BLAUW Observatory Tower, Amsterdam

BLAUW Observatory Tower, Amsterdam Building Proposal, Dutch Architecture Competition Images

BLAUW Observatory Tower in Amsterdam

14 Sep 2020

BLAUW Observatory Tower

Design: Matthijs la Roi Architects

Location: Sluisbuurt, Amsterdam, Holland, The Netherlands

BLAUW is a proposal for a 16-meter tall public observatory tower designed by Matthijs la Roi Architects. The project is one of the five shortlisted projects for a public art competition for the new Sluisbuurt Neighborhood in Amsterdam.

Blauw Observatory Tower Amsterdam

Sluisbuurt is a new development which is currently under construction on the Zeeburgereiland (Island) in east Amsterdam. This high-density district will allow for towers to be build up to 125m, previously unheard off in the mainly lowrise city of Amsterdam. The artwork would be the first build project located in the new Neighborhood.

Blauw Observatory Tower Amsterdam

BLAUW means Blue in Dutch and is a reference to the local sky and water of the site. The vibrant colour will act as a beacon for the ambitious Sluisbuurt neighbourhood that will follow. The project consists of a series of slightly shifted stacked boxes and stairs. The composition of staircases evokes an Escher like atmosphere. Various balconies and windows will frame perspectives to nearby neighbourhoods like the Oosterdokseiland, IJburg and the IJ river.

The structure of the project is planned to build out of timber with reclaimed wood for the cladding. In the brief, the municipality asked for a temporary project which will need to be dismantled after five years. After that, BLAUW can be dismantled into separate pavilions. These pavilions will be distributed throughout the five neighbourhoods of the Zeeburgereiland. During workshops with local citizens and businesses, new functions will be developed for the pavilions. Potential functions could, for instance, be a: community library, playground equipment, or a bird observatory.

Blauw Observatory Tower Amsterdam

The winner of the competition will be announced in October.

Other shortlisted practices/ artists:
Moreplatz
Yasser Ballemans
Piet van Wijk
Dingeman Deijs Architects

About Matthijs la Roi Architects:
Matthijs la Roi Architects is an international architecture studio based in London. The practice is founded by Matthijs la Roi. La Roi has worked on a wide range of design projects throughout his career, including buildings, ships, products and public artworks. The studio has won numerous architectural and public art competitions. The studio is interested in the use of generative processes to create immersive architectural and urban experiences with the use of sound, light and movement.

Blauw Observatory Tower Amsterdam

Design: Matthijs la Roi Architects

Client: Municipality of Amsterdam

Images: Matthijs la Roi Architects

BLAUW Observatory Tower, Amsterdam images / information received 140920

Location: Sluisbuurt, Amsterdam, Holland, The Netherlands

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