New addition to World Trade Center in Amsterdam

The approved scheme, which received planning in September, incorporates the floorplates of an existing tower into a new structure, resulting in three new pavilions and an 80 m tower. Once completed, the plans will add 32,000 sq m of offices and amenities to the WTC Amsterdam. The new development is integrated seamlessly into the existing fabric of the complex, which currently provides 115,000 sq m office space and associated amenities to more than three hundred companies from 30 different nations.

The identity of the WTC as a coherent campus of buildings is derived from the curved glass roof that ties all substructures together. A lively internal public space is lined with office pavilions, exhibition areas, support facilities, retail units, bars and restaurants.

The newly designed pavilions are conceived as a recognisable re-interpretation of the original extension of the WTC along Zuidplein and will animate the northern edge of the campus. Glazed atria between the pavilions, which can be used as flexible meeting hubs, bring daylight deep into the plan.

On the eastern side of the complex, the campus features a new tower, heralding a new phase for the WTC Complex. Designed with a transparent and active frontage, the tower’s exterior acts as an inviting gesture, drawing visitors into the building’s public space. The tower incorporates one of the original four towers, reusing and expanding the existing structure and vertical core.

Rather than providing restrictive and inflexible spaces, this combination of new and retained building elements allows a great variety of floorplan configurations, fitting many forms of current and evolving workplace types, from co-working spaces and small tenancies to larger multi-storey headquarters.

The WTC will benefit from a number of further new amenities. The rooftops of lower structures in the complex have been reimagined as green terraces, and the new tower features a roof garden. The WTC Club located on the tower’s top floor will offer panoramic views over Amsterdam’s old town and Zuidas district.

Ron Bakker, Partner at PLP Architecture, said: “Building on the success of Amsterdam’s WTC as a bubbling workplace community and sculpting new elements into the existing fabric – balancing bright new concepts with older ones – is a rewarding experience”.

Construction is expected to commence in April next year. Completion of works is scheduled for 2020.