Revisiting Schiphol's Design Roots at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
Last week, our BCN team visited the Kho Liang Ie: Mid-Century Modernist exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. We were fortunate to be guided by curator Ingeborg de Roode and Eng Bo Kho, Kho Liang Ie’s son, who enriched the experience with personal stories and insights into his father's life and work.
Kho Liang Ie was an extraordinary designer whose influence on Dutch design remains profound. Active from the 1950s through the 1970s, his multidisciplinary work spanned interiors, exhibitions, corporate presentations, graphic design, and furniture. In 1963, he was commissioned to design the interiors of Schiphol’s new terminal building, establishing a design legacy that continues to resonate today.
Following his passing in 1975, his work was continued by Kho Liang Ie Associates, the interior design studio with which Benthem Crouwel NACO later collaborated on Schiphol projects. Walking past original Schiphol elements that have been preserved in remarkable condition was a powerful reminder of the history and design heritage behind the work we do today. One of the highlights was Kho Liang Ie’s iconic ceiling system from 1967: a modular composition of elegant aluminium slats integrating lighting and signage. The design subtly transforms as you move through the space, creating a dynamic interplay of light, perspective, and movement.
Over the decades, Benthem Crouwel NACO has continued to reinterpret and integrate this distinctive design element across numerous Schiphol projects, helping to preserve it as an integral part of the airport’s architectural identity. The beautifully curated exhibition, designed by Strijkers Studio, is on display at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam until October 18th.
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