Glazed retail frontage within Amsterdam's historic city centre.

Renewing an urban shopping centreThe renovation of De Kolk shopping centre in Amsterdam was carried out between 2000 and 2001 and covers a gross floor area of 4,700 square metres. The project brings together street-facing retail spaces and shopping interiors across two levels, within the dense fabric of the city centre.

An alley alongside the shopping centre, illustrating its compact urban setting.

Retail across two levels
The ground-floor and first-floor plans show the shopping centre's arrangement within an irregular urban footprint. The section places the retail levels in relation to adjoining streets, the buildings above and parking below. Together, these drawings explain how the shopping spaces fit into the existing complex.

Building section with the Dirk van Hasseltsteeg and Nieuwe Nieuwstraat identified in the original drawing.

Ground-floor plan.

 First-floor plan.

Glass and interior connections
Large glazed storefronts give the retail frontage a strong presence at street level. Inside, escalators connect the shopping levels, while glazed balustrades maintain views between them. The portfolio also records a food-court interior beneath a bright overhead opening.

Escalators and glazed balustrades connect the shopping levels.