Cultural hotspot for creative talent

 

WOW Amsterdam provides temporary housing for graduating creative talent from Amsterdam art institutions such as the Rietveld Academy, the Sandberg Institute, the Rijksacademie voor Beeldende Kunst and the Hoogeschool van Amsterdam. By providing housing combined with workspace for these groups, Amsterdam can continue to bind creative talent to the city and strengthen its position as a cultural hub.

Redevelopment and realization of WOW

Because the project was undertaken during the housing and financial crisis, the challenge was to redevelop a former technical school-building of 9,000 m2 into a cultural hotspot on an extremely tight budget and in a short period of time. By making smart use of the existing materials, installations, and layouts, a circular approach was taken ‘avant la lettre’. The result is a fresh and refurbished building that radiates creativity, art, and culture.

THE TEAM

WOW Amsterdam
MMX Architects
Edward van Vliet (interior)
Valstar Simonis
STONE22

PROGRAM

9,000 m2 hostel, living space and ateliers for artists in residence, and a restaurant

INVESTOR

WOW Amsterdam