The Oosterdoks Island is a key area of the redevelopment of the southern bank of the IJ river in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The area connects the inner city with the newly developed living and working areas on the old harbour piers along the IJ.
In order to assess the feasibility of the proposed brief and site Bouwfonds MAB Development (former MAB Group, The Hague) together with the city of Amsterdam commissioned EEA to produce a masterplan for the area. The objectives of this now endorsed plan were to provide a framework for the spatial and programmatic possibilities of the redevelopment.
A unique urban model for the southern part of the island, that faces the inner harbour, has been developed creating an inner city environment with a vibrant character that maintains the identity and atmosphere of this distinctive place in the city. The building plots are defined by a series of radiating streets, a characteristic theme of Amsterdam, and contain a diverse and dense mix of functions.
The new public spaces play an important role in the development of the urban plan by connecting to the various building programme and activities as well as to a waterfront quay that optimises the harbour views. As a result of the high density and varied mix of functions, the spatial masterplan strategy has created a distinct urban architecture solution.
The design aims to combine building and public space in such a way that creates a lasting urban structure as an extension of the city. For the architectural development of the individual plots twelve nationally and internationally renowned architects, including EEA, have been selected to progress the design of this unique location between the historic city centre and the IJ River.
competition 1998, first prize, masterplan 1998-2001, supervision 2003-2008
