Regional Community College Amsterdam

A Community College in the midst of the community. That was the starting point of our design for the new Regional Training Centre (ROC) campus in the Kop Zuidas, Amsterdam. By adding a transparent passage with entrance zone, we have linked the two plots along the Europaboulevard to form an elongated building. This is where the upper secondary vocational courses (MBO) are given. At street level, there will be facilities related to the courses, such as a sports store and a café-restaurant. A car park is situated under the building. The various courses and community facilities all make their own demands in terms of visibility, accessibility, privacy and safety. By dividing the building into a middle zone for privacy and a facade zone that serves as “shop window”, we created a layout that is specific where necessary and flexible where possible. General and specialised areas alternate. Variation in location and accessibility – close to the entrance or more sheltered – creates a wealth of different ambiences. The transparent passage marks the entrance and provides access to the smaller building behind. Here, pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) is accommodated. The practice restaurants have been positioned invitingly along the facade. The two buildings are connected by an aerial bridge.