouw ideeën en ontwerpen het verschil te maken in de leefomgeving van morgen.

Interesse?
Lees meer over de functie via de link in onze bio en stuur je CV en portfolio naar [email protected]

We kijken ernaar uit om een nieuw teamlid te verwelkomen.

📷 Image caption:

FABRICations studio door Marc Goodwin

22/01/2025

Project spotlight: Blauwe Lens Rijnland

How do we prepare for a future shaped by water?

For centuries, the Water Board of Rijnland has safeguarded the Netherlands from flooding. Now, as the region faces the pressures of urbanization, biodiversity loss, and climate change, its mission is expanding. As Eric Frijters explains: “As of 2020, the Water Board has begun addressing themes such as urbanization, biodiversity, energy, climate change, and circularity to reassess its role in society.”

FABRICations and Bureau Sant & Co propose three approaches: focus on flood protection, integrate water management with energy and urban needs, and foster a dynamic, nutrient-rich ecosystem.

💡 Curious to learn more about the project? Find it on our website (link in bio).

📷 Image caption:

- GIF showcasing the Water Board of Rijnland (Dutch: Hoogheemraadschap).

20/01/2025

Meet Rens Wijnakker – landscape architect, partner, and leader of the regional strategy team at FABRICations, where he has been working for over 10 years.

“The team, the location in the heart of Amsterdam, and the collaboration with interesting commissioners and partner companies are the best things about working at FABRICations,” says Rens.

He is now in charge of all regional strategic projects in the office, including spatial policy projects, future explorations, and regional visions. Rens finds the projects on the transition of the Port of Rotterdam and the urban regeneration efforts in Brazil both exciting and impactful.

When asked about the reason why he chose to work at FABRICations, Rens points out:

“We challenge ourselves to come up with unexpected solutions for complex spatial challenges. The mix of creativity and a research by design approach is what is fun and makes an impact as well.”

Keep an eye on our website and socials for new vacancies, and in the meantime, learn all about the projects the FABRICations team is working on (link in bio).

📷 Image caption:

Rens Wijnakker

Adres

Tussen De Bogen 18
Amsterdam
1013JB

Website

http://www.fabrications.nl/

Meldingen

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