Using gentrification and modern nostalgic signing to uplift an abandoned industrial site

The story of De Werkspoor Cathedral starts in 2008 when Autobahn visited Liverpool as European Capital of Culture. Back in the city of Utrecht, we concluded that the city has grown and that the geographic center has shifted to a derelict industrial area. Autobahn developed a concept to develop this area into a creative and cultural hub and started a series of meetups together with local entrepreneurs and urban planners. We took refuge in an enormous empty factory hall that later became De Werkspoorkathedraal.

Werkspoor
The Werkspoorkathedraal, formerly known as the Apparatenhal, is one of the historic factory halls of the Royal Dutch Tool and Railway Material Factory - "Werkspoor" for short. This Amsterdam machine factory was founded in 1828 and produced engines, steam engines and rolling stock. More than 50 years after the factory closed in 1970, the robust factory hall is now the setting for various events. From food festivals to corporate events, from small product presentations to conferences for 2,500 people.

Identity
In the period between 2008 and 2015 Autobahn conducted research, organised events and created a multitude of designs, paving the way for De Werkspoorkathedraal. Since our involvement and knowledge of the area, owner Bob Scherrenberg of De Werkspoor Cathedral has asked Autobahn to design the new house style and signage. This resulted in our own 'Hollywood sign' in Utrecht: 3 meter high letters in a custom font for this unique location in the center of the Netherlands.