Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial

The Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial (NEAC) is the only American military cemetery in the Netherlands and is situated in the province of Limburg, close to Maastricht and the Belgian border. The cemetery honours and protects the graves of 8,301 fallen American soldiers with an additional 1,722 names engraved on the Tablets of the Missing. It provides an opportunity for families to remember the fallen and learn about the dynamics that led to the liberation of Europe. The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) is increasing understanding of the NEAC by adding a visitor centre with interpretive exhibits that will complement the site with style and dignity. Karres en Brands was asked to identify the ideal location for the visitor centre, its integration in the landscape, its architectonic expression and its relationship to the existing monuments.

A careful site analysis was conducted. The site stands out for its geometry and rigor while perfectly integrating within the Limburg landscape. When approaching the cemetery, one realizes the sacred nature of the vast area in which Landscape and Architecture merge in an elegant and timeless composition.

The cemetery is defined by three main areas. Firstly, the entrance with an elliptical driveway

functioning as a delayed encounter in English landscape architecture. Secondly, the Burial Fields where 8,301 soldiers rest. Thirdly, the transition zone between these areas – encompassed by the Walls of the Missing and containing several monumental features. The visitor centre should enhance the visitor’s experience, by revealing itself in the right place and moment in the sequence of experiences during the arrival route, complementing the cemetery landscape with style and dignity.

The analysis focused on the sequence of experiences while moving through the site. The right location was found just beside the elliptical driveway, halfway along the delayed encounter, partially hidden between the trees and slightly visible. During the design and completion, the focus was on respecting the outcomes from the site analysis, respectfully coordinating the materialization with the existing monument and cemetery. The façade hangs above the landscape like a floating rock and beneath, an inner world embeds itself in the hilly landscape. A precisely designed path between monumental trees leads visitors to the sunken floor level of the visitor centre, a gradual transition from the landscape to the interior - analogous to the transitions within the cemetery design. During their visit to the centre, visitors can learn about the stories of the liberation of Europe, giving them insight into the courage of these soldiers and providing a space to commemorate their sacrifice. All in all, a profound and experiential insight into history is offered through the delicate integration of landscape architecture, architecture and a deep understanding of emotional and psychological aspects of experiencing space.