benthem crouwel re-interprets the car park typology with RAI convention center

benthem crouwel architects has designed the RAI car park for the amsterdam exhibition and convention centre. the multi-functional building is 30 meters high with eight floors offering parking space for about 1,000 cars. the building is situated on the ring road A10 in zuidas, amsterdam’s central business district, and also features a flexible space for conventions and exhibitions.

all images by jannes linders

the building is characterized by a simple, rectangular shape contrasted by two remarkable helix-shaped towers. one tower gives access to the car park moving up, while the other one is used by cars leaving the building going down. by separating the traffic flows, benthem crouwel created fast and efficient parking for the busy district. constructed from pre-fab concrete elements, the towers also form the driveways to enter or leave the parking floors. the concrete helix-shaped towers are highly visible from the ring road A10, even more so at night when blue LED lights emphasize the elegant structures.

the building is situated on the ring road A10 in zuidas, amsterdam’s central business district

the first floor of the car park is characterized by high ceilings, creating a large and spacious hall that can be used as an extra space for conventions and exhibitions. the hall measures about 2,800 square meters and has as few columns as possible, creating a dynamic and flexible space. an extension hall can be used independently for various events, but can also be connected — using sliding doors — to the main exhibition halls of the RAI. the uppermost parking level, the roof of the building, can also host a range of events.

the car park can fit up to 1,000 cars

the distinct shape of the towers is visible from the A10 ring road in amsterdam

the helix towers provide coordinated circulation for incoming and outgoing cars

the first floor acts as a multi-functional parking space

the uppermost parking level, the roof of the building, can also host a range of events.

the helix towers are built from pre-fab concrete

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project info:

architects: benthem crouwel
location: ringweg zuid, amsterdam, the netherlands
area: 28,265 square meters
project year: 2016
manufacturers: colt international
photography: jannes linders