project02:Frontpage

author:Eric Geboers

NDSM BUBBLES

Site

The NDSM wharf is a vibrant cultural place, used for festivals and expositions. It is located in Amsterdam North, alongside 't IJ. A ferry connects the wharf with Amsterdam Centraal station. Ships used to be built at NDSM. Now the wharfs are abandoned and it is the city's ambition to create a creative hub on the remains of the wharfs.

Many creative companies such as MTV have already seen the possibilities at NDSM and have moved their headquarters there.

Artists are prominent residents of NDSM, mainly in the Kunststad where ateliers are located. The reason artists reside there is because it's dirt cheap and fairly close to the city. The fact that they can interact with other artists in the same hall is an added value.

Concept

The concept is all about functionality. By interacting with people on the site and by researching the area, five key functions have been defined:

- Exhibition space

- Music/theatre space

- Bar/lunch space

- Conference space

- Park

The idea is to create a separate bubble for each of the four functions, set in a green environment. The key thing about these bubbles is that they will each be shaped to perfection for their specific function, using parametric design. Find more about this on the 'challenge' page.

Location

The chosen location is the open space between Kunststad and the old abandoned warehouse on its west side. There used to be warehouses on this very spot but they have been recently demolished and what remains is a deserted open space. NEEDS PHOTO