World Trade Center Amsterdam
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
PLP Architecture has led the transformation of the World Trade Centre in Amsterdam’s Zuidas district for more than 25 years, shaping it into the largest and most commercially successful office development in the Netherlands. With over 300 international companies based on-site and consistent market-leading rents, the campus is a model of strategic reinvention, evolving through a series of design interventions that have redefined its role in the city.
About
Working in close partnership with CBRE IM, PLP has delivered multiple phases of redevelopment across the site. These have ranged from the consolidation of a fragmented cluster of 1980s buildings into a cohesive business campus, to the development of Tower Ten – an ambitious expansion that retained 20,000m² of structure while adding 32,000m² of new floor area and introducing 12,000m² of amenities and flexible workspaces tailored to contemporary needs.
Tower Ten also marked a significant shift in the WTC’s urban presence, ‘from fortress to forum’. A new entrance on the eastern edge opens the campus to Beatrixpark, while a forthcoming entrance on the west will connect directly with Zuidas International Station and the wider urban fabric.
PLP’s long-term strategic input has ensured that the building evolves in step with changing workplace demands – demonstrating the value of continuous, intelligent reinvention and the strength of a close, enduring relationship between client and designer.
Awards
As Zuidas evolved, so did the WTC campus.
Today’s Zuidas is a diverse, mixed-use neighbourhood with a thriving community. As the World Trade Center evolved with its local area, there was a need for it to open up on the Eastern axis to create a more welcoming front and better interaction with the urban realm on this side of the development, including the Beatrixpark.
1980
1st Generation
A new CBD. A new CBD Zuidas was created as a new CBD outside of historic Amsterdam. The World Trade Center (WTC), one of the district’s first buildings, was at the heart of this.
2000
2nd Generation
An international hub for business. As it established itself as a hub for international business, both Zuidas and the WTC fulfilled the need of the time, but were ultimately mono-functional.
2020
3rd generation
A connected mixed-use community. A new decade brought new perspectives the workplace, community and connectivity. Evolving with the times, the Zuidas and WTC positioned themselves as diverse, mixeduse areas with offices, places for research and education, homes, and public spaces. They became beacons for sustainability, health and wellbeing, and sociability.
1980
1st Generation
A new CBD. A new CBD Zuidas was created as a new CBD outside of historic Amsterdam. The World Trade Center (WTC), one of the district’s first buildings, was at the heart of this.
“It’s more than an office building, it’s an extension of the public space.”
