#36 hellozuidas.com MARCH • APRIL 2018
The life of Zuidas personality Ruth Jansen
(Zuidas Today)
CLEARING TREES AND GREENING ZUIDAS TRAVEL SMART! PLAY FORGES FRUITFUL ALLIANCE IN ZUIDAS
HOME That’s where the SUNSHINE learned to SHINE
N O W AVA I L A B L E YO U R N E W L U X U R Y R E N TA L A PA R T M E N T + G A R D E N Only a few spacious ground floor apartments are still available on the edge of Amsterdam Zuid. Live in a cosmopolitan area where work and living are combined. Surrounded by gorgeous architecture with international allure and numerous facilities to live comfortably.
G E R S H W I N B R O T H E R S .C O M
Gerhswin Brothers is an innitiative of Zadelhoff Beheer & Maarsen Groep
THE NEXT ISSUE IS SCHEDULED FOR 7TH OF MAY
GO-GETTERS MAKE ZUIDAS COMPLETE She works in Zuidas, lives in Zuidas, vlogs about
in this issue! I also caught up with Cecile and Bonnie,
Zuidas and regularly organizes events for there...
architects of the GET LOST - art route, grilled the
So who better to invite for a feature interview in
ladies over at Von Poll Real Estate and Ramón Mossel
Our magazine than Ruth Jansen of Zuidas Today?
about their trade, secured a column with advice on
Fortunately for us, she said yes! Vibrant, unique and
love, and interviewed Olivier Otten, Janke Dekker
bursting with enthusiasm, this issue’s cover captures
and Christiane Estourgie about a play in Zuidas.
her personality perfectly. When I arrived in Zuidas almost six years ago and became editor-in-chief
In short, it’s another issue jam-packed with
of this magazine, Ruth was one of the first people I
Zuidas happenings and developments!
met. Straight away, she made a big impression on me, and we became friends. With her beauty clinic
Do you know anyone in Zuidas who deserves to
located just one floor above my office in the WTC
be on our cover? Tell us by sending an email to
Amsterdam, she now drops by frequently so we can
hellozuidas@zuidaspublishers.nl.
run down her list of ideas for Zuidas together. In our interview, Ruth explains why she’s so devoted to
Happy reading!
Zuidas and what motivates her. One thing is certain:
Romy Lange
enthusiastic go-getters like Ruth make places like
Editor-in-chief Hello Zuidas
Zuidas complete. But that’s not the only great read
r.lange@zuidaspublishers.nl
Have you heard the news? On 1 January, Zuidas had quite the growth spurt. We are used to expanding upwards, but now the district is extending its geographic boundaries to the West. Amsterdam’s Municipal Executive has given the green light to assessing development options for the area between Zuidas and De Nieuwe Meer and De Schinkel. This is in line with the city’s desire to creating 50,000 more residences by 2025. The current vision provides for an area that couples sports and recreation with living and working. I think this area offers lots of unique potential for building a bridge between the urban and outdoor landscapes. If you’re interested in learning more, we’ll be happy to send you a copy of the memorandum. Olivier Otten, managing director of Hello Zuidas
•3
08
34
12
18
46
24
54
CONTENTS 07 Trending Topics 08 The Life of Zuidas personality Ruth Jansen 12 Building the Future 15 Hello Bike! 16 Property 18 Hello Zuidas | Public Space
Got a Minute?
21 Column - Gregory Shapiro 22 Zuidas welcomes Von Poll Real Estate! 24 GET LOST - art route
Set to return this year
26 Finance 28 Ramón Mossel Makelaardij Expertise for the expat market
30 Hello Zuidas | Agenda 34 BMW Amsterdam
Hello You 36 Legal News 37 Vesteda 38
An interview with CEO Gertjan van der Baan
4 resolutions to bring more love into your life 41 De edele kunst van het schijt hebben 42 Play forges fruitful alliance in Zuidas
Zuidas Architecture 44 Help Zuidas travel smart! | Mobility 46 Hello You 49 Wine and champagne for every palate in Zuidas 51 Hello Zuidas | Sustainability 52 Hello You 54 Hello Zuidas | New Members 55 Memo Board 57
‘Carsharing among colleagues as well as tenants will help to alleviate the parking problem’
With an excellent business climate, world-renowned educational institutions within reach, and leading companies in many sectors from many countries, Zuidas has huge potential. The foundation Hello Zuidas contributes to Zuidas by realizing a well functioning area. The goal is to promote a district that has international appeal, and high quality working and living conditions. •5
SOCIAL MEDIA
#TRENDING TOPICS YOU CAN FIND HELLO ZUIDAS ON THESE ONLINE PLATFORMS hellozuidas @HelloZuidas @hellozuidas For employees of companies
who are member of Hello Zuidas,
it is possible to join our LinkedIn
group or link to Hello Zuidas
as a contact. Hello Zuidas has an iPad app
Amsterdam Zuidas @ Amsterdam Zuidas
the magazine. www.hellozuidas.com Free WIFI Hello Zuidas on
Veel jonge professionals zoeken balans tussen werk en privéleven. Terwijl zij leren
that allows you to flip through
Mahlerplein & Zuidplein
omgaan met de hectiek van het werkende leven, is de eenzaamheid onder ouderen actueler dan ooit. Wat gebeurt er als je deze groepen samenbrengt? #Zuidas
•7
RUTH JANSEN • OWNER PHISAGE BEAUTY & WELLNESS, EVENT PLANNER & VLOGGER
The life of Zuidas personality Ruth Jansen Ruth Jansen, owner Phisage Beauty & Wellness, event planner & vlogger
Ruth Jansen, who opened her beauty salon in the WTC Amsterdam just over ten years ago, is one of the district’s networking heavyweights these days. She and her husband Emile Govaert live in the New Amsterdam tower in Zuidas and can’t imagine ever leaving it. Besides running her salon, Phisage Beauty & Wellness, Ruth also organizes events that connect people of all ages, while on ‘Zuidas Today’ she vlogs almost daily about everything that’s new and notable in the district. ‘The media have a tendency to portray this as a place where people work 80-hour weeks, earn fistfuls of money and have no life beyond that. But there are also kids growing up here, and dogs being walked. People tend to forget that, and that’s what I want to show in my vlogs.’ When did you first come to Zuidas? ‘Years ago there was a KLM health centre, Careport, in the WTC
We’ve got a boat on the lake at De Nieuwe Meer so we
Amsterdam. Back then I ran a beauty salon in Aalsmeer and one
can spend our time outdoors, and Emile and I regularly hop on our
of my clients worked at Careport. She told me that there were no
scooter to explore other parts of Amsterdam. I’ve always been a
salons in Zuidas and asked me if I wanted to come help out on
people person and it energizes me to meet people who are actively
National Secretaries Day to pamper secretaries there. That was a
doing something with their lives. And if I can help, why shouldn’t I?
huge success. Mind you, that was 11 years ago. It was clear to me
I’m a strong believer in community spirit. And, sure, I run into obstacles
right from the start that Zuidas harboured massive potential. And I
too, but those only motivate me to keep going. Seeing that an event
felt right at home here. Not long after that I opened a beauty salon in
has been a big hit and has sparked off fresh initiatives always galvanizes
Zuidas, and it was at the opening party that I met Emile, who is now
me to come up with something new.’
my husband. So it was love at first sight - twice over! Emile is a real estate manager at the WTC, so aside from living together we also
What is your personal goal for Zuidas?
work next door to each other.’
‘I want to connect people. That’s also why I organize events. Take the cooking workshops at Restaurant NINE, for example,
Do you remember your first impression of the district?
or the warm-weather picnics in Beatrixpark and game days for
‘What struck me immediately was the genuinely cosmopolitan atmos-
lonely seniors at CIRCL. People seem to inhabit their own little
phere, the great diversity of nationalities. I find that so inspiring.
bubble not just in Zuidas, but all over the Netherlands. I love that
Zuidas is not exactly a blueprint for the Netherlands, but I’m convinced
feeling of people connecting and seeing interaction that creates
that everyone with potential can make it here. I know people who
positive energy.’
started from nothing and now own and operate a thriving business.’
What gave you the idea to host cooking workshops? You’ve come to know a vast number of people through
‘I was asking myself what the most basic common denominator
your beauty salon. How big is your network?
was that links people, and concluded pretty quickly that it had to
‘Well, Phisage just celebrated its tenth year. I have no idea what the
be eating and drinking- preferably together. One of my clients is
actual size of my network is, but I do know thousands of people in
an Italian lady who worked in banking for years and loves to cook.
this district. When I go out on weekends, I continue to run into
She wanted to spend more time on her hobby, but her busy career
people I know.’
didn’t allow it. In the end, she decided to follow her passion. She left banking and now runs her own company and writes cookery books.
Do you ever tire of Zuidas?
She headed my first cooking workshop, which was about Italian food,
‘People ask me that question from time to time - Don’t you ever
and which was an instant hit. We’ve done ten editions now,
get tired of living in as well as working in Zuidas and organizing
and each time we tend to focus on a different national cuisine.
events there on top of it all? Obviously, Zuidas has its ups and downs,
Lots of the people who sign up work in Zuidas, but there is a growing
but there are plenty of opportunities to escape every now and then.
number of local residents.’
Text Romy Lange • Photography Cihan Turhan • Make-up Artist Christel Mijers • Special thanks to Season Flowers, Marck Wollenberg & Zohar Fashion
•9
Name: Ruth Jansen Occupation: Beauty specialist, event planner and vlogger Age: 59 Husband: Emile Govaert Children: three, plus three grandchildren Hobbies: cooking, travelling, sailing and organizing Ruth’s beauty salon in the WTC Amsterdam is open daily and enjoys a large clientele in Zuidas.
RUTH JANSEN AND MARCK WOLLENBERG (A FRIEND AND REGULAR CUSTOMER)
And then, on top of everything,
What are your objectives for the coming year?
you decided to take up vlogging. Why?
First of all, I want to expand my video platform, ‘Zuidas Today’, and
‘My first vlog went online a year and a half ago, and my idea at the
take my vlogging to the next level, by making vlogs for companies on
time was to refute the one-sided stories and stereotypes about
a more regular basis. I also want to do more with art in Zuidas’ public
Zuidas and to show, through my vlog, that the people who live
spaces, which is still sorely lacking. I’m already involved in several
and work here are all just regular people. The media have a tendency
initiatives, in which I team up with Andrea Raken and Anton Meester.
to portray Zuidas as a place where people work 80-hour weeks,
A city or neighbourhood without any art has no soul. Another plan is
earn fistfuls of money and have no life beyond that. In my opinion,
to set up “stopovers”, which is something I plan to do in collaboration
that’s patently untrue. Now I’m up to 200 vlogs and have met lots of
with Schiphol and the major museums of Amsterdam. The idea is
fascinating people. It’s exciting to reveal the person behind the job.
to set up speed-itineraries for people with a stopover in Amsterdam,
And that applies equally to the newspaper delivery guy and the
to visit places like the Rijksmuseum - and spots in Zuidas as well!
sanitation worker - they are every bit as much a part of Zuidas.
I envision Zuidas becoming a destination people will want to visit:
There are kids growing up here, and dogs being walked. People tend
as an attraction in its own right.’
to forget that, and that’s what I want to show in my vlogs.’
Are there any drawbacks to all that enthusiasm? ‘No, I don’t think enthusiasm has drawbacks. Of course there are times that I invest in something that doesn’t work out, but I maintain a positive attitude. If there’s a setback to get over, that motivates me to go on to something that does succeed.’
10 •
‘I don’t think enthusiasm has drawbacks. Of course there are times that I invest in something that doesn’t work out, but I maintain a positive attitude’
A new way to find serviced office space to help your business grow. Be Smart, Workthere.
workthere.nl
Powered by
BUILDING THE FUTURE
CLEARING TREES AND GREENING ZUIDAS Aside from continuing to develop Zuidas in the years ahead, the imminent commencement of the Zuidasdok project - which comprises widening and tunnelling of part of the A10 south motorway and renewal of Amsterdam Zuid station aboveground - will unavoidably cut a swathe through local landscaping. Yet, the City actually envisions more greenery as part of its ambition. So, what’s the deal? Work on Zuidasdok is set to start soon, and
make way for the first phase of Zuidasdok
between the Amstel and De Nieuwe Meer
the first trees have already been felled. On
construction works. But that’s just the be-
junctions will have to be uprooted, including
Arnold Schönberglaan and outside the EY
ginning. Eventually, all of the planting in the
some 14,400 trees altogether. The actual
offices, over 600 trees are being cleared to
median strip and along the embankments
construction phase will follow in 2019.
12 •
BUILDING THE FUTURE
Amsterdam Zuidas Information Centre Central Hall, WTC +31 (0)800 5065 contact@zuidas.nl www.zuidas.nl
PLAN TO GREEN ZUIDAS Trees are being cleared not only to make space for Zuidasdok, but also for ongoing area development. Between 2012 and 2021, around
zuidas •
2,450 trees will have to go. Ultimately, however, the ambition is to
@zuidasamsterdam
turn Zuidas into attractive green neighbourhood. In January, City authorities submitted a ‘Plan to Green Zuidas’ to the City Council. Allocating €10 million over the next five years, the plan centres on high-quality, high-diversity, long-term investments in trees, shrubs, climbers, water, bank planting, uncultivated plots, herbaceous and floral planting, grasses, perennials and bulbs on squares, rooftops,
€200,000
façades and in courtyards and parks.
FOR INITIATIVES Specific measures in the Plan to Green Zuidas include the
DOKDAKPARK
re-landscaping of Claude
But that’s not all. The whole area between the two traffic junctions
Debussylaan and the southern
being cleared this year will be ‘regreened’ after the completion of
end of Mahlerplein. In the
Zuidasdok. Trees will be planted in the verges and embankments,
interim, the City has earmarked
along with an herbaceous mix of floral planting that will look
€200,000 for temporary planting
pretty all year round. The noise barriers will also be covered
and to fund resident and user
with greenery. By far the most spectacular element of all will
ideas and initiatives over the
be DokDakpark, an ecological link as well as a tranquil green
next five years.
oasis connecting the eastern and western sections of Zuidas. It is to be created on top of the buildings situated on the north flank of Amsterdam Zuid station (between Beethovenstraat and
GREEN LANDSCAPE
Parnassusweg). Pedestrian bridges will connect it to Beatrixpark
So while a large share of trees and plants will be disappearing over the next few
and to the square fronting the courthouse on Parnassusweg. In
years, eventually we will get more high-quality green space in return. The same
other words, besides being treated to nice views, we’ll all be able
applies to the centre of Zuidas , with plans for a rich green environment that
to walk through these green spaces in the near future as well.
embraces people, plants and animals.
• 13
BUILDING THE FUTURE
The trees planted along De Boelelaan late last year were supplied by the tree garden in Kop Zuidas. Alongside trees, the verges were also planted with flower bulbs and grass. With spring just around the corner, De Boelelaan will soon be looking like a genuine avenue.
THE TREES OF ZUIDAS Up until the end of last year, Zuidas
there, while in March care provider
this is smaller in size than what is being
had its own temporary arboretum of
Cordaan will break ground for assisted-
chopped down this year, the quality will
sorts. Situated in the north-eastern
living apartments for seniors, and April
be better. The trees being cleared from
section of the district, Kop Zuidas, it
will see work start on the SUD complex,
the Zuidasdok site at the moment have
served as both a nursery for Zuidas and
with apartments for buyers.
an estimated value of â‚Ź2.6 million; those
an informative playground for school
In future, Zuidas will have to source its
that will subsequently be planted in the
children.
trees elsewhere. That includes the 4,000
project area are expected to match that
or so trees to be replanted after the
value. Any money that might be left over
Now it has made way for construction
Zuidasdok project has wrapped up.
will be placed in the Zuidas replanting
works. In February, construction of the
The exact number depends on the
fund to support long-term greening of
new headquarters of Suitsupply started
species and size chosen, and though
the district.
PROPERTY Source: PropertyNL.com Every edition of Hello Zuidas magazine features property news related to the Zuidas district, Amsterdam or the Netherlands. Send your property news to: hellozuidas@zuidaspublishers.nl. Photography Lotte de Graaf
AM TO BUILD 250 APARTMENTS NEAR RAI Zuidas - AM’s CROSSOVER has landed the tender for the RAI-side plot on the corner of the A10 south motorway exit and Europaboulevard. It was selected by the Amsterdam’s city council to develop this first section of the A10 strip. CROSSOVER is an innovative, multifunctional concept combining residential, office and business functions in a flexible design. It will offer 10,000 m² in rental housing (246 units), including 6,000 m² for social housing (156 units), ten homes for first-time buyers to total 600 m² GFA, and approximately 5,500 m² GFA for offices. At street level, 600 m² is reserved for social initiatives and 550 m² for housing restaurants. Crossover will also feature shared spaces where co-living, co-working and co-creating come together in varying constellations, and where open social spaces will invite and foster connectivity.
16 •
SINGAPORE INVESTOR ACQUIRES MEERPARC
ZUIDAS RANKS AMONG TOP 3
Zuidas - Last December, FS NL Holdings, a subsidiary of
INVESTMENT LOCATIONS
Singapore-based First Sponsor Group Limited, signed a €55.5
Zuidas - For the second year in a row, Amsterdam’s
million deal for the purchase of most of the apartment rights
Southern-IJ Bank recorded the best performance in the
in the Meerparc building from the ASR Property Fund, which
Dutch office-tenant market, making it the country’s best
is part of ASR asset management. Located on Amstelveense-
office real estate investment location, according to Spring
weg 638-730, next door to the Zuiderhof building, Meerparc
Real Estate’s Dutch Office Locations Ranking 2017. As in the
is First Sponsor’s first acquisition in the Netherlands. Most of
last edition, the list’s top 3 is rounded out by Amsterdam’s
the office space is currently leased to law firm DLA Piper.
Zuidas and Bio Science Park in Leiden.
SALSA SHOP BRINGS A TASTE OF MEXICO TO ZUIDPLEIN Zuidas - Mexican chain Salsa Shop is to open a new restaurant in the WTC complex on Zuidplein, filling the gap left by ‘t Zwaantje and marking the next step in the eatery’s expansion. Come this spring, new locations are also scheduled to open in Rotterdam and The Hague, and another branch is already dishing out Mexican specialities in Utrecht’s Hoog Catherijne shopping centre. Meanwhile, property broker City Real Estate is seeking more high-traffic locations for Salsa Shop in the Netherlands top 20 cities. Established by four friends in 2014, Salsa Shop is now gearing up for a European expansion.
COOLBLUE FLAGSHIP STORE OPENS ON GUSTAV MAHLERLAAN Zuidas - Electronics retailer Coolblue has opened its largest store to date in Zuidas. Moving 50 metres up the street from its existing premises on Gustav Mahlerlaan, Coolblue’s new store offers a total retail floor area of 1,700 m², spread across two levels. Since opening this new Amsterdam location, Coolblue has added a ninth store in The Hague’s New Babylon.
• 17
PUBLIC SPACE
GOT A MINUTE? With residential developments shooting up right and left all over Zuidas, children are becoming an ever greater part of the local fabric. That made us curious to find out what they think of this distinctive corner of Amsterdam. What is it like to live in Zuidas? Here, several eager interviewees share their experiences.
LINDE (AGED 6) AND HER SISTER IRIS (4) LIVE ON A SIDE STREET OFF GUSTAV MAHLERLAAN Linde: ‘We have lived here for almost two years, and before that we lived on Maasstraat, which is a street in the Rivierenbuurt neighbourhood. We both go to Kindercampus, a school in Zuidas. We both really like the school and the other kids. Mostly we walk or ride our bikes there.’ Iris: ‘Our neighbourhood has lots of kids. We would like a big playground.’ Linde: ‘We go to Beatrixpark and Amstelpark a lot, and for groceries we go to the new Albert Heijn.’
LAURA (AGED 16), BABYSITTING YOON (4), AND LOBKE THE CAT LIVE IN DJANGO Laura: ‘We moved here from Prinseneiland. This house is large and light. Zuidas has a good atmosphere because of all the businesses, but it is sort of quiet at weekends. I get my hair cut at Rob Peetoom and sometimes take fitness classes at Clubsportive. With all the new apartment buildings, there are more and more kids around. I babysit Yoon every Friday. She especially likes coming to play with my cat, Lobke. As for myself, I can't think of anything lacking here, but I think younger children would like a playground nearby.’
18 •
PUBLIC SPACE
SAACHI (AGED 7) LIVES IN SUMMERTIME ‘We moved to Holland from India, and now we live in Zuidas. I like it here a lot, and I like going to school at the Amsterdam International Community School every day. Holland is very different from India. There are hardly any bikes to be found in India, but here you see them everywhere. School is close, and so are the shops, which is great! One of my classmates lives near me and the neighbourhood is fun. On Saturdays I take swimming lessons at the Mirandabad. I love swimming there!’
‘Our friends think this building is cool because it’s so tall, and of course because it has a pool’
RUBEN (AGED 15) AND HIS SISTER LENADIA (13) LIVE IN NEW AMSTERDAM Ruben: ‘We moved from Amsterdam Zuid to Zuidas about five years ago. We were not familiar with Zuidas before we moved here. There was still a lot of grass around the building back then.’ Lenadia: ‘I like that our flat has big windows because they let in lots of light. We often go to the restaurants in this neighbourhood and do our shopping here.’ Ruben: ‘Our friends think this building is cool because it’s so tall, and it has a pool. They want to live here too.’ Lenadia: ‘I wish there were more real parks around. We can’t really let the dog off his lead here.’
Text Romy Lange • Photography Mart Media Monster
• 19
is here Bey is the new name for the cosmetic branches by Bergman Clinics. Our specialists ensure the best results, using the latest techniques. Our personal approach gives you that special VIP feeling. Come and experience it yourself. Visit your nearest Bey.branch now, and have a free laser treatment of your choice, worth â‚Ź 100,-* *This special offer is valid until 31 March 2018
BEY BY BERGMAN CLINICS
BEAUTY & CLINIC
BEYCLINICS.NL
COLUMN
Zuidas, Congratulations with the European Medicines Agency - the Rest of Europe Lost. Congratulations, Zuidas! Amsterdam won
Amsterdam won the EMA - it’s that the rest
In fact, the final voting was determined by
its bid to host the EMA European Medicines
of Europe lost. London is the current home
drawing a name from a bowl. Having rea-
Agency - and to guarantee Ernst & Young
of the EMA, but after the Brexit vote, the
ched the Final, Dutch officials were honestly
really have no place to park. In January,
rest of the EU just wants to punish them.
shocked that they won. The Guardian quotes
work started on the new purpose-built EMA
Milano was tied with Amsterdam in the
one official saying: “You know, we Dutch are
headquarters, which is designed to look
final voting. And while Milano is Fashion
really good at coming second.” Another said:
rather like an enormous white pill dispenser.
City, the EMA staff preferred to wear
“We’d massively lowered our expectations.”
But don’t be fooled - the EMA is not coming
comfortable shoes. Actually, the Italians
And apparently they did such a good job
to give out medicine to people; that’s the job
did win in a way: the name of the new EMA
that the plans for finishing the new building
of Dutch doctors (who also do not give out
HQ is The Vivaldi Building, after the Italian
on time look rather unrealistic. Yes, Amster-
medicine to people).
composer. Vivaldi is known for his Four
dam won, despite the fact there is no real
Seasons, 3 of which we have in the Nether-
hope of having the new EMA HQ finished by
But let’s take a moment and savor how
lands: Spring, Rainy Season, Fall and Fall.
April, 2019. But then again, Brexit won’t be
sweet this victory is. It’s not just that
Just like London.
anywhere near ready then either.
Gregory Shapiro (b.1968) Comedian. American. Dutchman. And the voice of Trump in the ‘Netherlands Second’ video from ‘Zondag Met Lubach.’ Shapiro came to Amsterdam to work with Boom Chicago comedy theater and never left. Along the way he has hosted ‘Comedy Central News.’ He has written 2 books on Dutch culture, including How to Be Dutch: the Quiz. As host of ‘United States of Europe,’ Shapiro offers a ‘Daily Show’ for the EU. Making fun of Europe, the American way.
Photography Davien Hulsman
ZUIDAS WELCOMES
Von Poll Real Estate! MARIE-CHRISTINE LODEWIJK AND ELISABETH VAN ZIJVERDEN
Newcomer in Zuidas is Von Poll Real Estate, an international residential property agent catering to anyone wishing to buy, sell or rent. Hello Zuidas visited their brand new, sleek and welcoming second Amsterdam office - on Claude Debussylaan - to talk to Marie-Christine Lodewijk and Elisabeth van Zijverden about their exciting new location, the business and their expectations of Zuidas. A PLACE TO DROP BY FOR ADVICE
well as the rest of Europe, and Marie-Christine and
Von Poll Real Estate is a firm that has its roots in
I have the licence to expand the company across the
Germany. It has branched out to major economic
Netherlands.’ ‘We’ve got two locations in Amsterdam
centres worldwide, including Zuidas. Marie-Christine
at the moment’, Marie-Christine adds, ‘but we’re
explains, ‘Our first location opened on Keizersgracht
also scoping out other international business hubs
last year, which is a great location, but Zuidas has
like The Hague, Eindhoven and Maastricht. The
such a dynamic and international feel. Amsterdam is
German border region is particularly attractive to us
changing fast, and Zuidas is the place where things
because of Germans who prefer to live just across
really happen. We’re very well positioned to serve
the border.’ Elisabeth explains, ‘Though we’re eager
expats who work here, particularly given Von Poll
to expand quickly here, we’re not merely interested
Real Estate’s global network.’ ‘For people working
in how fast we can close deals. We can also provide
in Zuidas, it’s really convenient to be able to drop by
specialist expertise. On top of that, we harbour a
during a break and find out how we can help them
lot of knowledge about issues like the complicated
sell, buy or rent a place’, Elisabeth goes on. ‘And
ground leases in Amsterdam, and can explain that to
we also do appraisals.’ ‘We have a huge network’,
all of our clients, including non-natives.’
Marie-Christine says, ‘not only in Amsterdam, but well beyond’.
TROUBLED MARKET The two agents share concerns about Amsterdam’s
‘Amsterdam is changing fast, and Zuidas is the place where things really happen’
current housing market. ‘Amsterdam is heading in the same direction as London, when one looks at that particular market and how it’s heating up. Construction ground to a halt during the crisis, and now everyone’s racing to catch up. So that’s a
VON POLL
DUTCH EXPANSION
definite problem’. ‘Under Laurens Ivens’ policy, in
REAL ESTATE
Already an established name in Germany and
which 40% of residential stock is reserved for social
Claude Debussylaan
elsewhere in Europe, Von Poll is now spreading its
housing, 40% for the mid-rental segment and 20%
134 (The Rock)
wings to the Netherlands. ‘Von Poll Real Estate has
for the open market, owner-occupied homes are
+ 31 (0)20 215 9988
been in business for about 15 years now. In recent
becoming very scarce’, Marie-Christine concludes,
www.von-poll.nl
years the firm has grown substantially, in Germany as
‘and prices will only soar further’.
Text Romy Lange • Photography Michael Graste
• 23
BONNIE DUMANAW & CECILE WENTGES PHOTO TAKENIN THE ART SPACE OF THE AKZONOBEL ART FOUNDATION, ARTWORK BY ANNESAS APPEL (AKZONOBEL ART COLLECTION).
GET LOST
‘ART ROUTE SET TO RETURN THIS YEAR!’ In 2015, Zuidas hosted the first GET LOST - Art Route, when seven organizations commissioned eight artists to produce works to display in public spaces. This year, GET LOST returns. By connecting companies in Zuidas with talented young artists, the GET LOST foundation will once again generate art meant especially for local public spaces. As organizers Cecile Wentges and Bonnie Dumanaw explain, striking up both private and public partnerships to commission art are essential for the cultural development of places like Zuidas. HOW IS THE GET LOST - ART ROUTE
The artists are free to come up with their
so the company can decide whether
SET UP THIS YEAR?
own designs. They’ll each present two
it actually wants to produce the work.
Cecile: ‘Several companies in Zuidas have
sketches, from which the company chooses
These won’t be static paintings or objects,
agreed to be patrons and are commissioning
one - provided they feel comfortable with
but interactive, thought-provoking and
young artists from various art schools to
the proposal, of course.’ Bonnie: ‘The
genuinely eye-catching works. Together,
create a work to display in a public space.
sketches are presented without obligation,
all of these artworks will ultimately form
24 •
the GET LOST - Art Route 2018. Given the growing population of area users, Zuidas could definitely use an added splash of colour and dimensionality.’
GET LOST 2015
THE TITLE OF THIS UPCOMING
multinational, where I quickly discovered
EDITION IS 'CODE OF CONDUCT'.
that the business world was not my cup
Would you like to commission an
WHAT DOES THAT REFER TO?
of tea. I enrolled at the Gerrit Rietveld
artwork for the route, alongside
Cecile: ‘Code of conduct is a corporate
Academie and started exploring where my
AkzoNobel, ABN AMRO, BPD, FLOW
reference, of course, pointing specifically to
strengths lie. That quest took four years,
Real Estate, Loyens & Loeff and Vrije
the fact that society and consumers these
eventually culminating in building an actual
Universiteit? Get in touch via the
days expect businesses to be increasingly
bridge between the Loyens & Loeff office
website: www.getlost-artroute.com.
transparent. There’s a clear desire for
and the Gerrit Rietveld Academie and giving
Your organization can contribute to art
openness. So we decided to ask companies
guided tours for and through both of those
in a public space in Zuidas starting
if they would be interested in having an artist
worlds. I think that there are so many ways
from €2,500.
take their code of conduct as a conceptual
in which we can learn from each other
starting point for an artwork for the public
and inspire each other in today’s world.
space.’ Bonnie: ‘This is quite exciting for
Besides, having trust and working together
many of them, as it can be a contentious
is essential to that. Being that link between
GET LOST is part of Public Art
topic. The artists will be looking at a
the worlds of art and business really suits
Amsterdam, an event that celebrates
company’s code of conduct through their
me.’ Bonnie: ‘For many years I worked for a
art in public spaces and spotlights
own artistic lens. As we discovered, a lot of
national fund that provides grants to artists,
both new and existing artworks. GET
companies haven’t actually fully fleshed out
designers and architects. That is how I met
LOST and Public Art Amsterdam will
a code of conduct yet.’
Cecile; she asked me to help with this year’s
mark their kick-off with a special
edition. I think it’s important to provide
opening weekend on 22-24 June.
WHAT ARE YOUR BACKGROUNDS
a visible showcase for artworks by young
AND WHY DID YOU INITIATE
artists. GET LOST is an initiative that links
THIS PROJECT?
young artists to companies, and it is those
Cecile: ‘I studied economics and after
two very different worlds that we want to
that did a management traineeship at a
bring together.’
Hester Alberdingk Thijm, member of the GET LOST recommendations committee and director of the AkzoNobel Art Foundation: ‘We value the opportunity to take part in the GET LOST - Art Route, because it engenders a wonderful synergy between artist, company and place. In our own public exhibition space, Art Space, we similarly try to forge connections with the outside world and to facilitate artistic encounters. Now the GET LOST - Art Route is doing the same thing in public spaces all throughout Zuidas. This is a unique and ideal platform for talented young artists to get exposure!’
Text Romy Lange • Photography Davien Hulsman
• 25
FINANCE Source: Het Financieele Dagblad Every edition of Hello Zuidas magazine features financial news related to the Zuidas district, Amsterdam or the Netherlands. Send your financial news to: hellozuidas@zuidaspublishers.nl. Photography Lotte de Graaf
‘HOUSING SHORTAGE TO GROW’ Zuidas - Scarcity in the Dutch residential sector is growing faster than anticipated and is predicted to peak in 2020, according to a study published by property broker Capital Value and ABF Research. Though investors have the cash to fund new housing, construction companies don’t have the capacity to build them, nor is there enough land to build them on. First time buyers and seniors with restricted mobility will be hit the hardest. The year 2018 started with a shortfall of 205,000 homes, slightly more than previously predicted. This trend will continue until 2020, when that figure will reach 235,000.
26 •
EUROPEAN BANKING LEADERS
THE NETHERLANDS SCORES HIGH ON
WARN OF BIG TECHS
ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONDITIONS
Zuidas - Technology giants like Amazon, Google and Alibaba
Zuidas - According to the latest Global Entrepreneurship
that are expanding their activities into banking operations,
Monitor, framework conditions for entrepreneurship are better
have to be held to the same strict laws and regulations as
in the Netherlands than just about anywhere else, However,
banks, and their entry in the sector could threaten financial
the country scores under par on influence on job creation and
stability, a group of European bank directors recently said
innovation. Carried out in the Netherlands by independent
in the British Financial Times. Since the introduction of the
research institute Panteia/EIM and financed by the Ministry
Revised Directive on Payment Services (PSD2) in January,
of Economic Affairs, the GEM is a worldwide study conducted
European banks are required to open their systems for third-
annually. It consists of two parts: the first evaluates framework
party transfers at clients’ request. Large, established tech
conditions such as entrepreneurial finance, government tax
companies - like their fledgling fintech counterparts - are
policies and physical infrastructure. The second is a survey, the
now showing a keen interest in the banking data goldmine.
Entrepreneurship Spirit Index, done locally.
NEW INITIATIVE GIVES BUILDING INNOVATORS A LEG UP Zuidas - A new programme is slated to give construction and real estate sector startups a boost to reach the €3 million turnover mark within three years. This summer the initiative will guide an initial group of eight startups through the first phase of working an idea up into a product and taking the step towards acquiring customers and expanding their enterprise. According to programme initiator Wouter Truffino of sector organization Holland ConTech & PropTech, until now there was no platform to provide construction and real estate startups with this type of assistance. ‘Startups receive guidance to advance their concept, but there’s no real accelerator in the construction and real estate sector to beef up companies,’ Truffino explains, ‘and that’s something both large companies and our startup affiliates have been calling for’.
CONSULTANTS PENETRATE HEART OF AD WORLD Zuidas - Big consultancy firms have recently been buying up marketing agencies in bunches, starting with Accenture and quickly followed by Deloitte, IBM, PwC and McKinsey. By taking over a multitude of agencies, including British Karmarama, Belgian Kunstmaan, Swedish Acne, Pond and Veryday, German ecx.io and American Lunar and Heat, they have created marketing players worth billions of euros in turnover in just a few short years. Consultants’ sudden interest in the marketing industry - worth an estimated €500 billion - comes as their advertising clients grapple with both the difficulty of reaching consumers in the new age of online buying and the unfamiliar rules governing the internet playing field, as opposed to the old world of brick and mortar and printed media. With sleek designs and videos supplanted by demand for statistics and digital customer tracking, consultants are on the acquisitions path to supply just that.
• 27
Ramón Mossel Makelaardij
EXPERTISE FOR THE EXPAT MARKET
RAMÓN MOSSEL • RAMÓN MOSSEL MAKELAARDIJ
With Amsterdam’s increasing international orientation and the rapid shift of the housing market, Ramón Mossel Makelaardij has chosen to strengthen its focus on rental housing for expats. The reputable estate agent on Maasstraat, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, has built up a wealth of experience in the housing sector, says owner Ramón Mossel. Hello Zuidas crossed over to the opposite end of Beatrixpark to talk to Ramón about his firm and what they have to offer to expats. ‘We speak expats’ language, have a large portfolio at our disposal and know when and where properties will become available.’
28 •
suitable. If you call us to arrange for a search, we can give you at least six places to view that very day.’ Once expats have found a place that feels right, Ramón Mossel Makelaardij also offers assistance for subsequent processes. ‘For us it’s no trouble to arrange contracts with utility services and to get
SPEAKING THE EXPAT LANGUAGE
your internet connection up and running. And if
As soon as the housing market showed signs of a
you’re looking for a top quality international school
new upsurge, Ramón Mossel Makelaardij began
for your kids, we can help with that too.’
to zoom in on rental housing. ‘Because of the increasing presence of international companies in Amsterdam, expats have become an important target group for us,’ Ramón explains. ‘Over the last few years, we’ve done comprehensive research on this market, and now we’ve got rental properties
‘We’ve done comprehensive research on the expat market, and now we’ve got rental properties in many great locations’
in many great locations - around Gelderlandplein, for instance, but also elsewhere in the city. The
AMSTERDAM PROPERTY MARKET
expat market for housing still has lots of potential.’
At the moment, the housing market is stagnating,
According to Ramón, one of his firm’s key strengths
says Ramón. Something has to change. ‘Whether
is that they always have properties available for
your bank account is big or small, it has become
prospective renters and buyers. In addition, that
really difficult to find something in the current market
staff are well-informed about what’s happening
that suits your needs. Clearly, something has gone
all over the city. ‘When expats come to us, we can
askew, and righting it will take time. In my view, the
take them to viewings of places straight away. We
problem is lack of turnover in the housing market.
speak expats’ language, have a large portfolio at our
Everyone in real estate has different interests,
disposal and know when and where properties will
which is understandable, but if those interests
become available. We’ve also built up a vast network
cannot be harmonized somehow, the problems
in recent years, which has really paid off.’
will never get solved.’ Ramón is very optimistic about developments in Zuidas, however. ‘Zuidas is
EFFECTIVE SEARCH
a place that’s going to be buzzing 24/7. It gives the
Ramón is aware of the fact that expats usually have
Amsterdam housing market an international identity.
RAMÓN MOSSEL
little time to delve into the housing market, and
Especially with shopping center Gelderlandplein
MAKELAARDIJ
he has tailored his services accordingly. ‘Naturally
in its backyard. There are actually days that I don’t
Maasstraat 128
we start out by getting a full picture of what clients
speak any Dutch at all, because I’m only meeting
+ 31 (0)20 305 2662
want, because their preferences vary widely. But
with international clients. Zuidas is going to become
info@ramonmossel.nl
we employ an effective searching system, which
the place to be. The total development of Zuidas fits
www.ramonmossel.nl
minimizes the time needed to find something
perfectly by the ambitions of our office!
Text Romy Lange • Photography Lotte de Graaf
• 29
AGENDA
AGENDA MARCH • APRIL
Tuesday 13 March REAL ESTATE BREAKFAST Sunday 11 March AMSTELPARK TENNIS OPEN HOUSE EVENT @ Spa Sport Hotel Zuiver Amstelpark Tennis opens its doors for all tennis enthusiasts in Amsterdam. Enjoy an afternoon of tennis clinics and intensive trial lessons, and relax at the Amstelpark club house. With 21 floodlit outdoor courts (gravel) and 11 indoor courts, Amstelpark offers a full range of facilities for tennis players of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re Wednesday 7 March
in search of a new club or want to take
CIRCL ELECTION SPECIAL
lessons, book a company event or hire
@ CIRCL Amsterdam is growing in all directions, especially in Zuidas, where new offices and housing are shooting up to both the east and west. Meanwhile,
SESSION: RETAIL @ JLL HQ, Atrium Amsterdam Keynote speakers at this session include Carl Damen, head of acquisitions and projects at Primera. There will also be a panel discussion chaired by Collin Boelhouwer, director of Dutch Retail Investments at Bouwinvest. The cost is €99 for Vastgoedmarkt subscribers, €245 for non-subscribers. Time: 8 am to 11 am For info and to sign up: www.vastgoedmarktontbijtsessies.nl.
a court on a weekly basis: Amstelpark has it all. Sign up for the open house event and see what Amstelpark Tennis has to offer!
Wednesday 14 March
Go to www.amstelpark.nl/open-dag.
LECTURE: HISTORY AND
the Zuidasdok project is gearing up,
PURPOSE OF BOTANIC
Zuid station is getting an overhaul,
GARDENS
the European Medicines Agency is
@ Zuidas Botanic Garden
scheduled to arrive, the VU campus is
When, where and why did botanic
taking shape and the SC Buitenveldert
gardens suddenly become so
football club is relocating. But what
popular in the 17th century? This
kind of district are we building? Will it
lecture traces the history of several
be sustainable and circular? Will it have
Monday 12 March and Monday 9 April
gardens in the Netherlands, including
good connections? How should we
PUB QUIZ
two in Amsterdam. Most of these
@ The Basket
gardens no longer serve their original
keep public spaces safe and accessible? And how do we ensure a good range of
Suspect you may be the next Einstein
purpose, centering instead on modern-
public amenities? Speakers will include
of the VU campus? Register your
day sustainability concerns and
David van Traa, Sebastiaan Capel,
team now and show your stuff! Max.
biodiversity conservation. How are
Rutger Groot Wassink, Hendrik Jan
5 members per team, €2 per person.
these factors reshaping gardens? Time:
Biemond and Paul Slettenhaar. More
Diners play free! More info:
7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. More info:
info: www.circl.nl
www.amsterdam.thebasket.nl.
www.botanischetuinzuidas.nl.
30 •
AGENDA
Our next issue will be published @ May 7. Send your agenda to info@zuidaspublishers.nl before March 26.
Tuesday 20 March
Saturday 7 April
ZUIDAS ENGAGE
TOUR DE ART
@ Tribes
@ CIRCL
Come to Tribes ITO from 6pm to
Art connects and inspires at Circl.
9pm, for the second edition of Zuidas Engage, a quarterly event connec-
Friday 23 March to 15 April
ting local residents, professionals,
PHOTO EXHIBITION:
organizations and everyone else
EYE ON NATURE
interested in Zuidas. Take a workshop
@ ART CHAPEL
Art is always evolving and pushing new boundaries as artists forge unconventional links, dare to dream and - like cultural seismographs -sense what’s happening in the world before
with local business owners, talk with
The ART CHAPEL outside Beatrixpark
anyone else. Similarly, vision and an
city representatives or just drop by to
regularly hosts exhibitions. Currently
unfettered mindset are cornerstones of
meet your neighbours! For info and
on view is EYE ON NATURE, a display
the circular economy. In the basement
to register, send an email to: engage@
of works by grant-winning artists
of Circl, ABN AMRO is showcasing an
zuidasservices.nl.
from the Marius van der Sandt Aca-
art and historical collection of pieces
demy. Open: Wednesday to Sunday,
by emerging young talents alongside
12 pm-5 pm. The exhibition is made
recognized and more established
possible in part by Linklaters LLP.
artists. For info: www.circl.nl.
Tuesday 20 March
HELLO ZUIDAS EVENT
WORKSHOP ON HEALTHY SNACKING @ Wedderborg Amsterdam Spring is just around the corner! Time
Thursday 12 April
for tasty, healthy snacks, shakes and
ZUIDAS SUSTAINABILITY
smoothies. But who has time for all
REPORT PRESENTATION @ CIRCL
that slicing, dicing and juicing?
Hello Zuidas, Green Business Club
In this workshop you’ll learn time-
Zuidas and Amsterdam’s Zuidas Dis-
saving techniques to prepare snacks, smoothies, juices and more that are
Friday 6 April
trict Office cordially invite you to the
quick, healthy and delicious! Cost:
NINETIES NIGHT
presentation of the Zuidas Sustaina-
€35 (includes recipe booklet, snacks
@ Ox & Bucks
bility Report 2017. The presentation of
and drinks). Payoff: techniques and
For good-time grooves and the best
this sixth edition, followed by drinks,
inspiration for a healthy lifestyle in a
drinks come to Nineties Night at Ox &
will take place at Circl, the circular
fun and friendly setting, plus buddies
Bucks in the WTC Amsterdam. Relax
pavilion of ABN AMRO. Want to learn
to share your recipes and inspiration
at the end of the working week, catch
about the latest sustainable develop-
with! Special gluten-free, sugar-free,
up with colleagues and unwind into
ments in Zuidas? Register to join us
lactose-free and vegan diets.
the weekend. More info:
on 12 April by sending an email to:
More info: www.byrhiannon.nl.
www.oxxbucks.com.
servicepoint@hellozuidas.com.
• 31
AGENDA
AGENDA MARCH • APRIL Wednesday 25 April CRUYFF FOUNDATION 14K RUN @ Start at Olympic Stadium
Thursday 12 April
Amsterdam Football Club Ajax and
INFO EVENING:
the Cruyff Foundation are teaming
MSC IN COACHING @ Johan Cruyff Institute
Friday 20 April
Discover how the Johan Cruyff
KING’S GAMES
Institute applies Cruyff’s vision on
@ Olympic Stadium
life in its study programmes. This
This marks the sixth year that the
information session is a unique
King’s Games will take place all over
opportunity to learn about our
the Netherlands. At the Olympic
teaching methods, curricular content
Stadium, children from various
and the Institute. Time: 6:30 pm-7 pm.
primary schools will join in the day’s
More info: www.cruyffinstitute.nl/
athletic activities. More info:
en/information-sessions/
www.olympischstadion.nl
up with Le Champion for a special running event to be held this spring: the Cruyff Foundation 14K Run, on Wednesday 25 April, which marks the football legend’s birthday. This social run kicks off in the Olympic Stadium, following a 14-km track past memorable spots from Johan Cruyff’s life right up to the finish at the Amsterdam ArenA, and is a wonderful way to honour Cruyff’s life and legacy. More info: www.cruyff-foundation14krun.nl
Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 April BUILDING HOLLAND
Monday 30 April to Friday 4 May
@ RAI Amsterdam
ARTZUID ART CAMP
During the next 20 years, the
@ Prinses Irenestraat
construction and property sectors
During the spring break, ArtZuid will once
will have to grapple with some huge
more be presenting an arts and crafts
challenges. They range from new solutions for urban energy supplies to
Monday 23 April
camp. Children will be able to experiment
dealing with the impacts of resource
GREEN BUSINESS CHALLENGE
with a wide range of materials and
depletion - not to mention the
CLOSING PRESENTATION
techniques in the studio. There will also
more imminent shortage of trained
Over the last five months, two teams
be plenty of time to play outdoors, stroll
technical professionals. On top of that,
of young professionals have been
around the neighbourhood and visit a
designers, engineers and builders
working hard to mount a local sustai-
corporate art collection in Zuidas. The
are still struggling to put the values
nable project. One team’s goal was to
camp is located is in Beatrixpark, on
of sustainable and healthy living
green the wardrobes of 2,000 people
Prinses Irenestraat 19-2, and runs from 9
and working into practice. Find out
in Zuidas; the other’s was to tackle
am to 5 pm all week - perfect for parents
about the future of Building in The
e-waste. At this final event of the GBC,
who work in Zuidas! For more info and
Netherlands during this trade fair.
the two teams present their results.
booking details:
More info: www.buildingholland.nl
www.greenbusinessclub.nl/zuidas
32 •
www.artzuid.nl/artcamp/
AGENDA • OPEN TOWER XXXXXXXX DAY
OPEN TOWER DAY
CROWNE PLAZA AMSTERDAM - SOUTH
RAI AMSTERDAM - ELICIUM CENTRE
SATURDAY 24 MARCH 2018 OPEN TOWER DAY @ ZUIDAS In the sixth edition of this annual event, some 20 historic and contemporary towers in Amsterdam will open their doors to the public from 10 am to 4 pm. There will also be lots of activities in and around the towers for visitors to enjoy, including guided art and tower tours, music and a photo and film competition with fun, Amsterdam-themed prizes! Details about participating towers can be found on the website: www.opentowerday.com, and on Facebook: www.fb.com.opentorendag. Note that for a visit to some of the towers, advance registration is required. SYMPHONY TOWER FINANCIAL OFFICES
ABN AMRO HEADQUARTERS & CIRCL
THE EDGE
• 33
CARSHARING WITH COLLEAGUES
Zuidas shifting from ownership to usership
One of the big challenges facing industry today is how to use the latest technologies and innovations in making our cities smart and clean tomorrow. In the years ahead, everyone will be searching for ways to optimize energy efficiency and ban emissions from the urban environment. Hello Zuidas sat down with Jacob Verduijn, Fleet Sales Manager at BMW Amsterdam, for an automotive perspective: ‘Roads are gridlocked, parking is becoming impossible and air quality is deteriorating. We have to solve these problems together, and BMW is eager to take the lead. Carsharing is one of those solutions.’ FROM OWNERSHIP TO USERSHIP
residents who live over the agency’s offices.
parking problem and it is something we will
The last time, Jacob spoke with many
Other companies, such as BPD, also have
be seeing a lot more of.’
companies about car sharing solutions.
contracts with BMW for shared electric
‘Vesteda shows, of course, a wonderful
fleets, and we are observing a general trend
ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND SHARED
example of a full-fledged carsharing system.
from ownership to usership. Even architects
FLEETS ARE KEY PUZZLE PIECES
They have in consultation with BMW Group
and property developers come to us asking
In Zuidas, a growing number of employers are
Netherlands ten electric BMW’s parked in
for input on the design of new car parks.
hammering out mobility plans and trying to
their own car park - all of which are available
Carsharing among colleagues as well as
make them more sustainable. According to
for use for both Vesteda staff and building
tenants will certainly help to alleviate the
Jacob, ‘People talk about shared solutions a lot,
34 •
JACOB VERDUIJN, FLEET SALES MANAGER AT BMW AMSTERDAM
but there is still much more that organizations can do.
cooperative NDSM Energie’, explains Jacob, ‘in which
Everyone wants to jump on the sustainability and CSR
four companies based near NDSM-Plein in north
bandwagon, but bear in mind that has to be translated to
Amsterdam – Viacom/Mtv, emolife, Fronteer and
your own vehicle policy, as well. Electric and shared cars
Pernod Ricard – shared a 100% electric BMW i3. The
form the key pieces to that puzzle. Electric driving takes
aim was to roll out a near-term scalable project in
some getting used to in terms of things like planning
which communities of businesses or local residents
ahead, but this is the future.’
could share zero-emissions mobility. In the end, more than 40 employees took part in the successful trial. At
‘Carsharing among colleagues as well as tenants will certainly help to alleviate the parking problem’
the moment, Liberty Global is also running a two-week pilot with a shared BMW i3.’ Interested in
WORLD’S MOST SUSTAINABLE
carsharing or to find
AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER
out what it feels like
CEO CONVENTION & NDSM ENERGIE
Sustainability is also an important consideration in
to drive the BMW i3?
On Friday 8 September 2017, BMW Group Netherlands
the manufacture policy of BMW. ‘BMW is the most
Get in touch with
invited CEO’s from Dutch companies for the 'CEO
sustainable car manufacturer in the world ‘, Jacob
BMW Amsterdam.
Convention Vision Full Electric 2030', held at BMW
points out. ‘ At BMW Amsterdam, we have 200 m2
Amsterdam. At the end of the event, they all endorsed
of solar panels on the roof, a heat pump, sedum
BMW AMSTERDAM
the statement ‘I will take action now to be a leader in
growing on parts of the roof, insulating glass that
Pieter Braaijweg 12
full electric mobility’ by placing their signatures on a
saves on heating, as well as motion sensors to
1114 AJ Amsterdam
100% electric BMW i3, thus underscoring their joint
control the ledlighting. We stay on top of the latest
+ 31 (0)20 460 4690
commitment to achieving clean mobility targets. ‘In
developments and are very committed to CSR, which
bmw-amsterdam.nl
November we also launched a pilot with the energy
encompasses much more than durability alone.’
Text Romy Lange • Photography Michael Graste
• 35
HELLO YOU
NEW YEAR’S DANCEMARKET Friday 19 January @ Market 33 • Market 33 regularly organizes dance club nights. • The DJ du jour spun hits from the Nineties and Noughties. • By day, Market 33 is a food court that dishes up a wide range of tasty cuisines. • But every so often the Market ‘moonlights’ as a dance club. • Looking for somewhere to dance the night away? Check out Market 33’s Facebook page.
36 •
LEGAL
TEMPORARY COURT AMSTERDAM
LEGAL NEWS
Source: advocatie.nl
DELOITTE LEGAL LAUNCHES GLOBAL CONSULTANCY SERVICE FOR GCS Deloitte Legal has launched a new worldwide service for general counsels and their legal
BIRD & BIRD OPENS
departments. Legal Management Consulting (LMC) is ‘a global multidisciplinary offering,
OFFICE IN ZUIDAS
designed to help General Counsel and their in-house legal department teams navigate rapid
On 1 January 2018, the Hague-
legal industry transformation’, the accountancy firm wrote in a recent press release. The
based law firm Bird & Bird
statement goes on to say that Deloitte Legal now employs 100 professionals in ten countries
opened a second location in the
able to assist clients worldwide with its LMC methodology. This enables Deloitte Legal to
Netherlands in the Zuidas district.
help in-house counsels ‘improve their operating models to deliver faster, more effective,
Bird & Bird joins Houthoff and
integrated services within the enterprise’.
other tenants in the ITO tower, where it is spearheading the ‘office of the future’ - not a traditional law
HOUTHOFF NEW MAIN SPONSOR OF DUTCH NATIONAL OPERA & BALLET
office, but ‘a meeting place where
On January 1 2018, law firm Houthoff became the main sponsor of the Dutch National Opera
our lawyers can work on matters
& Ballet - which encompasses the theatre and companies of the Dutch National Opera and
alongside clients, share knowledge
the Dutch National Ballet- for the duration of three years. ‘We are thrilled that Houthoff will be
and collaborate’. The move affirms
supporting the Dutch National Opera & Ballet in bringing top quality to the stage’, said Els van
the importance of the Amsterdam
der Plas, general director of the Dutch National Opera & Ballet, in the press release. Commenting
region for the firm’s business, many
on the news, Edward de Bock, managing partner at Houthoff, said, ‘With our sponsorship of the
of whose clients and prospects are
Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Houthoff is not only supporting one of the country’s largest cultu-
either established there or come to
ral institutions, but also partnering with the pinnacle of the international ballet and opera world’.
the Dutch capital from abroad.
Photography Architectenbureau cepezed | Léon van Woerkom
• 37
‘We are exactly where we belong: right beneath our tenants and at the very heart of the marketplace.’ GERTJAN VAN DER BAAN, CEO OF VESTEDA
On one side, windows overlook Buitenveldert’s fifties-era flats, on the other you can hear the electric buzz of Zuidas at work. It was almost six months ago that Vesteda relocated its head offices to ‘De Boel’ on De Boelelaan. With activities in the rental residential market throughout the Netherlands, Vesteda has done something unusual with this building. De Boel not only houses the company’s entire workforce, but it’s also home to the people who rent the apartments above. Added bonus: a spacious rooftop garden and a car park where Vesteda staff and building tenants can avail themselves of one of ten shared electric BMWs. According to company CEO Gertjan van der Baan, ‘Developing this building was a mental puzzle, but judging from the results, it has certainly paid off. This was our one opportunity to turn this building into something really spectacular and design it just the way we wanted’.
38 •
strive to keep getting better at what we do. For example, we now offer virtual tours that let tenants look around in flats that haven’t been built yet. That’s a really exciting project to be involved in.’
‘Trying to increase the supply of affordable homes is a wonderful challenge’ GERTJAN VAN DER BAAN, CEO OF VESTEDA
SHARING = CARING BETWEEN RESIDENTS
We are exactly where we belong: located
With 154 apartments overhead, you might
AND THE MARKETPLACE
right beneath our tenants and at the very
expect some disruptions to daily office life
De Boel is a building complex that
heart of the marketplace.’
every once in a while. ‘Not at all’, Gertjan
combines 3,600 m in office space for
counters. ‘Tenants of De Boel and Vesteda
2
Vesteda with 154 mid-rental sector homes.
NOT YOUR RUN OF THE
staff complement each other perfectly.
‘When we bought the building it was pretty
MILL TRADITIONAL
Everybody works, so they’re not at home
much outdated and the whole thing sorely
CORPORATE IDENTITY
when we’re in the office, and they come
needed an upgrade. But now we’re very
Gertjan laments the fact that young
home just as we’re heading out. That’s also
pleased with the results. It’s nice and more
jobseekers are more enthusiastic for careers
the idea behind the shared electric BMW i3s.
efficient to have all of our head office staff
in tech startups than finance and real
When we’re in the building, we can book the
together at one location, and we’ve seen
estate. ‘As with finance, real estate might
cars using a special app, and outside those
a marked improvement in intra-office
sound a bit dull, but a company like Vesteda
times at weekends for instance, they’re
collaboration as well. Aside from relocating,
fulfills a basic need by providing housing
available for tenants to use. That way, we
we also brought 60 more people on board,
in the narrow mid-end of the market and
can do our bit to cut carbon emissions and
to fill in for the staff members who stayed
is an fun place to work. Vesteda manages
parking scarcity in Amsterdam. This is one
behind in our Maastricht office. So the
a very extensive rental property portfolio
area where we’re playing a leading role in
company has really renewed on all fronts.
for the mid-sector market, where demand
sustainability. Not everyone needs their
Our image is stronger, many employees are
is extremely high, which means we always
own car, after all, so this is a logical and
new, and we’ve got an amazing new office.
find ourselves in the limelight. Every day, we
environmentally sound decision.’
Text Romy Lange • Photography Davien Hulsman & Ossip
• 39
THEATER OP DE ZUIDAS
De edele kunst van het schijt hebben
CALL OUT TO ZUIDAS Musical seeks venues, ambassadors & audience to open dialogue on familiar Zuidas themes.
Mail to Janke@JankeDekkerProducties.nl
40 •
Photography Elisah Baijens
4 resolutions to bring more love Lo ve into your life Rule
s!!
The start of the new year is a time when many people make resolutions. Instead of enumerating all the habits we should avoid, I want to offer four resolutions
3. TALK TO STRANGERS
that are good not only for singles, but for
Start up a conversation with a stranger on
everyone. Best of all, they’re easy to keep!
the street, in a shop or on the tram. ‘When you talk to strangers, you’re making
1. GIVE MORE HUGS
beautiful interruptions into the expected
Everyone knows it, but not everyone does
narrative of your daily life as well as
it: give somebody a hug! No partner? No
theirs’, says Kio Stark, who researches the
problem! Hug your best friend, your sister,
overlooked advantages of conquering
your parents or a neighbour. Hugging feels
our innate reticence with strangers and
Debby Goossens, owner of Just2Match,
good, but it’s also proven to be healthy -
embracing the fleeting but intensely
puts all her enthusiasm and passion
nature’s remedy to heal the body and mind.
beautiful moments of true human
into making the perfect match. Her
It de-stresses, relaxes and makes people
connection.
mission is to apply positivity and
more sociable, friendly and loving. Plus, this
inspiration to help people find a
medicine has no negative side effects and is
4. BEHAVE CONSISTENTLY
rewarding relationship. Just2Match is a
free and available to all.
In an interview, motivational speaker Simon
professional matchmaking agency that
Sinek explained what makes a woman fall
offers personalized services for well-
2. TUNE IN TO ROMANCE
in love. The reason she fell for you wasn’t
educated, enterprising singles aged 30
Not everyone is a fan of romcoms and chick
because you splurged on a gorgeous
and up. Members include entrepreneurs,
flicks, but they do have proven benefits!
bouquet, but because the first thing you do
expats, executives, decision-makers
Studies show that people who watch
on waking up is to wish her good morning,
and professionals throughout the
romantic comedies on a regular basis
instead of checking your phone. Or because,
Netherlands. For more information, visit:
actually become friendlier. These people
when she gets home after a horrid day, you
www.just2match.com.
show more loving emotions towards others
don’t butt in with ‘sorry about your day, but
and are more openhearted, honest and
you’ll never guess what happened to me’,
loyal. On the flip side, people who eschew
but actually take the time to listen to her. It’s
romantic films in favour of those heavy
the sum total of all these little things done
on violence and action show exactly the
consistently in a relationship that makes
opposite behaviour. Love rules!
people come to love each other.
Text Debby Goossens • Photography Davien Hulsman
DEBBY GOOSSENS
• 41
JANKE DEKKER, CHRISTIANE ESTOURGIE AND OLIVIER OTTEN
De edele kunst van het schijt hebben PLAY FORGES FRUITFUL ALLIANCE IN ZUIDAS A play about Zuidas, staged in theatres and auditoriums around Zuidas. What a brilliant idea! With the support of the Hello Zuidas foundation, Janke Dekker Producties and students at MBO College Zuid joined forces to do just that. The most recent Hello Zuidas members' meeting was treated to a sneak preview of the play and the audience gave it a big thumbs up. We talked to Olivier Otten, director of the Hello Zuidas foundation, Janke Dekker of Janke Dekker Producties, and Christiane Estourgie, operational director at MBO College Zuid (ROC) about their partnership and the play.
XXXXXXXXX 42 •
PROVOCATIVE SCRIPT
fitted perfectly. We’ll also be doing performances
Titled De edele kunst van het schijt hebben, the
on other locations in Zuidas, including at CIRCL
Dutch play is based on the book The Subtle Art of
and De Nieuwe Poort’. Adds Christiane, ‘We have
Not Giving a F*ck by American writer Mark Manson,
partnerships with lots of companies and theatre
and takes humorous aim at the prevailing culture
productions, offering wonderful opportunities for
in Zuidas. When Janke Dekker came up with the
our students. For this production, though, we did
idea to produce it, she was quickly reminded to
have to fill them in about Zuidas first. Even though
contact Olivier Otten, director of the Hello Zuidas
the school is effectively in Zuidas, lots of students
foundation. ‘We read a lot in the papers about
don’t know anything about it!’
burnouts, high work pressure, performance expectations that people have to live up to and
LOCAL INPUT
the changing nature of work in the Netherlands’,
Following the sneak preview, audience members
explains Janke, ‘and we were keen to create a play
were encouraged to give feedback, and that input
exploring those themes. Following the advice of one
will be used to improve the play. ‘That evening
of my board members, I reached out to Olivier, and
was valuable for us’, says Janke, ‘because we
he actively promoted the initiative straight away’.
really want to involve the Zuidas community in
Olivier confirms, ‘What grabbed my attention when
the production. With that in mind, we’re also
reading the script were the provocative texts, and I
seeking several ambassadors to work with us,
The first performance
can’t wait to see what kind of reception the play gets
and maybe there are companies that would like
will be at CIRCL on
in Zuidas, and if it strikes a chord with people.’
an on-site performance! That’s definitely doable.’
Gustav Mahlerplein
Olivier: ‘I’ll be very interested to see how the tour
on 24 May. For details
ZUIDAS TOUR
goes down in Zuidas, but I expect it to be a big
about the play or to
Wishing to create added depth by staging the play
hit.’ Christiane agrees, ‘As a school, we’re a bit
get involved as an
in settings that reflect the subject matter, Janke
of an outsider in Zuidas, but that actually makes
ambassador, send
went in search of venues in Zuidas. ‘Olivier told
it even more fun to put ourselves out there this
an email to: info@
me that MBO College Zuid has a great theatre and
way. For their part, the students working on this
theateropdezuidas.nl
drama programme’, says Janke, ‘which of course
production are having a great time.’
Text Romy Lange • Photography Lotte de Graaf
• 43
ARCHITECTURE
ZUIDAS ARCHITECTURE
500 Beethovenstraat Small is beautiful
44 •
Address
Beethovenstraat 500
Floors
Architect
Claus & Kaan, OZ
Floor area 5,700 m2
8
Architects
Tenants
Project Developer G&S Vastgoed
Axa
Building owner
Warburg-HIH Invest
HERE
Real Estate
HCF
Completed in
May 2016
Factset
Height
Approximately 35
Koning + Neurath
Spencer Stuart International
Mitsubishi
ARCHITECTURE
Zuidas is renowned for its pioneering
building, are the details. With its expanse of
architecture. As it matures into an
windows, entrance awning and large foyer,
international quarter of Amsterdam,
it immediately catches the eye, making
buildings are shooting up left, right and
the impression of a big-city building. Up
centre in Zuidas. Amidst these modern
close, it’s clear that much attention has
looking skyscrapers, it may be difficult
gone into the details. On the exterior, 500
to imagine that only around 20 years
Beethovenstraat is a subtle blend of glass,
FUN FACTS
ago, this stretch of land, connecting the
chrome and white stone. The angled façade
• The white natural stone of the façade is one
residential neighbourhoods of Zuid and
recedes to cleave a deep balcony towards
of a kind, and is mined exclusively on the
Buitenveldert, consisted mostly of tennis
the building’s western tip, creating loggias
Greek island of Prinos.
courts and football pitches. In this series,
that are easily accessible from the offices
we zoom in on the architecture of Zuidas.
and giving building occupants an abundance
This time, we take a closer look at the 500
of outdoor space. This feature alone makes
Beethovenstraat.
500 Beethovenstraat into a unique office
• 500 Beethovenstraat is the big brother of the six Gershwin Townhouses, which are built with the same kind of stone. • No two storeys of 500 Beethovenstraat are
environment. Additional bonuses for tenants
alike, as the position of the loggias on the
On the corner of Beethovenstraat and De
are the underground car park and a garden
building’s west flank was determined in
Boelelaan G&S Vastgoed developed the
to enjoy in fine weather - a little pocket park
consultation with the users and tailored to
smallest building. But that’s not to say it is
tucked away in the building. With its pared
their ideal layout.
overpowered by the skyscrapers crowding
down architectural volume and interesting
all around. On the contrary, its elegant,
features, 500 Beethovenstraat proves that,
sustainable new-build, developed to create
spare design makes 500 Beethovenstraat
when it comes to standing out in Zuidas,
an eco-friendly environment that promotes
stand out instantly. What really defines this
small is beautiful.
the wellbeing of users.
Text Eefje van den Akker
• 500 Beethovenstraat is a product of
• 45
ZUIDAS MOBILITY SURVEY:
HELP ZUIDAS TRAVEL SMART! Since 2014, the Zuidas district has conducted a mobility survey once every two years to gain insight into commuter experiences and needs. The survey has already given us a clearer picture of how people travel to and from Zuidas and how they rate their journey, and has also helped to identify potential improvements.
46 •
MOBILITY
NEW WAYS TO COMMUTE:
SURVEY PROVIDES INPUT
all participants from that month will be
HOW SATISFIED ARE COMMUTERS?
FOR MOBILITY MEASURES
entered in a draw for vouchers to spend
Last year was the first time we asked people
The mobility survey provides valuable insight
at Het Zwarte Fietsenplan, or on a sleek
to rate their commute to and from Zuidas.
into how we all travel in and out of Zuidas,
new raincoat from Regenpakhuis. The first,
Overall, motorists are fairly satisfied with their
how satisfied we are with the journey and
second and third place winners of each
journey, awarding Zuidas a 7.1 for accessibility.
when we might opt for alternatives. This
month will receive vouchers worth €150,
Public transport travellers are happy with
input will help improve access to Zuidas.
€50 and €25, respectively. Don’t forget to fill
the good connections to Zuidas and the
With Zuidasdok soon to unleash the largest
in your contact details after completing the
ease of travelling between their home and
development project ever in the district, the
survey, and keep an eye on the Hello Zuidas
their work place. Both motorists and public
‘Keep Zuidas Accessible’ programme has been
campaigns on Facebook for updates about
transport users are satisfied with travel time
set up to address access issues. The latest
prizes and winners.
and distance. Bicyclists view their commute
mobility, alongside others conducted in the
primarily as a positive, healthy activity.
past, yield crucial input for this programme.
But first, you have to answer some
Leading to initiatives like the ‘Hello Bike’
questions! It only takes 5 minutes, so please
Some commuters are less satisfied, citing
pilot for a bicycle-sharing scheme at various
take a moment to share your input. Go
congestion both on the road and in the
Zuidas locations. The survey also provides
to: http://bit.ly/2j8qSkN. Questions about
public transport system. Gridlock and
important insights for local companies and
the mobility survey? Send an email to:
parking problems are major sources of
organizations, which use these results to
mobility@hellozuidas.com.
frustration. Suggested improvements
inform their own mobility policies.
consequently centre on changes to
The mobility survey is an initiative of the Zuidas
infrastructure and the network, increasing
PARTICIPATE FOR GREAT PRIZES!
Accessibility Task Force, which is a public-
the number of trains and adding more
Upon completing this survey, you also have
private alliance and whose mission is to improve
parking space.
a chance to win fun prizes! Every month,
mobility connections in and out of Zuidas.
Text Hello Zuidas
• 47
BO OK NOW YO UR P OS T MEE TING DR INKS, A ND THE FIRS T RO UND OF D U TCH SN ACKS IS ON US! G E T I N T O U C H W I T H O U R R E S E R V AT I O N S T E A M FOR THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS VIA; A M S P C . M E E T I N G S @ I H G . C O M O R + 3 1 2 0 5 0 4 3 61 6 MEETING NEEDS TO TAKE PLACE BEFORE MAY 2018
+31 (0) 88 1169 500
info@corporatehousingfactory.com
www. corporatehousingfactory.nl
HELLO YOU
ICE SKATING AT THE COOLSTE BAAN VAN NEDERLAND January and February 2018 @ Olympic Stadium Amsterdam • This winter, you were all welcome at the Coolste Baan van Nederland 2018. • For several weeks, there was a pop-up speed skating rink in the Amsterdam's Olympic Stadium. • From March 9-11, the Olympic Stadium become the venue of the World Allround Speed Skating Championships 2018.
• 49
A new home? De Hypotheker finds you the best deal.
Route de Cote d'Azur
We compare all mortgage lenders. Visit our website for more information: www.hypotheker.nl MARCH 5TH - 24TH 2018
FIVE COURSE DINNER
FOR
€ 4 9,-
DIJSSELHOFPLANTSOEN 7
Amsterdam, Strawinskylaan 1427 / WTC, (020) 662 14 11
Ricoh is specialized in providing document-related services, advice, software and equipment for companies worldwide. It offers solutions keyed to fit your requirements and keep pace with your business. And with its excellent network, Ricoh guarantees support whenever you need it.
Ricoh offers the following: • Printing/scanning solutions • Unified communications
INTERNATIONAL PENSION ISSUES?
• Document management
• Workspace management
We are specialized in international pension optimization for
• Digital invoice processing
• Repro/Production Print
expats and corporations. We have 20 years of experience on 5 continents. We are trained to handle new situations with
• Office Supplies
interest and care. We welcome the related extra challenges of international issues.
Paasheuvelweg 25 1105 BP Amsterdam Tel: +31 (0)20 7630840 www.ricoh-nha.nl
FOR MORE INFORMATION info@expatpensionholland.nl or + 31 (0)6-26014112
W W W. E XPAT PEN SI O N H O L L A N D. N L
LIESBETH PERDIJK, OWNER WINEBOUTIQUE & SPIRITS
Wineboutique & Spirits
LIESBETH’S TIP
‘WINE AND CHAMPAGNE FOR EVERY PALATE IN ZUIDAS’
- Premier cru ‘Les Chaumées’.
When wine expert Liesbeth Perdijk first
deliver quality wines priced from €4.95 right
lovely, is that it’s full-bodied
came to Zuidas four years ago, it was love at
up to €495. But people come to Wineboutique
and slightly creamy. The
first sight. Straight away, she knew that this
& Spirits from all over Amsterdam, simply
wine is barrel-aged, but
was where she wanted to open her shop.
because we may happen to have a special
retains an amazingly
She found the perfect spot on Zuidplein,
hard-to-find wine that they want. Fortunately, I
subtle flavour, with hints
and soon after Wineboutique & Spirits was
understand what people here like.’
of minerality, and has a
in business. ‘As a certified wine expert, I
Chassagne-Montrachet ‘This is a Burgundy wine made from the Chardonnay grape. What makes it so
beautiful finish, which is
was looking for a place where I’d be able to
HOT IN ZUIDAS
also why it’s one of my own
use my background at a high level. Zuidas
Having been in the district for several
favourites. You could pop
fits the bill perfectly. I have lots of regulars,
years now, Liesbeth knows what sells
open a bottle on a lazy
each with their own specific tastes. That’s
in Zuidas. ‘Most of the wines I sell, both
Sunday afternoon, but it’s
what makes my job so much fun!’
red and white, are in the €15 - €25 range.
also fantastic paired with
Regions like Barolo and Meursault are
an elegant fish dish like
WINEBOUTIQUE & SPIRITS
always popular, and I also sell tonnes of
scallops or sole fillet. This
This will be Liesbeth’s fourth year in Zuidas, and
Champagne - that’s a really hot item here.
wine comes from a small
business is booming. ‘There’s a special energy
Not many shops could say the same! Though
producer, so it’s also a bit
here, even when it’s miserable outside’, says
I sell champagne mostly to expats; Dutch
more expensive. A bottle
Liesbeth. ‘Running a shop in Zuidas demands
people are more reticent in that respect.
costs €44.50.
total commitment. People come to this place
They buy Champagne whenever they’ve
with something specific in mind, and I enjoy
got something to celebrate, whereas other
helping them find it. Aside from business
Europeans buy a bottle of bubbly “just
WINEBOUTIQUE & SPIRITS
customers who come to buy gifts for clients
because”. And why not? Besides, we also get
Zuidplein 20
or drinks for company events, we also get
people who want to celebrate a promotion
+ 31 (0)20 470 5414
local residents and people who want to take
or a new job. Naturally, that calls for a
wineboutique.eu
home a bottle to enjoy after work. We always
Champagne toast!’
Text Romy Lange • Photography Davien Hulsman
• 51
SUSTAINABILITY
NEWS
52 •
SUSTAINABILITY
ELECTRIC SHARING WITH AMBER Numerous companies in Zuidas have introduced shared cars for business trips, enabling employees to come to work by train or bike and have a car at their disposal to get to appointments if necessary. Even preferable over carsharing is electric sharing. In Zuidas, ABN AMRO and EY have both recently begun using Amber, a carshare provider with a 100% electric fleet. The Amber app enables users to see which cars are available and to book one directly. Not only is electric carsharing better for the environment, it can also yield sizeable cost savings. Since starting to use Amber, ABN AMRO has been able to reduce its lease fleet by 75% nationwide. Interested in electric carsharing with Amber? Send an email to: Nina@greenbusinessclub.nl.
TRAVEL INTO THE FUTURE WITH THE ZUIDAS MOBILITY EXPERIENCE The daily commute: necessary evil or challenging adventure? Step out of your rut and into the future, with the Zuidas Mobility Experience! However you commute to and from Zuidas - with a private car, lease car or public transportation - you can experience this innovative way of travelling. This is how it works: for the duration of one month you get a Zuidas Pass with travel credit to use any way you want, whether it’s for travel by train or metro, Uber, e-bike or Greenwheels, and for both business and private purposes. Your personal assistant will help you plan the ideal route. The Zuidas Mobility Experience lasts for one month and you can try it out free of charge and with no obligations. Interested? Check www.zuidas.nl or send an email to m.vanderlinden@amsterdam.nl. You can register until 17 March.
MEATLESS WEEK This year, 5-11 March is the National Week Without Meat in the Netherlands. During one whole week, participating restaurants and businesses will abstain from serving meat or fish. By going meatless for a week, you can save the water equivalent of seven months of showers and CO2 emissions equal to 111 car kilometres. In Zuidas, VU (Sodexo), Accenture (ISS) en ABN AMRO (Vermaat), have already announced they will be taking part, and GBC Zuidas is calling on more partners to join in this praiseworthy initiative. Of course, individuals can also take part in this initiative! Sign up on Weekzondervlees.nl to receive an e-zine filled with recipes, cooking tips, interviews and more (sorry, Dutch only!). Want to join as a company? contact nina@greenbusinessclub.nl.
Maartje Oome is communications advisor for Green Business Club Zuidas, a district organization in which businesses cooperate in launching sustainable initiatives and achieving sustainability goals. She is also the editor-in-chief of the Zuidas Sustainability Report. As the contributing editor of the sustainability page in Hello Zuidas magazine, she reports on interesting new trends on the sustainability front in Zuidas. Got hot news on green developments in Zuidas? Send an email to maartje@greenbusinessclub.nl.
Text Maartje Oome
• 53
HELLO YOU
Godfried Scholvink & Olivier Otten
Sneak preview of the play ‘De edele kunst van het schijt hebben’
Sacha Komor & Marieke Klosters
Bastiaan van der Maat & Erik Maitimo
Dushica Radier & Christiane Estourgie
Arnoud Hoogendoorn & Jessica Bekker
Students ROC Amsterdam
HELLO ZUIDAS MEMBERS MEETING Monday 19 February @ MBO College Zuid
Carmen Snijders, Eme van der Schaaf & Rob Ittmann
• This was an extra-special Members Meeting, with attendees treated to the staging of part of a play. • The sneak preview starred drama students from MBO College Zuid. • The play’s title? 'De edele kunst van het schijt hebben' • The audience was all praise for the performance, which will Astrid Hagenaar & Marjolein de Jong
Jordi Moonen & Jordy Groot
be touring Zuidas later this year.
Hilda Akkermans & Hans van Zijst
Henriette van Eeghen, Tom Egbers & Pauline Westendorp
54 •
Ruth Jansen & Janke Dekker
Bastiaan Hulshoff & Ronald Gans
Roos Schlikker & Erris van Ginkel
Marck Wollenberg, Cynthia Horn & Ronald Kleinveld
Photography Davien Hulsman
Hello Zuidas welcomes
the following new members COMPANY SUSHILEE • SECTOR RESTAURANT • NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 6 Link with Zuidas: Introducing the flavours of Japan to Zuidas, Sushilee is the place to enjoy the delightful simplicity of authentic Japanese cuisine. Our aim is to celebrate the freshness and natural beauty of each ingredient. Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: We would like to contribute to the Zuidas community and there is no better way of doing that than by joining Hello Zuidas.
COMPANY ALBERT HEIJN, KONINKLIJKE AHOLD NV • SECTOR RETAIL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 45 Link with Zuidas: Albert Heijn wants to be at the heart of the neighbourhood. Zuidas is one of the newest and fastest emerging districts in the Netherlands, and we want to be at the centre of it.
COMPANY CMS • SECTOR LAW AND LEGAL SERVICES • NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 294 Link with Zuidas: Zuidas is the place where the Netherlands do business. Having an office in Zuidas makes sense for CMS, because we primarily do cross-border work for both our domestic and international clients. Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: We feel it is important to join forces with other Zuidas businesses and Hello Zuidas to build a dynamic, sustainable and productive working and living environment.
COMPANY HANSSTRUIJK FIETSEN • SECTOR MOBILITY • NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 9 Link with Zuidas: Our mission is to achieve an environmentally friendly form of mobility. We sell bicycles for all segments and specialize in electric bikes, which are super-eco-friendly. Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: We became participants in order to collaborate with fellow members and partners in Zuidas and to stimulate the mobility between companies and Hansstruijk Fietsen.
COMPANY ZUIDAS APOTHEEK • SECTOR HEALTHCARE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES UNKNOWN AS YET; PROBABLY 6 Link with Zuidas: Zuidas Apotheek opens on Gustav Mahlerlaan 635B to offer chemist services to all area residents, workers and users. Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: As a new business in Zuidas, we believe in the value of exchanging knowledge and experiences with other members of Hello Zuidas and we want to be involved in Zuidas’ further development.
hellozuidas
@HelloZuidas
@hellozuidas
Hello Zuidas
• 55
your dentist might be just around the corner book now a free first consultation
visit us and register online at vandeveerdentists.nl or call 020 - 66 23 071 Gustav Mahlerplein Zuid 116 1082 MA Amsterdam
dentists tandartsen op de Zuidas
17077 Vd Veer Adv_185x127,5_O4.indd 1
15-06-17 13:23
full-service hospitality & staffing agency conference services | corporate events | front off ice | hostesses & hosts | event & meeting support | event staff | organizational support
Front Off ice Support
Reception Services
Hostess Rai Amsterdam
Party & Banqueting Services
Conference Staff
Catering Staff
Are you searching for a reliable hospitality partner? Stella Agency will supply you with a professional team that has just the right look and feel! Stella Agency supplies extremely representive hosting personnel for all your business events and front off ice requirements. Our strict recruitment and selection criteria eliminate all quality risks in advance so that you are assured of the optimum match. Stella Agency is the hospitality staff ing specialist with over 20 years of experience. STELLA OFFICES IN
OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY PARTNER
Amsterdam, Utrecht
of RAI Amsterdam
and The Hague
Convention Centre
Off icial promotion partner of the Hello Zuidas magazine.
Stella Agency | WTC Tower A, Level 5 | Strawinksylaan 507 | 1077 XX Amsterdam | +31 (0) 20-7883361 | amsterdam@stella-agency.nl | www.stella-agency.nl
MEMO BOARD
EASTER GATHERING IN MARCH
On Saturday 24 March, come to CIRCL for a day of Easter-themed fun, with activities like making an Easter centrepiece, Easter-egg painting, an egg hunt and more fun for the
little ones. Seniors are invited to make their own decorative Easter table centrepieces, coached by flower stylist Marloes Joore, and there will be an arts and crafts table for
kids. There will also be a presentation about the Zuidasdok project, and singer Stephanie
Groeneberg will perform a medley of Doris Day tunes. All are welcome! Sign up by sending isbn 978 94 6319
076 3
www.xpat.nl www.scriptum .nl www.holland books.nl
LEARN TO CYCLE IN AMSTERDA M XING CHEN
ERDAM
an email to: info@phisage.nl. This event is organized in collaboration with Zuidas Today.
LEARN TO CY CLE IN AMST
You already kno w how to ride a bicycle. Now, you want to become one of the locals – XING CHEN a confident, com petent, courteous cyclist, and ready to roll. in control Learn to Cycle in Amsterdam will through the proc ease you ess of learning to cycle amidst bustle of this sma the hustle and ll but dynamic city, covering topics road etiquette, such as traffic regulatio ns, cycl ing technique, and weather. Whethe the r you are a new comer or have live decades, if you d here for aspire to cycle safe ly and smoothl of bicycles’, then y in ‘the city this guide is for you. Enjoy the ride ! Xing Chen is a neu roscientist who has lived in the and Singapore. US, the UK, In 2014, she mov ed to the Netherl on the develop ands to work ment of brain imp lants for sight rest On the very first oration. day of her arrival in Amsterdam, secondhand bicy she bought a cle, and graduall y mastered the through the crow art of cycling ded city streets. Xing now covers of over 20 km per a dist ance day, by bike.
XING CHEN
LEARN TO CYCLE IN AMSTERDA M
A SPECIAL
LEARN TO CYCLE INAMSTERDAM!
VALENTINE’SDAY DATE
You already know how to ride a bicycle. Now you want to merge with the locals -as
On Saturday 17 February, a special
a confident, competent, courteous cyclist, in control and ready to roll. 'Learn to
Valentine’s Day event paired young
Cycle in Amsterdam' will ease you through the process of learning to cycle amidst
professionals in Zuidas with seniors for a
the hustle and bustle of this small but dynamic city, covering topics such as road
date in Amsterdam. It was a day filled with
etiquette, traffic regulations, cycling technique and the weather. Whatever you may
warm and wonderful connections. After an
be - a newcomer or someone who has lived here for decades- if you aspire to cycle
exciting matching game to pair off the young
safely and smoothly in ‘the city of bicycles’, then this guide is for you. Enjoy the ride!
profs with their ideal elders, couples chose
Xing Chen is a neuroscientist who has lived in the US, UK and Singapore. In 2014, she
a date destination. That could vary widely:
moved to the Netherlands to work on the development of brain implants for sight
from a cultural visit to the Rijksmuseum
restoration. On the very first day of her arrival in Amsterdam, she bought a second-
to a leisurely canal cruise. The annual
hand bicycle, and gradually mastered the art of cycling through the crowded city
Valentine’s Day Date which was an initiative
streets. Nowadays, Xing daily covers a distance of over 20 km by bike. More info:
of De Nieuwe Poort, celebrated its tenth
www.xpat.nl.
anniversary this year.
BEY BY BERGMAN CLINICS Bergman Clinics, a long-established eye care treatment centre in the WTC Amsterdam, recently opened Bey (pronounced ‘bee’) in Amsterdam Zuid. Bey is a clinic specialized in cosmetic treatments to fit the lifestyles of confident, high-powered men and women. Bey offers a full range of disciplines under one roof, from anti-wrinkle treatments and chemical peels to specialist cosmetic surgery. Clients receive a personal treatment plan as well as a designated coach to assist and pamper them throughout the process, and a personal interactive treatment app for 24/7 communication. To learn more, visit www.beyclinics.nl and www.bergmanclinics.nl.
is here
• 57
THE OFFICE OPERATORS
WTC, UN STUDIO, INFINITY COMING SOON: NOMA HOUSE
+31 (0) 20 700 55 55 | www.theofficeoperators.com | ZUIDAS
Members Hello Zuidas • March 2018 If your company isn’t on this list, please contact servicepoint@hellozuidas.com 1. 900 Mahler (Syntrus Achmea) 2. ABN AMRO 3. Accendium 4. Accenture 5. À Deauville 6. AkzoNobel 7. Albert Heijn 8. Amsterdam in Business 9. AICS 10. Amsterdamse Bos 11. APG 12. Apleona GVA B.V. 13. Arcadis 14. Arnold & Siedsma 15. Art Zuid 16. ASEGA Media 17. Asunaro Holland Interplan 18. Atrium Meeting Centre 19. AVIS 20. BackWERK Zuidas 21. Bagels & Beans 22. Baker McKenzie 23. Beheermij WTC Amsterdam 24. Being Development 25. Big Brothers Big Sisters A’dam 26. Blue Boat Company 27. Bolenius 28. Bouwens& 29. Boyden Global Executive Search 30. Breevast 31. Broersma Nieuwbouw 32. Bushwick 33. Caffè Belmondo 34. CBRE B.V. 35. China Construction Bank (Europe) S.A. Amsterdam Branch 36. citizenM 37. Club Sportive 38. CMS 39. Cognito Financial Communications 40. Colliers International 41. CompaNanny 42. Corporate Housing Factory 43. Cosmo Hairstyling 44. Crowne Plaza A’dam South 45. Customized Media 46. D&B The Facility Group 47. De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek 48. De Hypotheker 49. Deloitte 50. De Nieuwe Poort 51. De Zuidas Apotheek 52. Dentons Boekel 53. Domeco Development B.V. 54. Doppio 55. Dudok Patisserie 56. Eden McCallum 57. Eefje Voogd Makelaardij 58. Eigen Haard 59. Element Hotel 60. ENGIE 61. Euro CCP 62. Euroinfra 63. EY 64. Face Body Bar by Doctors Inc. 65. Fam. Advocaten 66. Financial Offices 67. Fit 20 68. Flexform Amsterdam 69. Fortron B.V. 70. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 71. Fris Makelaars 72. G&S Vastgoed 73. Gentlemen’s Place 74. Gerrit Rietveld Academie
75. Grand Café Mahler 76. Greenberg Nielsen 77. Green Business Club 78. Greenwheels 79. Gustav Gym 80. Gustavino 81. GVB 82. HAB Int. Accountants & Consultants 83. Hago Nederland B.V. 84. Hans Struijk Fietsen 85. Health & Therapy Centre 86. Hestia Kinderopvang 87. Het Amsterdamse Proeflokaal 88. Het Zwarte Fietsenplan 89. Hogan Lovells International LLP 90. Holiday Inn Amsterdam 91. Houthoff 92. Hotel TWENTY EIGHT 93. Htel Serviced Apartments 94. IMA 95. InAmsterdam 96. INBO 97. ING Rayon A’dam Zuid West 98. JLL 99. Johan Cruyff Institute 100. Kempen & Co 101. Koetjes en Kalfjes 102. König + Neurath (Nederloand) A.G. 103. Lexence 104. Liander 105. LibRT 106. Limon 107. Loyens & Loeff 108. Lunshof Makelaardij 109. Maarsen Groep Beheer B.V. 110. Macquarie Capital (Europe) 111. Made in May 112. Markit 113. Market 33 114. MBO College Zuid 115. Mech Make & Take 116. Miles Building 117. Mindfulbizz 118. Mondrian Espresso 119. Mondzorg Praktijk Zuidas 120. MUFG Bank (Europe) N.V. 121. Multicopy A’dam WTC 122. Mylk 123. Nationale Postcode Loterij 124. NDI ICT Solutions 125. Nederlandse Ver. van Banken 126. Nedstede Real Estate 127. NEWNRG 128. NH Amsterdam Zuid 129. Nicolaas Lyceum 130. NL Real Estate 131. Novotel Amsterdam City 132. NS 133. Oliver’s 134. Openbare Bibliotheek 135. ORAM 136. Oranje-Nassau Energie B.V. 137. OVG Real Estate 138. Ox & Bucks 139. Partou Kinderopvang 140. Pathé 141. Phisage Beauty & Wellness 142. Platform Beter Benutten 143. Projectorganisatie Zuidasdok 144. Property NL B.V. 145. Provast 146. Puramis Consultancy 147. Qbic Hotels 148. Q-Park Nederland 149. Rabobank A’dam Markt Zuid 150. RAI Amsterdam 151. Regus
152. Restaurant het Bosch 153. Restaurant Nine 154. RGA International Reinsurance 155. Rialto 156. Rivers 157. Rob Peetoom 158. Rocycle 159. Ronald McDonald Huis VUmc 160. Rosarium 161. RoyalCast 162. Russell Reynolds Associates 163. Savills Amsterdam 164. SCOR Global Life SE 165. Season-Flowers 166. Securitas 167. Simmons & Simmons LLP 168. Sixt 169. SLFMD Tailoring 170. Spa Sport Hotel Zuiver 171. Speakeasy Inc. 172. Spine Health Incompany 173. Spirit Hosting & Promotions 174. Stella Agency & Academy 175. Stibbe 176. St. Olympisch Stadion A’dam 177. Student Experience 178. Summertime 179. Sushilee 180. Sushi Time 181. Symphony’s 182. Taalcentrum - VU 183. Tandartsenpraktijk Van de Veer 184. Taylor Wessing 185. Tax Consultants International 186. Taxicentrale Amsterdam (TCA) 187. The Bank of New York Mellon 188. The Barn 189. The Basket 190. The Bikevertising Company 191. The Office Operators 192. The TailorMates 193. Thomaskerk Amsterdam 194. TopJobs Consultants 195. TREC 196. Tribes 197. Trigion 198. Triple Ace 199. Urban Salad 200. Van Dijk & Ten Cate 201. Van Gool Elburg 202. VEON 203. Vermaat Groep (CIRCL) 204. Vesteda 205. Visser Communicatie 206. Vistra 207. Von Poll Real Estate 208. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam 209. VU Medisch Centrum 210. VU University Press 211. Wagamama 212. Webster Leiden Campus 213. Wineboutique & Spirits 214. Wintertaling 215. Worldeye Amsterdam 216. WTC Amsterdam 217. WTC A’dam Business Club 218. WTCafé De Blauwe Engel 219. Xavier (Syntrus Achmea) 220. YoungCapital 221. Your Assistant 222. Zuidas Bier 223. Zuidas Publishers 224. Zuidas gemeente Amsterdam 225. ZuidPlus 226. ZuidasTravel.nl 227. Zuidschans 228. Zwaan II
COLOPHON FOUNDATION HELLO ZUIDAS Strawinskylaan 61, 1077 XW - Amsterdam, NL +31 (0)20 333 7441 servicepoint@hellozuidas.com www.hellozuidas.com www.facebook.com/hellozuidas www.twitter.com/hellozuidas Our goal With an excellent business climate, world-renowned educational institutions within reach, and leading companies in many sectors from many countries, the Zuidas has huge potential. The foundation Hello Zuidas contributes to the Zuidas by realizing a well functioning area. The goal is to promote a district that has international appeal, and high quality working and living conditions. Magazine Hello Zuidas is issued by Zuidas Publishers WTC Amsterdam Strawinskylaan 15 1077 XW Amsterdam +31 (0)20-3620993 info@zuidaspublishers.nl www.zuidaspublishers.nl Editor-in-chief Romy Lange Advertising Please send an e-mail to info@zuidaspublishers.nl for questions about advertising. Art Director and Graphic Designer Emiel Brouwers • IMAGEAU Translation Taalcentrum-VU Final Editor Ellen Josée Westrik Editors/contributors Romy Lange, Eefje van den Akker, Greg Shapiro, Debby Goossens, Property.nl, advocatie.nl, Jos Moerkamp and Maartje Oome. Photography: Cihan Turhan (cover) Davien Hulsman, Lotte de Graaf, Michael Graste & Mart Media Monster. Photography Davien Hulsman, Lotte de Graaf, Jelmer Jeuring, Wouter van Ierssel, Jesse Kraal and Ron Offermans. Editorial advisory board Olivier Otten, Merel de Groot, Kenneth Goedhart, Jos Moerkamp, Maartje Oome and Sasja Albersen Thanks to Ruth Jansen, Zuidas (Gemeente Amsterdam), Kroonenberg Groep, Maarsen Groep, Property.nl, Greg Shapiro, Zuidasdok, Financieele Dagblad, advocatie.nl, Savills, Spa Sport Hotel Zuiver, Crowne Plaza, Corporate Housing Factory, Clubsportive, The Office Operators, Bey, Ramón Mossel Makelaardij, Vesteda, BMW Amsterdam, Just2Match, GET LOST – art route, Wineboutique & Spirits, Von Poll Real Estate, Janke Dekker and Christiane Estrougie. Printed by MullerVisual Do you have a message for the editorial team or would you like to place an ad? Send us an e-mail at info@zuidaspublishers.nl. Print run each edition 20.000 copies Circulation Free for Zuidas. Each edition comprises 20.000 printed copies. It is be distributed by promo teams, loose circulation, HRM departments of companies within Zuidas to guarantee reaching the (sub) target groups of Zuidas, Amsterdam and Schiphol. Frequency Six times a year (bi-monthly) Copyright © 2018 Zuidas Publishers. All rights reserved. Nothing appearing in this magazine (information, pictures, images) may be copied or reproduced, in any manner whatsoever, unless explicit permission has been given in writing.
gelderlandplein.nl