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HOUTHAVEN PIER TOWERS
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Asset 3 fr-03


The main concept for the design of Pontsteiger Pier was to choose the concept of the “Mini-City” rather than the “Mega-building”. This choice originates from our analysis of the location and the developer’s requirements, combined with the following main points which we find essential for succeeding in this project:

  1. The building must form a land-mark upon entering the city. It marks the neighborhood and the border between 18th century Amsterdam and the 20th century extension to the river IJ.

  2. The “mini-city” creates an urban area with mostly low-rise buildings [between 7 and 10 layers], water gardens, a wharf for private boats with wood piers for recreation for the neighboring areas and the occupants. It also protects from the windy climate out in the river IJ.

  3. In addition to highrises, the plan contains lowrise structures and townhouses. This differentiation is crucial in the realization of an interesting and livable domestic environment and generates several alternatives [house differentiation].

  4. The port as an organically formed structure has been used as an inspiration source for the urban plan for this mini-city.

Credits

Year: Invited competition 2006
Location: Houthaven Pier, Amsterdam
Project Type: Mixed use development w/ 250 residences and commercial spaces including retail boardwalks, public dining terraces, communal water gardens and private boat docks
Size: 4.2 hectares (10 acres)
Design Team: Principal in charge: Winka Dubbeldam, Assoc. AIA | Project Leader: Ana Sotrel
Consultants: Structural and Mechanical Engineers: ABT Engineers
Architect of Record: HM Architecten
AA