Raft Toy Museum | CNG Architects

The site of the project is located in the city of Amsterdam and it is characterized by the presence
of some of the most important architectures of the city: Arcam, NEMO and The Nederlands
Scheepvaartmuseum.
The “Raft Toy Museum” is developed on a floating platform like a ship docked at pier.
The starting shape was the most simple solid figure: a cube, that then it was modelled on the basis
of typical facades of the Dutch houses with pitched roof.
The aggregation method considers the modular and extended form of the Dutch lots while the
“stragger” of blocks recalls the disposal of boats along the piers of the surrounding.
The inspiring models to define the front were two:
1) The windows of the Dutch facades and their intensification and dislocation on the fronts of
three blocks;
2) The magnets, for the other block. They are one of the most popular toys all over the world, and
not only, they simbolize the magnetic effect of toys on people.
The “Raft Toy Museum” is 20 meters high and it is developed on 4 floors. All the floors are linked
thanks to a system of elevators and stairs. The ground floor is occupied by the hall, the
administration area, the temporary exhibition, the souvenir shop and a first part of the cafè. At the
first floor we find the permanent exhibition, the educational area, the second part of the cafè and
two terraces where you can enjoy the view of the sea. The second and third floors are occupied by
the permanent exhibition where toys are put in order of different historical periods. There are
restrooms for every floor while storage room is developed on second and third floors.
The external platform is thought as an entertainment space. This is clear at the back of the
platform where there is a water pool. This space is thought for children and for their fun.