The city of Amsterdam hosted the European Union in Spring 2016.
On the Marineterrein east of the city, politicians discussed and decided on Europe’s future under bright artificial light, with cameras and microphones registering every word.
In response to the event, at the nearby temporary campus FabCity, Amsterdam-based architecture studio Studioninedots collaborated with FRONT® (previously StoneCycling) on a temporary structure that featured a fireplace right in the heart of its brick-based centre.
Image credits: Peter Cuypers
Temporary Campus FabCity
At the heart of the pavilion, a glowing campfire set the stage for imagination and connection. Visitors gathered around The TrueTalker—an open invitation to pause, unwind, and exchange bold, unexpected, and wildly creative ideas.
FabCity welcomed a diverse crowd of students, professionals, artists, and innovators. The temporary campus became a hub for those passionate about shaping sustainable cities, offering a space to showcase their visions and engage in meaningful conversations around urban challenges.
The TrueTalker was a cone-shaped pavilion formed by a single twisting wall inviting curiosity and encouraging visitors to step inside and explore its core.
Constructed from innovative and circular WasteBasedBricks, the structure was both solid and transparent. During the day, the open brick pattern created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. By night, the fire at its centre illuminated the surroundings, transforming the pavilion into a glowing beacon.
As a space for dialogue and reflection, the TrueTalker welcomed all visitors to FabCity to sit at its heart and exchange thoughts on the future of Europe, the world, humanity—or any idea worth sharing.
To spark even more conversation, a series of events was organised in collaboration with the Academie van Bouwkunst Amsterdam (Amsterdam Academy of Architecture).
This project was made possible with the support of our partners: SBB Smit’s Bouwbedrijf B.V., IC Netherlands B.V., St. Joris Keramische Industrie, Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix B.V., Amsterdam Academy of Architecture & FabCity.
The TrueTalker remained on display in Amsterdam until 26 June 2016. After this date, it found a new home at the nature playground Bûûtenplaets on the island of Goeree-Overflakkee in South Holland, The Netherlands.
On Tuesday, 12 December, the TrueTalker was carefully lifted onto the vessel Manna, owned by Bart Verkade, in the harbour of Amsterdam. The relocation was coordinated by Jasper Brommet (StoneCycling) and Wim Noordzij (Bûûtenplaets).
Skipper Carolus Poldervaart, accompanied by his son Sander, set sail from Amsterdam on Wednesday, 13 December, heading towards Sluishaven in the southernmost part of South Holland. The vessel reached its destination on the afternoon of Thursday, 15 December.
The route took the TrueTalker along the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal to Utrecht, continuing via the Waal River to the Boven Merwede, where the team docked in Gorinchem. The journey resumed on Friday, taking them along the Nieuwe Merwede, under the Moerdijkbrug, through the Volkerak Sluizen, and across the Volkerak Waters to the Galathese Haven, finally arriving at Goeree-Overflakkee.
During transport, part of the TrueTalker sustained damage due to the ship’s movement. Fortunately, repairs were carried out successfully, and the structure was salvaged. The journey turned into a memorable adventure for everyone involved.
Renamed Bûûtenpraet—meaning “outdoor conversations” in the local dialect—the pavilion was given a prominent place at the nature playground. This initiative, led by the local community, aimed to offer visitors a peaceful and educational environment where nature, sustainability, and fun go hand in hand.
As a place to exchange ideas, everyone is welcome to FabCity and sit down in the heart of The TrueTalker to share ideas on the future of Europe, the world, mankind or anything else.
This was a one-off product made specifically for this project. With our Custom Made Service, it's possible to develop your own bespoke brick or brick slip.
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