VORM and Edge celebrate the start of construction of iconic development The Pulse of Amsterdam in Zuidas
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On October 26, a spotlight shone on the Zuidas district. Invited by real estate developers VORM and Edge, David van Traa, Director of Zuidas, gave the go to kick off a spectacular light show celebrating the groundbreaking of the iconic mixed-use development The Pulse of Amsterdam in Amsterdam.
The Amsterdam Alderman, Victor Everhardt, said:
“With all the (green) public facilities, catering establishments and its own cinema, The Pulse of Amsterdam is set to become a wonderful addition to our Zuidas district. It will ensure that the neighbourhood comes to life, not only during working hours but also in the evening and weekend.”
Together with owner Union Investment, VORM and Edge held the traditional groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of successful construction process. The Pulse of Amsterdam will consist of two towers with a connecting plinth which will become the first high-rise urban forest in Amsterdam. After completion in 2024, the project will offer offices, homes and various amenities including a cinema.
A focus on biodiversity in an urban high-rise
The green concept integrates ecological structures into the design in a way to invite people to use the outdoors space and relax, while other areas of the greenery are mainly accessible to birds and insects. The higher we go, the more the emphasis shifts from people to plants and animals. Nestled between the high-rise towers, on the ninth floor at a height of 35 metres, there will be approximately 600 sq m of spectacular urban forest. Here you will find seven- to eight-metre-tall trees, together with smaller shrubs and plants. It will be a place for users to find tranquillity and peace. The forest will serve to reduce heat, be water-adaptive and – thanks to its scale – enhance the biodiversity found in this urban high-rise setting. This unique ecosystem will contribute to making Zuidas a greener place.
Sustainability and wellbeing
With the building’s thermal energy storage and 7,000 sq m of solar panels on the façade and roof, ‘The Pulse of Amsterdam’ is set to be energy-neutral. Its multiple sustainability measures have enabled ‘The Pulse of Amsterdam’ to already earn a BREEAM Outstanding certification. The mixed-use development also aims to achieve a WELL Platinum certification. This would translate in receiving the highest scores for each of the various features impact the future building user’s health and well-being. The mobility plan will focus on naturally encouraging the use of public transport, shared electric vehicles, bicycles/e-bikes, and the parking design will eventually only be accessible to shared electric cars.
Affordable housing, work and leisure
The demand for affordable housing in Amsterdam is greater than ever. With 151 mid-price rental homes, ‘The Pulse of Amsterdam’ will contribute to the Municipality of Amsterdam’s ambition to build 1,670 mid-price rental homes annually. In addition to residential properties, ‘The Pulse of Amsterdam’ will bring a cinema of 3,000 sq m, 1,600 sq m of catering and hospitality units, 350 sq m of retail space and 36,000 sq m of office space.
‘The Pulse of Amsterdam’ has been designed by MVSA Architects in collaboration with VMX Architects. Other partners working on ‘The Pulse of Amsterdam’ are Van Rossum, DGMR, Van Toorenburg, Delva Landscape Architecture, C2N, HFB Groep and Eteck. VORM and Edge received financial advice on the transaction from Loyens & Loeff. Savills advised Union Investment on this transaction. VORM Bouw is responsible for the construction of ‘The Pulse of Amsterdam’.
