Connecting The Zuidas

Abstract

The way train stations are used in the Netherlands has been changing in recent years. Not only are they accumulating more functions, making them more public, we also see the introduction of the OV-chipcard and its gates which block off certain parts of the train stations, making them less public. The design for the new Amsterdam Zuid station incorporates these developments and at the same time becomes a new public interior for the Zuidas. By creating a large public space underneath the tracks and platforms which not only acts as a multifunctional (cultural) landscape that can be used for many (temporary) activities but can also function as a buffer for rain water. In order to capture the rain water the roof above the platforms is designed to work together with the landscape but at the same time creates a completely different atmosphere in contrast with the space underneath the tracks. The design also looks at the future of the Zuidas and the coming of the Zuidasdok which will house all the infrastructure underground in a big tunnel, by already building a quarter of the tunnel and filling it with a temporary function.