THE BAY transforms the former V&D department store in the city centre of Amstelveen into a new public retail passage. Once largely unused, the building is reactivated as part of the everyday urban fabric.
The passage connects Buitenplein and Handelsplein and creates a new public route through the building, becoming an important link within the Stadshart of Amstelveen. New retail functions and places to stay are organised along this route, turning the passage into more than just a circulation space.
A key architectural intervention is the creation of two new main entrances: one within the former V&D building and one within the existing parking structure. Although both entrances are integrated into very different building types, they share one recognisable architectural identity.
The façades are defined by richly detailed brickwork, deep reveals and stepped canopies. The brick is used as both material and ornament, creating depth, shadow and a strong urban character.
Inside, the existing structure remains an important part of the design. Characteristic columns and ceilings are retained, while a continuous material palette, lighting strategy and wall treatment connect the different parts of the building into one coherent passage.
