Innovative school concept becomes reality in Amsterdam East
The school of the 21st century needs to satisfy a long list of demands, some of which seem at first to be contradictory. It needs to have character and function as an anchoring point within the neighbourhood. It must be multifunctional, flexible, energy-efficient, sustainable, affordable, and possible to build within just a few months. Impossible? No. In fact, it was recently completed: the Integraal Kindcentrum (Integral Child Centre, IKC) Zeeburgereiland in Amsterdam, designed by Studioninedots. The building was opened on 29 November.
For the upcoming years the municipality of Amsterdam has the challange to provide sufficient facilities for the many new development areas, including Zeeburgereiland.
District manager Thesingh: “The difficult development of IJburg taught us that another way of planning and construction is needed. This to prevent expensive temporary emergency facilities and to give answer to new urban planning strategies.
The new integrated child center will be located in the RI-O area, near the former sewage purification plant at zeebrugereiland. Plot 13 lies between the Faas wilkesstreet and the John Blankensteinstreet, just behind the three characteristic silos.The requirements for the tender were quite high. They asked for a compact, flexible and sustainable building with a strong identity. A concept suitable for multiple locations. We decided to create a compact building with a powerful heart that forms the connection between allthe functions of integrated child centre. All the classrooms are placed along the facade creating a social heart where children can meet and learn. This area is formed by the auditorium, entrance, library, play rooms and the lunch rooms. The identity of this space is formed by specially designed multi-storey light wells, creating multiple views, beautiful light and different relations between the floors.
