What is Amsterdam’s best building? On the Amsterdam Architecture Prize 2024 and House Of Narrative assistance in translating the vision of the jury during the event.
What is Amsterdam’s best building? This seemingly simple question opens up a world of architectural exploration in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Each year, the Amsterdam Architecture Prize (AAP), organized by the Architecture Centrum of Amsterdam (Arcam), seeks to answer this query by spotlighting the most innovative and inspiring buildings in the city. Celebrating its 16th edition in 2024, the AAP has become an iconic event that celebrates architectural excellence and innovation - House Of Narrative had the honor to assist the jury in the
In Amsterdam, where historical canals meet modern design, the architecture tells stories of a city that values both its heritage and its future. The competition brings together a diverse array of structures, from sleek office spaces and cozy residential buildings to dynamic mixed-use developments. Each nominated building not only enhances the city's skyline but also contributes significantly to the cultural and social fabric of the community. Through this competition, Arcam invites both professional and public juries to delve into the architectural narratives of the top contenders and select the building that best represents the spirit of contemporary Amsterdam. The question of which building is the best not only stirs public interest and debate but also highlights the city’s ongoing commitment to sustainable, innovative and social urban development.
In 2024, the competition draws from a diverse array of approximately 110 buildings completed in 2023, showcasing the evolving landscape of Amsterdam’s urban fabric. The selection process by Arcam and the Arcam Programme Council is rigorous, focusing on architectonic and urban quality, innovative typologies, and the building’s impact on the community. The nominations for the Amsterdam Architecture Prize reveal three predominant trends shaping the city's architectural future. Firstly, there is a strong emphasis on Circularity and Reuse, particularly in office buildings and workspaces. This trend underscores Amsterdam's commitment to sustainability by incorporating recycled materials and energy-efficient designs. Secondly, residential designs are pioneering Innovative Living Spaces by breaking the mold with efficient floor plans and introducing new living concepts that challenge traditional housing models. Lastly, Community Interaction is a central feature of mixed-use projects, which are meticulously designed to foster social interactions and strengthen community bonds. These trends collectively highlight a progressive approach to urban development, emphasizing environmental consciousness, adaptability in living arrangements, and the importance of community spaces in city life.
The nominees for the AAP 2024, presented in alphabetical order with the project name, architect, client, and where relevant, the landscape designer, interior designer, or urban planner, are as follows: Alliander Westpoort by De Zwarte Hond and de Urbanisten for Alliander; AMST designed by VenhoevenCS architecture+urbanism for MRP Development; Bajesdorp by Studio Seven Architecten Amsterdam and LOLA Landscape Architects for Vastgoedvereniging Het Nieuwe Bajesdorp; Crossover by Team V Architectuur and Bosch Slabbers for AM and Equity Estate; De Gieter en De Slijper by Space Encounters and LOLA Landscape Architects for VORM; Egoli-toren / Nieuw Echtenstein by LEVS architecten for Rochdale; Lariks designed by M3H architecten for Woonstichting Lieven de Key; Republica by Marc Koehler Architects for Banlieu and Vink Bouw; Tripolis-Park by MVRDV and Delta Vormgroep for Flow Development; and Zandkasteel Amsterdam by Alberts & Van Huut in collaboration with a/d Amstel architecten for Wonam and Zadelhoff.
House of Narrative supported the jury of the Amsterdam Architecture Prize by providing documentation services throughout the evaluation process. On the day of the site visits to the nominated buildings, they helped translate the jury's consultations, judgments and recommendations into clear and comprehensive documentation. Our role involved capturing the jury's vision and the distinct qualities of each building, contributing to a clearer articulation of the architectural innovations and narratives. This support ensured that the jury’s insights were effectively communicated. The winners will be announced at the end of April and till June 30th, 2024, Arcam hosts an exhibition featuring the top ten contenders for the title of 'Best Building in Amsterdam'. Visitors will have the opportunity to delve into the architectural narratives that these buildings tell, understanding their contribution not only to the city’s skyline but also to its cultural and social milieu.
This project was commissioned by ARCAM. The building shown in the visual is Alliander Westpoort, which won the prize; designed by De Zwarte Hond and De Urbanisten; for Alliander. Photo by Eva Bloem.
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House Of Narrative and Alastair Parvin reflecting on the 11th IABR edition closing.
