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Eschauzier, F(rits) A(dolf)
(b The Hague, 9 June 1889; d Bussum, 7 Aug 1957). Dutch architect and teacher. After two years study at the Technische Hogeschool in Delft, he went to the Architectural Association School in London (191315). He also studied for a further year (1927), in Vienna with Professor Oskar Strnad. He gained recognition chiefly through building a large number of country houses. His design method and language were clearly influenced by the work of the English architects Edwin Lutyens and Charles F. A. Voysey. The country houses in Leersum (1933) and Noordeinde (1940) in Vierhouten are characteristic of this: a hierarchical grouping of spaces such that the landscape setting firmly defines the form. Outwardly very closed, the country houses are light and open inside because of their large windows and white plasterwork. Flowing linearity governs the smallest element and is evident in the interconnected spaces. The work is strongly related to that of Gunnar Asplund in its attention to detail and ironic use of historical forms. He managed to develop this elegant style until the end of his career, as in the house (1953) on the Schouwweg in Wassenaar. After the war, Eschauziers work included extensions to and interior layouts of some important museums, the high point being the Gemeentemuseum (1952) in Arnhem. Here he brought about a synthesis of the design method of his firmly traditional country houses and the white abstract architecture of Nieuwe Bouwen. This approach greatly influenced the younger generation of architects owing to his appointment in 1948 as lecturer in decorative arts at the Technische Hogeschool, Delft.
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