86 arches form studioninedots' 'westbeat' housing complex in amsterdam



studioninedots has designed the ‘westbeat’ housing complex in amsterdam
, the netherlands, with a public base composed of 86 arches. the arches shape a sculptural network of shared open spaces that invites residents, locals and the 
public to make it their own. measuring 65 x 50 m and 8.5 m high, this superspace alternates in function, 
hosting workspaces, hospitality venues, performances, concerts and more.all images by frans parthesius

studioninedots has developed ‘westbeat’ as a dynamic new link in the public space network of amsterdam 
nieuw-west. the new housing complex features a large public base composed of graceful arched spaces that alternate in function. vast areas of open floor space created by the high arched 
structures support this 
flexibility of use. the network of differently-sized 
arches forms diverse types of open and intimate spaces, while generous arches in the façade frame and highlight the cultural activities within.


’for westbeat to become a social destination, the architecture needs to make a mark; 
such a vast arched public space creates the “wow” factor we imagined,’ says albert herder of studioninedots. the arches also act as a visual and structural transition 
between the basement car park, with its wide spans, and the 150 dwellings above the public zone.

‘
westbeat’ bridges the 
height differences on site with new pedestrian routes through the building, while acting as a noise and 
traffic barrier with sound-dampening façades and green galleries. from a social perspective, the project is developed with a focus on young urban residents and supports the entrepreneurial and creative spirit of this 
emerging neighbourhood. 
in collaboration with the first occupants, studioninedots will design their part of the interior of the 
superspace.

studioninedots investigated the design of iconic public spaces without a fixed use, launching 
the concept of ‘wandervoids’ in response to the fact that too many public spaces in 
crowded cities are over-determined, too specifically focused on limited types of users. at ‘westbeat’, these flexible spaces create room for play and experiment, for excitement and wonder, and address 
both a fascination and societal needs. with this, the local architecture studio recognizes ‘a renewed desire for 
physical places that appeal to our imaginations and are therefore essential for a high quality of urban 
life’.

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project info:

name: westbeat

architect: studioninedots

lead architect: joost maatkamp


design team: albert herder, vincent van der klei, arie van der neut, metin van zijl, wouter hermanns, rutger van der meer, laura berasaluce, joost körver

collaborators: heddes bouw en ontwikkeling BV, royal haskoningDHV, cauberg-huygen, huygen installatie advies, skaal, 
atelier bouwkunde, moss amsterdam, donkergroen


client: lingotto ontwikkeling bv; achmea dutch residential fund


location: lelylaan-delflandlaan, amsterdam, the netherlands

type: public space, 150 dwellings, collective garden, workspaces, podium, hospitality venues, facilities, parking


GFA: 24.300 m2

plot: 3.250 m2