Zuidas

The multifunctional complex is located on lots 12 and 13 of the Zuidas business district: an area which is rapidly transforming from a mono-functional business location in the periphery of the city into a high-quality mixed urban area that is physically and mentally anchored in the city. The building is designed to house the headquarters of a large sports brand, a mix of social apartments and private housing, underground parking, as well as cultural program in the public plinth.

The public plinth of 10.000 m2 is 10m high and contains two stories of exhibition spaces, residence for artists, bookshops and restaurants. The sculpture garden on the roof has a backdrop that is characterized by the surrounding infrastructure of the location: the A10 ring road, the metro and trains tracks all form a surreal contrast between the contemplation of the artworks and the dynamic surroundings. This publicly accessible garden is designed to become a retreat not only for the people working and living in the complex but for the entire district.

The two towers rising from the plinth reach up to 80 and 90m high and contain 35.000m2 of office space and 16.000m2 of apartments. The buildings are designed as shifted volumes, creating room for outdoor sports such as a basketball court, a climbing wall, a tennis field, a swimming pool and soccer field placed on top of the tallest building. The sport facilities can be used by both the workers and residents, becoming a tool for social exchange between different users of the complex.

The outdoor sports program is fenced off by open white netting, which contrasts with the black structure of the complex. Building and netting, mass and veil, complement each other and together create the ever changing silhouette of the building.