This project comprises a spatial masterplan for the northern bank of the IJ inlet (Noordelijke IJ-oever) in Amsterdam and a detailed plan of a residential block belonging to that masterplan.

The 200-hectare site has a unique setting close to the city centre, with views out across the water and green rural surroundings, reason enough for a high-profile transformation. The area is opened up by a four-lane access road running like a boulevard along the water and drawing the various islands in the planning area together like a string of beads. Each island has a grid structure pointing it in a different direction. Flexible and able to accept high densities, this grid generates urbanity. Each block is allocated a particular Floor Space Index (F.S.I.) depending on the quality of the place, coupled to a spatial envelope with rules as regards sunlighting in the internal courtyard. These rules, though defining for the area's urbanistic disposition, do nothing to hamper the architect's freedom.

A residential block with the highest F.S.I. has been worked out in detail. The block reaches up 7 to 10 storeys, meaning for this F.S.I. a depth of 21 metres. It has a great many dwelling types on offer, from ground-accessed townhouses, Unité-like corridor houses, homes oriented to one side only, studio houses, corner houses and gallery-access flats, to terraced houses on the top floor. Luxury and diversity are combined with vitality and a high density. This way, the building meets the requirements of the new urbanites who value their individuality but still want the experience of urban life.

Place of education: TU Delft
Specialization: architecture & urban design
Tutors: Max Risselada, John Westrik, Cees van Weeren & Christian van Ees