Dudok doppelgangers: the building looks like 'a Dudok', but it isn't

October 27, 2022

Every Hilversummer recognizes a Dudok immediately. Or not? The architect not only fascinated with his designs, he also inspired. That is why in many places there are buildings that resemble a design by Willem Dudok, but were actually conceived by someone else. There are also a number in Hilversum. We spotted four.

Our Building

With its straight lines, staggered facades and the chimney that seems to consist of three parts, you would think it is a Dudok. Our Building on the Havenstraat, however, was not designed by Dudok, but by Jacobus van Laren as accommodation for the Social Democratic Workers' Party (SDAP) and the Dutch Trade Union Association (NVV). On the top floor was a concert hall for 400 people. Van Laren designed a lot for the Workers' Housing Association in Hilversum. The red bricks are a reference to socialism, which is indicated in politics by the color red.

Cafe Dudok

The name says it all: This is a Dudok. Not so. Architect Henk de Groot has done his best to make it look like a Dudok. Especially the orange frames stand out. He designed the building in 1930 on behalf of café owner Hermanus Spikker. Henk de Groot worked for a while under municipal architect Willem Dudok and you can clearly see that. At the time, the cafe was called Amsterdams Café. Later it was given the name Het Zwarte Paard and today it is Café Dudok.

Fashion house Noordman

Fashion house Noordman may not sound familiar to everyone, but you recognize the building immediately. It is the building of perfume shop Douglas on the Kerkstraat. This building is also reminiscent of Dudok. But the architect is Cornelis Trappenburg. He designed the building in 1930. It used to be a store for 'men's and boys' clothing'. Noordman sold tailor-made suits there. The business went so well that he employed 36 tailors. Today, the building still has its retail function. During a renovation in 1999, the building regained its original appearance that can still be admired today.

Kiosk at the Kei

The kiosk at the Kei was built in 1931 for the sale of "newspapers, records, magazines, cigars, cigarettes, tobacco and packaged chocolates up to 50 cents." But not by Dudok. It was designed by father and son architects BH and CM Bakker. In addition to being an architect, Pa Bakker was also a politician. He was a councilor in Hilversum and also alderman for Public Works for a long time. In that position he often works together with Dudok. He had a lot of admiration for Dudok and this is not only reflected in the design of the kiosk. His son's middle name is Marius, as is Dudok's.

Want to know more about Dudok?

Want to see all the work of Dudok and other Hilversum architects? Then you should be here: www.dudokarchitecturecentrum.nl (DAC). At the DAC you will also learn more about how Dudok's approach to architecture is still relevant. Dudok themes are not only on the agenda of designers, but of everyone involved in the creation of a high-quality living environment.