Five large benches adorn the Zuidwestoever in Amsterdam

n the design, the surroundings were taken into account. From a certain angle, for example, it looks as if the bench extends into the water. The deliberate choice of straight lines with rounded corners also forms a unity with the urban environment and the undulating water. The design is not only about the appearance, but also a well-thought-out construction was devised. "Never before have we made such construction for a bank. But this project on the southwest bank called for special customization. That is why the bench is modular", says Patrick Grijsen, managing director of Grijsen.

Despite the size of the benches, it was possible to make the benches largely in-house production. "The construction of the benches is designed in such a way that the wooden parts, as it were, can be hung on it. This could all be made in-house", says Martijn ten Pas, cooperating foreman at Grijsen. "On the spot, it only had to be put together as a logical puzzle. This makes the benches look perfect". The LED lighting, which is made on the underside of the benches, provides an atmospheric whole in the evening. In addition to these seating elements, Grijsen also provided a wide staircase to the water with wooden seating elements in various places.
The new design of the southwest bank, the part south of restaurant Meram, Grand café Sloterplas and restaurant Canton, should ensure that people can experience, enjoy and recreate more at the Sloterplas. Part of this new design was the creation of more seating.