metrodam by WAI architecture
image courtesy WAI architecture

'metrodam' is a recent proposal by international firm WAI architecture for a competition
in the north of amsterdam.

without the need of a grid, the program is distributed on layers and levels creating
a flexible surface of programs that fit with their surroundings, generating a platform
where architecture, landscape and urbanism become indivisible one from the other
and where social, economic and cultural interaction is considered a sine qua non condition.


image courtesy WAI architecture

the metrodam acts as a trait-d’union that not only connects the waterfront of the north
of amsterdam physically, but that creates a visual link reachable from the center of
amsterdam. as part of the masterplan the plaza facing the IJ incorporates a green corridor
that extends from the overhoeks masterplan. through this corridor, cycle and walking
paths will connect pedestrians and bicycle users through all the IJ sideline. the strategic
location of the site also aims to incorporate a link with ferries and tourist boats for easy
access.

just like the open cinema in bryant park in new york, an auditorium is offered by lifting
the roof of the new retail area.  the sloping floor creates a wooden seating zone where
people can gather to watch on a screen on the interior side of the tower either movie
projections, performing art shows, fashion displays or any kind of public viewing activity.
this area is intended to work as an extension of the activities celebrated in the new film
museum on the overhoeks masterplan, and is also connected to the public art, the retail
and restaurant area, and the wooden beach/ ice skate park.


image courtesy WAI architecture

spaces through the plazas are intended for the insertion and/or construction of art for
public display. the task of these areas is to incorporate art on an urban scale and incorporate
them into public activities such as shopping, working and living. these spaces are also
aimed to create a platform that not only gives a protagonist role to artists but that
recognizes the potential of art as a meaningful contribution to the built-up environment.


image courtesy WAI architecture

while in coney island the people are attracted to the natural beach by its artificial program,
in the metrodam project it is the artificial beach that seduces the people. the metrodam
faces the IJ with a new feature: a wooden beach. a platform of wooden decks opens
downwards creating pools where people can enjoy a variety of water activities or just sit
back and relax having an unobstructed view towards the city of amsterdam.


image courtesy WAI architecture


image courtesy WAI architecture

using the rockefeller center as a reference, during the months of winter, the wooden
beach can be covered and converted into an ice skate park. this program will enhance
the active use of the deck facing the IJ on the cold months, while creating an epicenter
of activity that can draw people from the surrounding areas and from the other side of
the IJ, from the center of amsterdam.


diagram of program
image courtesy WAI architecture

a key factor of the project is the incorporation of mixed uses in terms of a sustainable
economy for the area and a balanced injection of activities. the first and second levels
will be designated to retail areas, restaurants, and workshops for creative oriented industries.
the superior floors of the tower are intended for the occupation of a mixed area of office
space with the possibility of residential spaces while allowing the superior 'bridge area'
to host residential spaces. the mix of uses will not only attract a balanced heterogeneous
mix of public but will also create a constant flow of users within the building as its
surroundings.


elevation view, blue - housing, orange - office, yellow - retail
image courtesy WAI architecture


site plan
image courtesy WAI architecture

project data:
metrodam
program: mixed-use development including retail, office, housing and public spaces
location: amsterdam, nl
status: competition
design team: nathalie frankowski, cruz garcía (wai think tank)
image credits: wai think tank (n.frankowski, c.garcía)
year: 2009