Mecanoo

Amstel Design District is a future-oriented mixed-use development that aspires to become significant for the whole city of Amsterdam. This scheme for a living and working community includes social housing, mid-rent residential, private sector homes, collective facilities, creative office space, retail and a design museum. Located between highway and metro line, the project responds to site constraints concerning noise pollution and logistics. The scheme is designed in line with nature inclusivity, sustainability, and circularity targets.

The development integrates adaptability to ensure long-term resiliency, Amstel Design District facilitates new demands from work environments with a dynamic variety of business and collaboration spaces. Part of the city, the office hub is surrounded by the lively urban hustle and bustle, with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The dynamics and entrepreneurship nearby contribute to an inspiring and creative atmosphere for the working environment. Inside and outside, work and private life flow into one another and continuously provide liveliness.

An increasing part of the lives of young urban dwellers takes place outside the home. The city becomes the living room, and the residence is the departure point and the place to relax. In creating this, Mecanoo looks at the development as a whole to integrate and enhance the in-between spaces for informal meetings and chance encounters. We aim to create the right flow between work and life, individual and collective spaces for the residents. This results in a new district that embraces work-life effectiveness for the community with shared spaces for physical fitness, family time or hobbies.

Extensive planted areas and pocket parks run through the district like a green artery. They form atmospheric and comfortable places where people can relax or get inspired throughout the week. It is a place where residents can go for a stroll, children can play in peace and young entrepreneurs and office staff have lunch on the terraces of the food hall or restaurant. The working environments feature “Green retreats” that provide a direct connection with nature. Green roofs provide water retention and water buffering while enhancing biodiversity.