Walking past Maastricht architecture with Nicole Maurer

At first glance, they may not stand out as quickly as the typical Maastricht architectural hotspots in the city skyline. But just as nice, and sometimes even more exciting and surprising, are the architectural hotspots scattered (and sometimes slightly more hidden) throughout the city. And the great thing is, quite a lot of these designs are by Limburg and often even Maastricht hands, and thus by our own 'makers'. Architect Nicole Maurer takes you past some of her favourites.

About Nicole

Nicole Mauer founded Maurer United Architects with her husband Marc Maurer, with whom they later moved to Maastricht. Among other projects, they were involved in the conversion of the Muziekgieterij in Maastricht and the Gulpener Brouwlokaal and Brouwhuis. They are currently working on a unique project called 'Superlocal', which involves plenty of experimentation with circular construction.

Nicole Maurer

Jeker Quarter

Culture & architecture vibe

"This is our own home and, in my opinion, one of the most striking buildings in the city. With its unusual shapes, the clean white stucco with lots of glass, it is a beautiful contrast to the historic setting of the Jeker Quarter. The building was designed by architect Frits Peutz in 1958. Years later, in 2013, we were involved in the renovation. That was also when we decided to move here from our then office in the station building in Wyck. Inside, the world of art, culture, architecture comes together here in a great way. That creates a very special vibe that we are part of every day."

Jan van Eijck Academy

Sphinx Quarter

Design and architecture exhibitions

"This is one of my favourite places to visit for inspiration. Bureau Europa presents itself as a centre for design, architecture and urbanism. You can obviously see that in the changing exhibitions. For me, this really feels like an 'urban' place with worldly exhibitions that stimulate your mind and bring current affairs from all over the world in a special way. We have been involved in the renovation of the building located in the former showroom of the Netherlands' first big industrialist Petrus Regout. An industrial monument, in other words."

Sphinx Quarter Maastricht field for bureau Europa and Loods 5 Bureau Europa Maastricht entrance Sphinx Quarter

  • Bureau Europa

    Exhibitions, lectures, projects and other activities in the field of architecture, design and urbanity. More info on Bureau Europa

    Bureau Europa

Striking viewpoint

"Still quite new and a really cool place in town: the remnant of the old exit of the Noorderbrug that they left standing as a reminder. You can climb it by stairs and then look out over the Frontenpark and the Sphinx Quarter. I find the idea behind this alone very special. Peter de Ronde, the urban planner from the Maastricht municipality, and the Flemish architect Guy Cleuren dared to make very daring choices in this process. So where a bridge like this would normally be completely demolished, this one has remained. I think that's very cool."

De Krul Maastricht

  • De Krul

    De Krul is part of the old Noorderbrug that has remained as a memento and lookout point. De Krul is free to enter for pedestrians. More info on De Krul

    De Krul

Wyck & Céramique

Skatepark on the Meuse

"The skate park on the Griend is a design of our own; the first design for the city of Maastricht when we moved here in 2005. For the design, we worked very closely with the skaters themselves. In a city with 'impossible pavement' (cobbles and cobblestones, ed.) for skating, we incorporated everything in this park that you don't find on the streets here. Think sleek concrete, curbs, ramps and more that will still allow you to get your money's worth as a skater."

Skatepark Griend Maastricht

Limburg provincial government building

"The Provincial Government of Limburg is definitely a favourite architectural hotspot. It is a standout on the city skyline for a reason. Designed by architect Gerard Snelder in the early 1980s, what many people don't know is that the garden near the Provincial House is also worth visiting. You can walk through it and see the building from all sides. The garden is home to several works of art by mostly Limburg artists. Moreover, the walk there is also great fun if you do it on the East side of the Meuse(Wyck), as it leads you past the Céramique district, also known as Maastricht's architecture district, including architect Aldo Rossi's iconic Bonnefantenmuseum."

Shopping & spotting (Maastricht) design

  • Bonnefanten museum shop shelves
  • Witloof restaurant Maastricht interior
  • Thiessen Wijnkopers Maastricht shop front

While shopping in the city, Nicole says you also come across very nice designs by Limburg hands. "The Limburg designer Maurice Mentjens has designed some very special (shop) interiors, including for Kiki Niesten 's two shops in the Stokstraat quarter, shoe shop Kymyka in Minckelersstraat, restaurant Witloof in Bernardusstraat and the Bonnefantenmuseum's museum shop and restaurant Ipanema. Or the Maastricht architect duo Mourmans & Nypels. They also make cool things, as you can see on the façade of Wijnhandel Thiessen on Grote Gracht, for example.

I am also a big fan of Boy Bastiaens' designs. He is mainly into designing logos, packaging and lettering. He has worked for big international brands and names such as Karl Lagerfeld, Philips, and Atelier LaDurance. He also designed our corporate identity and you can also see his designs in Maastricht in the logos of the Muziekgieterij and jeans brand Grivec Bros, among others."

  • Witloof

    At Restaurant Witloof in Maastricht, you can enjoy seasonal dishes, with a modern twist, in a warm and intimate setting. More info on Witloof

    Witloof Witloof interior

  • Thiessen Wijnkoopers

    Discover the rich wine selection, historic wine cellars, city vineyard and experience special wine tastings and events. More info on Thiessen Wijnkoopers

    Thiessen Wijnkoopers

  • Ipanema

    Eatery on the Meuse side of the Bonnefanten. An ideal location for a sumptuous lunch or relax on the large terrace along the Meuse. More info about Ipanema

    Ipanema Ipanema café Maastricht interior

Drinking, eating and dancing - in design setting...

After or in between architecture sniffing, take a breather for a drink and a bite to eat? Nicole is happy to share some of her favourites for that too. "Café Take Five on Bredestraat is definitely one of my favourites because of its worldly and creative atmosphere. Café Zondag in Wyck has that too. Also very nice are Marres Kitchen and Bold Rooftopbar on the roof of the Eiffel Building in the Sphinx Quarter. And,last but not least, music venue the Muziekgieterij. This magical and contemporary 'music block' added in the industrial setting of the former Timmerfabriek is one of our latest completed projects in Maastricht that we have enjoyed working on. The Muziekgieterij 's programming is strong. Great for an evening of intimate listening, but also for going crazy."

View Nicole's favourites on the map

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More about - Maastricht architecture

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