velperpoortbeach house
uk

The design for the Amplan Office Tower is motivated by three key goals: to define a memorable landmark building on the skyline of Amsterdam; to create a high quality, flexible office space for the City centre; and to establish a recognizable urban design dialogue with the Amsterdam Passenger Terminal. Our approach to the design responds to both the external requirements created by the unique urban context of the site, as well as the internal demands of modern working environments.

The design approach recognizes the importance of the location of the site within the larger context, the building is a landmark and symbol identifying the regeneration of the eastern dock area, and marking the junction between the kop development and the linear redevelopment towards the east. The scale of the project is enhanced by a bold orthogonal grid overlaid on clear, ceramic frit, translucent and opaque white glass, expressing the distinct building element while abstracting the monumental composition.

 

The building’s form and composition is simple, bold and expressive. The tall glazed corner entrance invites views into the building, allowing visitors sight of the rising escalators and the sky lobby with its generous skylights. The subtle variations in light and texture created by the four types of glazing are equally apparent both at night and during the day. The variety is restrained by the distinctive grid pattern of dark mullions which order the elevations. Each functional element of the building has a unique expression within the strict discipline of glass and aluminium mullion curtain walling. This expression of parts within the whole is emphasized in the vertical circulation on the south side of the tower in the cantilevered glass boxes that use structural glazing to express their special functions.

The Amplan Tower is firmly anchored in its immediate surroundings, while maintaining the grand scale needed in the urban townscape. The balance of clear, semi-transparent and translucent glazing, complement the design of the ATP without copying it. The vertical tower and the horizontal APT establish an asymmetrical dialogue of contrasts in which forms interlock and acknowledge one another. Rather than twins, the buildings are brother and sister, each with a distinctive personality and common family traits.

The quality of the internal environment for building occupants informs the design concept. Working environments are undergoing change, and new office buildings should encourage flexibility and adaptability. The floorplate allows for traditional cellular offices, as well as open plan and team working environments. The configuration provides natural lighting to all areas, and takes advantage of the spectacular views afforded to the City centre and the Ij.  The incorporation of energy responsible design systems will contribute to a healthier, environmentally friendly workplace.

CLIENT
Amplan Vastgoed


FACILITY
Office building - Corporate headquarter

SITE:
Office                                   22.000 m²
Carparking                          550 spaces

STATUS:
Completed                                    2002

RESPONSIBILITIES: 
Team Leader
Project management, Design, Co-ordination

PHASE:
Planning, Scheme & Detail Design,
Tender, Construction
           

CREDITS:
Architect HOK Architects
Co-architect: Pieters Projectbureau
Planning advicer: Hans van Heeswijk
Management: BOAG
Construction: Pieters Bouwtechniek
Mechanical: ingenieursburo linssen bv

Dexia Bank

Amsterdam - The Netherlands

 

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View from Overhoeks
View from Javakade
East view from Piet Heinkade
Detail core facade
Entrance block Piet Heinkade
Reces between Low and High rise
Entrance
South West view
South West view of entrance
View from APT
Location
Context - South elevation
West elevation
Context - North elevation
East elevation
Details of crown
Details of core
Details facade type A - clear glass
Details facade type B - fritted glass
Details facade type C - spandrel glass

Design Concept

Design Approach

Building Form

Building Context

Project Description

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