Vivaldi in the Zuidas Amsterdam transformed into a residential area
The Vivaldi area, located in the Zuidas in Amsterdam, is transforming from an industrial estate into a multifunctional residential center with space for housing, businesses, and the hospitality industry.
- Client
- Municipality of Amsterdam
- Landscape architect
- Municipality of Amsterdam
- Location
- Amsterdam
A renewed residential area
The district was previously poorly connected to the rest of Amsterdam. With the addition of the Scarlattilaan and several other future connections, Vivaldi will get a central place in the city. This transformation requires a new design for the public space. Joost de Wit, Public Space Designer of the City of Amsterdam explains The public space used to be just a street with parking facilities. In the new situation, a residential area has been created with room for lots of greenery and the possibility for recreation in the outdoor space. This new residential area fits in seamlessly with the transformation of the Zuidas. Employees of the surrounding companies can now take a stroll around during their break and sit down somewhere for lunch, for example. Many green areas have been created in combination with natural stone for a climate-proof and modern design. The green areas catch the peaks of rainfall to prevent the sewers from becoming overloaded.
"When additional safety requirements came up, Grijsen was able to act very quickly and think along about a appropriate solution"
Joost de Wit, Public Space Designer of the City of Amsterdam
Tightened security requirements
Since the beginning of 2020, the European Medicines Agency has also been based in the Vivaldi sub-area. The agency is part of the European Union and was previously based in London, but had to find a new home due to the Brexit. As it is an international organization that receives many visitors each year, high (safety) requirements have been set. The collision safeguards, which are incorporated into the public space around the complex, are an important part of this. In addition to the retractable poles and concrete elements, the benches supplied by Grijsen are also part of the crash protection. On the outside, they look like standard benches, but underneath is an L-shaped construction that goes up to 2 meters into the ground. In this way the seating elements are multifunctional.
Initially, standard banks would be used in this project. The arrival of the EMA changed this. Joost de Wit adds: "When additional safety requirements were introduced, Grijsen was able to switch gears very quickly and think along with us about an appropriate solution. A total of 16 modified Plane Solid benches have been installed, about half of which have a backrest.
