Temporary spatial intervention

Commissioned by Restaurant de Italiaan, Studio de Gruijter collaborated with Adriaan de Groot and Camillo Fiorito to design a temporary intervention for the restaurant’s outdoor terrace. During the COVID period, the municipality temporarily granted access to two parking spaces. The aim was to create a non-intrusive structure that provided both atmosphere and a sense of enclosure—while blending seamlessly into one of Amsterdam’s most picturesque streetscapes.

The result was a large (5.4 x 3.7 x 3.3 m), visually transparent pergola constructed entirely from rebar mesh and tension cables. Designed to be overgrown with climbing plants, the structure offered a light, organic presence that respected its historic surroundings.

After standing for over a year and receiving over 1,000 signatures in support, the municipality revoked the permit. Thanks to its lightweight, adaptable design, the pergola was relocated to Wijntuin Ronja in Beverwijk, where it stands until this day.

Photography by Adriaan de Groot.