The TrueTalker

In 2016 Amsterdam hosted events related to the Netherlands’ presidency of the European Union. Many meetings took place at the Marineterrein, the city’s former navy compound, in sterile artificially lit rooms with a mass of cameras and microphones – hardly inspiring venues for meaningful exchange.

In response Studioninedots, in collaboration with StoneCycling, self-initiated an alternative at the nearby temporary campus FabCity. Entitled The TrueTalker, it comprises an open, conical pavilion made of bricks centred around a fireplace. In the spirit of a good campfire The TrueTalker aims to connect people and create space for storytelling and dialogue. Unfolding like a shell, the outer wall creates an intriguing curved entrance that triggers visitors to enter. Inside, there’s an immediate sense of warmth and intimacy. Low seating invites people to sit, talk, relax and exchange ideas.

The solid but open structure is made from StoneCycling’s WasteBasedBricks. When the sun shines by day, the interwoven brick pattern creates a play of light within the volume; by night when the interior is illuminated by the fire, the pavilion appears as a bright lantern on the site.