Lights out, SPOT on: The Amsterdam of the future

In the rapidly changing world of urban planning, few area transformations leave such a deep impression as Amstel III in Amsterdam. Where once stood a sprawling office district, a vibrant district full of life and opportunities is now growing. SPOT, as a pioneer within Amstel III, is playing an important role in this transformation. Under the direction of KAAN Architects, this area is getting a completely new, future-proof face.

"SPOT is a very special project for us," begins Managing Architect Aldo Trim enthusiastically. "We developed the urban plan in cooperation with the municipality and developers. Our task was to create a framework in which other architects could work out the subprojects." That was no easy task. After all, SPOT is located in an area once dominated by offices and parking lots. "It was up to us to turn a monofunctional area into a piece of city that is alive 24 hours a day," Trim explains.

SPOT consists of seven residential buildings, each with a unique character. KAAN Architects undertook the design of the western lot, featuring towers Crystal, Dusk and Coral. "Crystal is the face of the development, a striking 31-story tower that stands out in the skyline," Trim says. The architects had one clear goal in mind: to create an area where people want to live, work and relax. "SPOT has to be more than just a place to live. It will be a lively part of town that matches the dynamism of Amsterdam."

Romance in the modern city

One of the biggest challenges was infusing a recognizable identity into a new area. "Amsterdam, of course, is known for its historic downtown full of canals, bridges and brick buildings," says Trim. "South East, however, has a modernist feel. Our task was to find an individuality or, as supervisor Don Murphy said, 'from anywhere to somewhere.'" The result is an environment where the urban pedestal - built of brick - provides a sense of connection to the city. "We created an atmosphere where people feel at home at street level, with intimate paths and courtyards. At the same time, the towers themselves have a sleek, cosmopolitan look, creating an interesting mix between classic and modern."

The ideal base

SPOT is not only architecturally impressive, but also an example of timeless design. "For us, timelessness is the key to sustainable building. It's about designing buildings that will still hold their value decades from now," Trim says. "We deliberately chose materials and designs that are not trend-sensitive. By focusing on the essence of the project in design, we create buildings that retain their strength both aesthetically and functionally."

Mobility also plays a big role in SPOT's design. The car-free area will have a central parking garage and plenty of space for bikes. "We are creating an area where people can walk around freely without the constant presence of cars," Trim said. The focus is on public transportation and cycling, which fits the urban density and lifestyle of future residents.

A new hot spot in Amsterdam

SPOT is in full development, with completion of the Crystal and Scarlet buildings scheduled for the third quarter of 2025. Then the area will come alive with stores, restaurants and a vibrant community. "It's special to see an old office area being transformed into a full-fledged piece of the city," Trim concludes. "SPOT marks an important step in the city's growth and we can't wait to see how it blossoms!"