The three friends, Harold Lenselink, Victor van Haeren, and Hans Sluijmer, shared the idea that talent in the performing arts could not exist without broad participation by amateurs. That everyone's life should consist of music, dance and theatre because it is essential for the development of every human being. While cycling, they discovered the ideal place and the ideal building: empty barracks next to the Ede-Wageningen train station.

National monument Frisokazerne

The Maurits and Friso Barracks were constructed within two years, from 1904 to May 1906, in response to the introduction of compulsory military service in 1901. Ede was chosen as a suitable location due to its relatively inexpensive land, proximity to the railway, and nearby training grounds. In addition to the two barracks, a bathing facility, a fencing hall/gymnasium, and a large men's canteen were built between the buildings. In 1905, vehicle sheds were also commissioned. Shortly thereafter, a pharmacy, an arsenal (a storehouse for weapons and equipment), and a series of houses were added. Until they were renamed in 1934, the Johan Willem Friso Barracks and the Maurits Barracks were known as Infantry Barracks 1 and 2, respectively.

After the German invasion in May 1940, nearly all German military units—including the SS, Wehrmacht, and Kriegsmarine—were stationed in Ede. The Friso Barracks, later renamed Kommodore Boute Kaserne, were used for housing and as a training facility for sailors. The second Allied bombardment, part of Operation Market Garden, occurred on 17 September 1944. During this attack, the Friso Barracks were heavily damaged, with the original gables and stepped gables destroyed. After the Second World War, efforts were focused on restoring the army, along with the damaged buildings and facilities. The German name for the Friso Barracks was promptly reversed after the war.

When Defence started to withdraw from military real estate in the Netherlands from 2005, the task for the municipality of Ede became more pressing. They had to find a way to redevelop both the barracks and their surroundings. This was a significant challenge due to the large number of valuable yet relatively unknown buildings on the site. The Maurits and Friso barracks were designated national monuments in 2006. At the time, reallocation was a key policy focus for the preservation of historical monuments and cultural history. Area development projects increasingly had to consider cultural-historical frameworks and guidelines.

Repurposing

In 2011, the Ministry of Defence transferred the military site next to Ede-Wageningen railway station to the municipality of Ede. Both barracks, the Frisokazerne and the adjacent Mauritskazerne, had been vacant for some time. The Akoesticum concept - a training centre with many large rooms - suited the redevelopment of the Frisokazerne. As a result, the smaller spaces directly behind the front façade could be used almost unchanged as service areas. The large spaces at the back have become rehearsal spaces. Most of the spaces already existed, and the architect only had to give them a different function. The original structure of the building therefore remained easily recognisable. The original finishes have also been restored as much as possible. Akoesticum was therefore an ideal concept that could be realised with a very limited number of interventions.

Following a unanimously positive council decision on the cultural purpose for the Frisokazerne, work began on the restoration and conversion of the building in November 2013. Within one year, the building regained its historic quality. On 1 October 2014, we launched the national training centre for music, dance and theatre.

Bronnen:

Interview met Pierre Lommen, Adviseur Monumentenzorg gemeente Ede over de restauratie van de Frisokazerne. Gepubliceerd in de Akoesticum Verjaardagskrant, 2e editie januari 2018.

Bouwhistorisch onderzoek naar de J.W Frisokazerne, door: Projectbureau Ede-oost, 21 januari 2010.