Jan de Jong

Netherlands 1917 – 2001
Architect and designer

Jan de Jong (1917-2001) was a renowned Dutch architect and designer who became a central figure in modernist ecclesiastical architecture in the Netherlands. As a student and close collaborator of Dom Hans van der Laan, a Benedictine monk and influential architect, de Jong’s work was deeply rooted in the principles of Van der Laan’s Plastic Number, a system of proportions that guided many of his designs. De Jong’s career spanned over half a century, during which he created a body of work that is both spiritually resonant and geometrically rigorous, characterized by simplicity, clarity, and a profound attention to proportion.

Early Life and Education

Jan de Jong was born in De Heurne, a small village in the Netherlands, in 1917. He grew up in a deeply religious family, which influenced his lifelong interest in ecclesiastical architecture. His early education was not particularly focused on architecture, but his strong sense of spatial awareness and interest in design led him to pursue this field.

After completing his early studies, de Jong was drawn to the architecture of churches, a subject that would dominate much of his later career. In 1953, he enrolled in the Ecclesiastical Architecture course at the Kruithuis in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, which was taught by Dom Hans van der Laan. This marked a turning point in de Jong’s life. Van der Laan was not only a brilliant architect but also a theorist who had developed a unique system of architectural proportions called the Plastic Number. De Jong became fascinated with Van der Laan’s theories and his approach to sacred spaces.

Mentorship with Dom Hans van der Laan

From 1953 to 1956, De Jong studied under Dom Hans van der Laan, who would become his most important mentor. Van der Laan’s Plastic Number, a proportional system that emphasizes the relationship between various architectural elements, deeply influenced de Jong’s architectural philosophy. The Plastic Number system was rooted in human experience and the natural world, aiming to create spaces that felt both harmonious and functional. This principle guided de Jong throughout his career.

During this period, de Jong closed his architectural practice temporarily to focus entirely on mastering Van der Laan’s ideas, under the motto: “What I could do, I no longer wanted, and what I wanted, I could not yet do.” This period of intense study and reflection helped him refine his design sensibilities. By 1956, de Jong had completed his personal journey of discovery and was ready to return to architectural practice, now fully immersed in Van der Laan’s philosophy.

Van der Laan soon recognized de Jong as his most brilliant student and closest disciple. The two collaborated on various projects, with de Jong often executing Van der Laan’s theories in his own designs. De Jong also became a co-teacher of the Ecclesiastical Architecture course alongside Van der Laan, further solidifying his position as a key proponent of the Plastic Number.

Career and Architectural Style

Jan de Jong was a key figure in the Bossche School, an architectural movement rooted in Van der Laan’s theories. His designs are characterized by their minimalist, sober style, with a focus on proportion, balance, and a deep respect for materials. His work is often described as austere but harmonious, creating spaces that evoke a sense of tranquility and contemplation. He was the first architect of the Bossche School to fully embrace a strict and minimalist approach, letting the Plastic Number guide the proportions of his buildings.

One of de Jong’s signature works is the Pauluskerk in Uden (1966/1968), where his adherence to the Plastic Number is evident in every aspect of the building’s design. The church’s austere, geometric forms, constructed with a strong sense of order and rhythm, reflect his belief that architecture should evoke a spiritual response through its proportions and simplicity. The church became a key example of how sacred spaces could be designed in a modern, minimalist style while still remaining deeply connected to tradition and spirituality.

In addition to his church designs, de Jong also designed numerous other buildings, including residential projects, schools, and civic buildings. His houses, often commissioned by private clients, demonstrate his ability to integrate modernist principles with the needs of everyday living. Even in residential architecture, de Jong maintained his commitment to proportion, using the Plastic Number as a guiding tool to create spaces that felt harmonious and balanced.

Furniture Design

De Jong also extended his design talents to furniture, often creating pieces that complemented his architectural works. His furniture designs reflect the same minimalist principles that define his buildings. Each piece is highly functional, with clean lines and a clear sense of proportion, often executed in natural materials like wood. His use of the Plastic Number is apparent even in his furniture, where the proportions between height, width, and depth are carefully considered to create a harmonious whole.

One of his most notable furniture pieces is the bench he designed for the Pauluskerk in Uden, which was constructed in accordance with the Plastic Number and featured a restrained, geometric design that mirrored the architectural style of the church itself.

Later Career and Legacy

Throughout his career, Jan de Jong remained committed to the teachings of Dom Hans van der Laan, even as architectural trends changed. His work was never about following fashion but rather about creating spaces and objects that would stand the test of time due to their inherent balance and simplicity. His designs are often described as timeless, not because they avoid modernity, but because they transcend it by focusing on the universal principles of proportion and order.

De Jong’s work has been celebrated both in the Netherlands and internationally. His buildings and designs can be found throughout the country, and many of them are now considered architectural landmarks. In recognition of his contributions to Dutch architecture, his works have been featured in numerous exhibitions, and his role as a teacher and collaborator with Van der Laan cemented his place in the history of modern architecture.

Jan de Jong passed away in 2001, leaving behind a rich legacy of architectural and design work that continues to inspire architects and designers. His commitment to the principles of the Plastic Number and his collaborations with Dom Hans van der Laan make him a pivotal figure in the history of Dutch modernism. Today, his work remains a testament to the power of simplicity, proportion, and the enduring relationship between architecture and human experience.