Must See Architecture
Contemporary Architecture in Amsterdam
From the iconic EYE Filmmuseum along the shores of the IJ river to the triangular mega blocks of the nhow Amsterdam RAI by renowned OMA. Amsterdam has been adding an endless list of striking buildings in recent years. This online map highlights must see modern architecture throughout the city of Amsterdam, including interesting future projects!
We’ve picked out a few cherries from the list to warm you up!
Capital C by ZJA Zwarts & Jansma Architects
Amsterdam City Centre
The Diamond Exchange was built in 1911 after Gerrit van Arkel’s design and showed the important position of the city of Amsterdam within the international diamond exchange. Through recent renovations, the building now known as Capital C has been stripped to its original design by Zwarts & Jansma Architects. A new volume is now crowning the top of the building: a glass dome. This glass dome serves as event- and meeting venue but serves a lookout as well where you can join the views of Amsterdam while having a drink.
Pontsteiger by Arons & Gelauff Architects
Amsterdam West
After an eventful period of 12 years, the Pontsteiger by Arons & Gelauff Architects has been completed in 2019. The process started in 2007 but was halted in 2009 due to the economic crisis. The construction finally started again in 2014. Some 425,000 tiles made by Koninklijke Tichelaar cover the facades of the imposing residential tower on the IJ in Amsterdam and give the building a silver-green glow. With the completion of the building, Amsterdam has added an iconic building that can be spotted from afar!
Noord/Zuidlijn by Benthem Crouwel Architects
From Up North to Down South
The North-South Metro line, designed by Benthem Crouwel Architects, is not only a fast connection from the North to the South of Amsterdam but also serves as an alternative way to explore the city. Every metro station is a unique station in itself telling a story about Amsterdam. In addition, metro stop De Pijp with a depth of 28 meters is the deepest metro station in the Netherlands.
The Couch by MVRDV
Amsterdam East
The eye-catching grandstand The Couch by Tennisclub IJburg was built to a design by the renowned architectural firm MVRDV. The grandstand is integrated into the roof of the clubhouse and ensures that it has become a place where athletes and the public can come together. The bright red colour attracts attention. With that the designers want to emphasize the importance of playing sports. At the top of the grandstand you have a view of the tennis court on one side and a great view of the IJ River on the other.
HourGlass by Dam & Partners Architecten
Recently completed!
The so called HourGlass, designed by Dam & Partners, is still under construction and will see its completion by 2020. The unique shape of the building, inspired by Brancusi’s geometric artifacts, makes HourGlass an eye-catcher on the Zuidas. Upon completion, HourGlass will be awarded a BREEAM Excellent certificate, a sustainability characteristic for buildings with minimal impact on the environment. An ecologist, for example, is investigating the possibilities of providing a place for plants and animals. In any case, the design already includes nesting boxes and hives!
‘Must See Modern Architecture in Amsterdam’ is curated by Arcam, the Architecture Centre of Amsterdam.