De Baak Amsterdam

In the spirit of the original plans for the 'Westelijke Tuinsteden', we consider green as a structural element in the urban design. The amount of collective green and the green wedges in which 'De Baak' is positioned, give the entire strip a park-like character. Our interpretation of the plot is aimed at reinforcing the presence of the park at this location and converting the fragmentation of green into more unity. By embedding 'De Baak' in the greenery, the building is placed in the middle of the park. This creates a unity that clearly shows how buildings and park go together in the 'Westerlijke Tuinsteden'.

The grass carpet is characteristic of post-war neighborhoods. The greenery folds from the public and active plinth on the street side around the building, to a park-like place with many trees and a collective atmosphere. The connection between the park and the new building is strengthened by partially pulling the green carpet over the deck. The slope against the parking deck creates a gradual transition between the collective deck and the semi-public park. Openings in the deck bring light into the parking garage, so in the future it can also be used for other functions. The tree that protrudes through the deck of the parking garage creates a green connection with top and bottom side of the deck.

Collective rooms are designed in the grass carpet. These collective places that are surrounded by low hedges, form an entrance to the park without closing it off to users of the park strip. The rooms are mainly filled with collective programs for residents of the new building. In this way, a certain liveliness arises from the residents living in the block. They will feel ownership of a location where visitors are welcome.

Amsterdam, commissioned by Kondor Wessels Vastgoed, i.s.m. OZ, De Wijde Blik, Pieters bouwtechniek en Arcadis.