Photo Credit: GGH Architecten
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Martien van Goor (1944-2025) on December 18, 2025. Martien was a highly respected theatre architect and a valued member of the OISTAT community, remembered for both his professional insight and his generosity of spirit.
Martien was closely associated with the Amsterdam-based architectural firm founded by Onno Greiner. He joined the office in 1969 and became a partner in 1981. Following Greiner’s retirement, the firm continued as Greiner van Goor, and later as GGH Architecten. Throughout his career, Martien contributed to many significant theatre projects, both new buildings and restorations, as well as important cultural works such as the remodeling of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. He took particular pride in the restoration of the historic Royal Theatre Carré, where his sensitive yet inventive approach honored the building’s history while supporting its life as a contemporary performance space.
Within OISTAT, Martien played an active and deeply valued role. From 2012 to 2020, he served as Vice Chair of the Architecture Commission and participated in several juries for the OISTAT Theatre Architecture Competition (TAC). Colleagues remember him as an optimistic and careful listener, as well as a thoughtful and calm voice in discussion whose presence brought clarity and balance. He warmly invited theatre architects who were new to the OISTAT global community to join the Architecture Commission, contributing significantly to the commission’s growth and continuity.
Beyond his formal leadership roles, Martien was a constant and influential presence at OISTAT meetings and events, including World Stage Design and Architecture Commission activities around the world. Through theatre tours, site visits, and international gatherings, he helped shape the commission’s culture. He shared his experience freely, listened with curiosity and kindness, and fostered a sense of collegiality that many will remember as central to the commission’s character.
Martien van Goor will be remembered as a dedicated contributor to OISTAT, a passionate advocate for theatre architecture, and above all, a warm colleague and friend. In the traditional spirit of our community, we honor him with a heartfelt round of applause.
