Westbeat designed by Studioninedots: a sculptural new link in the public space network of Amsterdam
The completion of Westbeat adds a dynamic new link in the public space network of Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Designed by Studioninedots the new housing complex features a public base composed of 86 arches that shape a network of inviting, shared open spaces. Measuring 65 x 50 metres and 8.5 metres high, this superspace literally and metaphorically elevates Westbeat to become a distinguished destination in the city’s densifying urban periphery.
Project information Westbeat
Client: Lingotto Ontwikkeling BV; Achmea Dutch Residential Fund
Location: Lelylaan-Delflandlaan, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Type: public space, 150 dwellings, collective garden, workspaces, podium, hospitality venues, facilities, parking
GFA: 24.300 m2
Plot: 3.250 m2
Design-completion: 2016-2020
Design team: Albert Herder, Vincent van der Klei, Arie van der Neut, Metin van Zijl
Project leader/architect: Joost Maatkamp
Design team: Wouter Hermanns, Rutger van der Meer, Laura Berasaluce, Joost Körver
Team: Heddes Bouw en Ontwikkeling BV, Royal HaskoningDHV, Cauberg-Huygen, Huygen installatie advies, Skaal,
Atelier Bouwkunde, Moss Amsterdam, Donkergroen
Photography: Frans Parthesius
The graceful arched spaces of Westbeat set a sculptural setting that invites residents, locals and the public to discover this new public hub and make it their own. This superspace alternates in function, hosting workspaces, hospitality venues, performances, concerts and more. What supports this flexibility of use, also for the future, are vast areas of open floor space created by the high arched structures. Diverse types of open and intimate spaces are shaped by the network of different sized arches and differences in floor heights. Additionally, the arches are a visual and structural transition between the basement car park, with its wide spans, and the 150 dwellings above the superspace.
Generous arches in the facade frame and highlight the cultural activities within, with the largest arches positioned at the corner as an inviting gesture on this prominent address.
Westbeat has high ambitions. It marks the ‘Leap over the Ring’ (beyond the A10 highway), bridges the height differences on site with new pedestrian routes through the building and acts as a noise and traffic barrier using sound-dampening facades and green galleries. From a social perspective, Westbeat focuses on young urban residents and the supports the entrepreneurial and creative spirit of this emerging neighbourhood.
In collaboration with the first occupants, Studioninedots will design their part of the interior of the superspace.
“For Westbeat to become a social destination, the architecture needs to make a mark;
such a vast arched public space creates the ‘wow’ factor we imagined.”
– Albert Herder, Studioninedots
At this busy location, Studioninedots envisioned Westbeat as a catalyst for meeting, exchange and connection. The practice investigated the design of iconic public spaces without a fixed use, launching the concept of WanderVoids this year in response to the fact that too many public spaces in our crowded cities are over-determined, too specifically focused on limited types of users. At Westbeat these flexible spaces create room for play and experiment, for excitement and wonder, and address both a fascination and societal needs. With this, Studioninedots recognises a renewed desire for physical places that appeal to our imaginations and are therefore essential for a high quality of urban
life.
Studioninedots
Studioninedots was founded in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) in 2011 by Albert Herder, Vincent van der Klei, Arie van der Neut and Metin van Zijl. Studioninedots is an architecture and urban design practice whose work extends from housing to interior design to urban concepts.
Studioninedots believes that a well-designed environment positively influences our daily lives. That is why they focus on creating marveling designs with a lot of room for experiment and spontaneity, so that building and passer-by meet each other time and again. Studioninedots is attracted to areas and places that are in transition and where they can create a new reality through their intervention. They do this by means of special spaces that, as recognizable places, take you out of your daily rhythm and give an impulse to the environment. Studioninedots shapes today’s transitions: transforming urban locations and buildings, activating places left over or deemed impossible, and redesigning work processes, construction methods and circularity. The dynamic context of such projects requires unconventional solutions that inspire and encourage. In multidisciplinary teams they create characteristic spaces that function as a catalyst for encounters, exchange and connection.
Studioninedots Team
