Sheffield University's recently unveiled 'Soundhouse' building has a doppelganger residing in Amsterdam

Recently I have become rather troubled that I am suffering from a strange déjà vu-type disorder. It is true to say that I am of an age where I have been round more than my fair share of blocks, however I have previously always been able to distinguish between one building and another that I have seen on these travels.


Carey Jone's 'Soundhouse' in Sheffield
Carey Jone's 'Soundhouse' in Sheffield

The latest offering from architect Carey Jones – the 450m2, rubber-clad "Soundhouse" for music department of The University of Sheffield - was the one that really confused me though as I was sure I had seen it somewhere before.

My heartfelt thanks therefore go out to Benthem Crouwel Architekten of Amsterdam for sending in these pictures of its 1998 "popmusic building 013", that was built in 1998 in Tilburg, in the Netherlands.

Spot the difference anyone? They certainly seem to be singing from the same hymn sheet if nothing else…


Benthem Crouwel Architekten's 'Pop Centre' in Tilburg, Netherlands
Benthem Crouwel Architekten's 'pop music building' in Tilburg, Netherlands