HELLOZUIDAS.COM NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2020
52
‘My job is a great synthesis of hospitality, service and bricks-and-mortar real estate’
Mobility Special
DE FUTURE OF MOBILITY
Annelou de Groot
International Workplace Group (IWG)
NEW! HOW DO YOU LOOK TODAY? Chris Buijink about the CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
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THE NEXT ISSUE IS SCHEDULED FOR THE 4TH OF JANUARY
NOT AT HOME, BUT IN ZUIDAS IS WHERE THE STORIES ARE... This is the last issue of 2020, and what a
this pandemic has raised and what the
not-too-distant future? That would give us
strange year it’s been. Zuidas has been
future of the office market looks like.
all a tremendous boost.
powering through this crisis with courage
Fortunately, Annelou is anything but
and faith, however, and I’m glad to report
pessimistic about the years ahead. Though
Here’s hoping for a happy and healthy 2021
that interest in this magazine is as high
I’ve heard some friends claim they enjoy
- a year in which Zuidas booms as never
as ever. Even in times like these, I think
working from home, there’s a big group of
before and businesses can recoup their
people are thirsty for information about
people who miss the productive and social
losses. We’ll be back again next year with
our district and regard this magazine as the
life of the office. Personally, despite having
another six issues, packed with information
perfect medium for that. In any event, this
a nice workspace at home, I still prefer my
and news.
has turned out to be an extra-thick edition!
desk in the WTC. This is where I tap into my inspiration and it’s out here in Zuidas
Happy reading!
Gracing our cover is Annelou de Groot,
where all the stories are. Shouldn’t there
Romy Lange
director at International Workplace Group
be some way to create safe workspaces for
Editor-in-chief Hello Zuidas
(IWG). Annelou talked to us about issues
everyone in the district, preferably in the
r.lange@zuidaspublishers.nl
The coronavirus pandemic has changed our mobility habits. People are trying to reach Zuidas in different ways and at different times. And that’s opening up new opportunities for the future. In September, we signed a Declaration of Intent on an Employer Action Plan with partners including ABN AMRO, Loyens & Loeff and the Municipality of Amsterdam, setting out supplementary agreements and measures, aimed at securing access to Zuidas over the long term. Now, we’re calling on companies and organizations in the Amsterdam metro region to work with us to encourage a better spread of commuter travel. We’re excited to tell you more about mobility in this issue’s special feature. Olivier Otten, managing director of Hello Zuidas
•3
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Chef de Cuisine Raoul Meuwese and his team invite guests to enjoy the varied selection of dishes available in our restaurant Bridges, in Oriole and on our awarded Garden Terrace. Our traditional Dutch brown café, The Flying Dutchman, serves a wide assortment of Dutch and local Amsterdam beers and local delicacies, while our Library ‘Or’ is the ideal place to order The Grand Afternoon Tea. The Sotel SPA is the ideal place to unwind; pamper yourself with a beauty treatment or relax in our hammam or steambath after having had a few laps in our pool.
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam - Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197 - 1012 EX Amsterdam T +31(0)20 555 31 11 - www.sofitel-legend-thegrand.com
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CONTENTS 06 10
Coverstory Annelou de Groot Director at International Workplace Group (IWG) Building the Future - Zuidas Acquires an 86-metre high wooden tower - Zuidasdok build work island between the trakcs - Conservatorum comes to Beatrixpark
12 Hello Zuidas Members Meeting 14 Share #Zuidas Social Media 15 Column Greg Shapiro 16 Hello You Members Boat trip 19 Topsales Amsterdam Helping your business succeed in sales 20 Got a minute How was it for you when all the gums closed down? 22 Property Kavel 13: the plot between the EMA office and Van der Valk hotel
24 Finance Interview with Chris Buijink, president of the Dutch Banking Association 26 GoldRepublic and Nxchange Interview with Marleen Evertsz, founder of GoldRepublic and Nxchange 28 Sustainability News A greener Zuidas 30 Hello Zuidas Agenda 35 Yourgift A great business gift for a good cause 36 Mobility Special 39 Hely - the multimodal shared mobility provider for Dutch businesses 41 New at Motiv-E – Lease Plans 43 SIXT+ all-inclusive car- subscription doesn’t tie you down and gets you everywhere! 45 TCA TAXI - It’s time to join forces 46 Zuidas Mobility - What’s your name and what to do you do at the city of Amsterdam? 49 How do you look today? With Miranda van Commenée, Stylist & Personal Shopper
50 Legal News An interview with Sandra Spek, new General Manager at Baker McKenzie’s 53 De Hypotheker Honest and transparent in the quest for your dream home 54 Striking a better balance An interview with Sharon Dijksma, chair of the Amsterdam Transport Authority, and Patrick Van Oppen, partner at Loyens & Loeff 56 Alnylam New hub for cutting-edge biotech 58 Architecture Hourglass 60 Interview An interview with Pauline BottemaSanders, chair of the Supervisory Board at Hello Zuidas 62 Facility Management Platform A green walk 64. New Members Hello Zuidas welcomes the new members 66 Memo Board
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
ANNELOU DE GROOT • INTERNATIONAL WORKPLACE GROUP (IWG)
‘My job is a great synthesis of hospitality, service and bricks-and-mortar real estate’ Annelou de Groot, director at International Workplace Group (IWG) Telework from home, or go in to the office? Never before has this topic been so hot – or so relevant. The ongoing pandemic has given rise to new questions and a slew of changes in recent months. Nevertheless, Annelou de Groot, director at International Workplace Group, isn’t worried about the future of the office market. ‘These times call for flexibility, and flexibility’s part of our core business.’ What does your job involve?
Spaces and The Office Operators. Each one has
‘I’m one of the directors at International Workplace
its own identity, and I assess which brand best fits
Group’s Dutch office and in charge of the group’s
a given location. Besides leasing, I also work on
expansion in the Netherlands. We’re a worldwide
acquisitions and look at how we can take over or
supplier of flexible workplace solutions, with an
approach other players. Our third path to growth is
endless range of services. That last element is really
our franchise division, in which franchise partners
in my DNA. I studied at Hotelschool Maastricht and
open their own locations. We give them guidelines
also worked in retail. The customer experience and
for a brand’s look and feel and the services they’ve
hospitality really matter to me. It was through a
got to offer. We’re still growing our franchise
work placement that I wound up in real estate, and
market in the Netherlands and are aiming to roll
I never looked back. For me, this world is a great
out to smaller cities. That’s because an increasing
synthesis of hospitality and service, combined with
number of people want to work closer to home,
bricks-and-mortar real estate.’
and the pandemic has kicked this transition up a notch. Companies can rent small, flexible
IWG’s mission is sustainable growth.
office workspaces in one of our many locations
What does that look like?
throughout the country, allowing their staff work
‘In my role, the primary focus is on “growth”.
closer to home.’
Demand for flexible office space is growing globally and the pandemic has accelerated that.
How have these past
To meet that demand, I’m principally concerned
few months been for you?
with three activities. The first is leasing buildings
‘Incredibly intense, for sure! But I’m so proud of how
and adapting them to fit our product. In the
fast our organization has been able to pivot. By the
Netherlands, we work with three brands: Regus,
third day we had a COVID desk that customers all
Text Nicole Pak • Photography Michael Graste
•7
ANNELOU DE GROOT
over the world could contact whenever they had
scale up or down depending on the day. Offering
questions or problems. We also set up task forces
that flexibility is very important to us.’
to sort out everything in-house. With lessors, we looked at how to make all the spaces safe so they
Lots of research is being done on commuter
could continue to be used responsibly.’
flows at the moment. What’s your take on that? ‘We’re the only operator in the world that
8•
What’s your perspective on the future, also
believes every mid-size or even small town
based on your responsibility for growth?
should have its own working space. Wherever
‘In the short term, it is affecting us. Some of our
people live, people also want to work. That’s
centres are all meeting rooms, for instance, so
why we’re also in towns like Roermond and
little is happening there at the moment. But over
Enschede. If you’ve got your office there while
the mid and longer term, our product will grow.
headquartered in Amsterdam, you don’t have to
We’re convinced that the trends we were seeing
commute daily, and might go to the head office
pre-crisis will only be speeding up. People no
only once or twice a week. That would really
longer have to work at their head office every day
help relieve pressure on the public transport
to achieve maximum results. One or two days a
and road networks, especially since corporate
week suffices to feed social connections and a
organizations are in a position to tell their
sense of community. People may work from home
employees, “take your employee ID and check in
a couple days a week and otherwise opt for spaces
at a spot that’s convenient to you, wherever you
closer to home. Added to that, companies are in a
want to work.” We believe in a deep, widespread
state of uncertainty. For them, it’s preferable not
network that’s not limited to Amsterdam,
to be bound by lengthy contracts, and we let them
Rotterdam, Antwerp, Brussels and Paris.’
NO MEMBERSHIP costs till st january 1
OFFER VALID fROM OCTOBER 15th until November 15th
BUILDING THE FUTURE
ZUIDAS ACQUIRES AN 86-METRE HIGH WOODEN TOWER Zuidas acquires another eyecatcher. Under the authority of
seen from the Parnassusweg. A sight line that urban planners are
listed commercial property investor NSI, Dam & Partners
already feasting on, also thanks to the inclined surfaces at the top
Architecten designed an 86-metre high office building, one
and bottom of the building.
of the highest wooden office buildings in the world. BRING TO LIFE LOCATION
The plot on which the tower will be built now consists of a
The building will be located at what will soon become a very
grass pitch and a pedestrian access to the underground car
prominent location: at the end of the new Maurice Ravellaan, for
park, meant for users of the adjacent building. ‘Together with
which the first activities have already taken off and along which
Dam & Partners we tried to give substance to this location, in
the new residential district Ravel will be built. The lane extends
line with Zuidas’, says Sten Karelse, Head of Development at
from the Gustav Mahlerlaan. Hence, soon the wooden tower can be
NSI. ‘The entire area east of the Antonio Vivaldistraat is under
10 •
BUILDING THE FUTURE
Zuidasdok builds work island between the tracks We are in the process of preparing the construction of two roof sections for the additional entrance to Amsterdam Zuid station. The work will be done development, especially with the arrival of EMA and the Van der
demand for modern, comfortable, sustainable offices, in Zuidas
Valk hotel. We are keen to help bring this area to life.’
especially, will remain. With a foreseen start of construction in
SUSTAINABLE AND HEALTHY BUILDING
between two metro tracks.
Amsterdam Zuidas Information Centre Central Hall, WTC +31 (0)800 5065 contact@zuidas.nl www.zuidas.nl zuidas @zuidasamsterdam
2022, we have time to evaluate in what way the economy, the
From the location of the work, it’s
sand and become the work site where
as possible to the final location. For
offices market, and the user demand evolve in the time to come.’
difficult to imagine that there will soon
we’ll build the second roof section.’ This
the two roof sections that we’re now
be two sheets of concrete 70 m long, 6 m
second section will be beneath railway
building between the metro tracks, the
In all aspects, this will be a sustainable building. The building technique is sustainable, the materials are sustainable and
PUBLIC AREAS
wide and 2 m thick. In order to be able to
track 4. So, when both are completed,
advantage is that they don’t need to be
optimally reusable. The ambition is, therefore, to obtain the
The wooden building will have a gross floor surface of 22,000
build two roof sections simultaneously
we’ll push them southwards.
taken across the A10 to be inserted. Of
highest sustainability certificate BREEAM-NL Outstanding. It
square metres – by default, the floors will have a gross floor
on the work island, the ZuidPlus
should also become a healthy building for the people who work
surface of approximately 1,100 square metres, but the ground
construction consortium, which is
BUILDING IN THE
space. But that applies to nearly all
there. ‘We pay ample attention to the indoor climate – which
floor will be smaller. Between 500 and 3,200 square metres of
carrying out the work, had to come up
FINAL LOCATION
aspects of the Zuidasdok project.
was not a priority in many offices. For the interior we do not use
the floor surface will consist of publicly accessible areas. ‘The
with an ingenious idea. This is because
In early November 2019, we inserted
materials that give rise to toxicity. This comfortable work climate
bottom layers will have public facilities and flexible workplaces.
there is no room for two work sites next
the first roof section of the additional
AUGUST 2021
contributes to the wellbeing of the users. The top of the building
The idea behind the design is that the public space outdoors
to each other. The solution: the first
passenger tunnel, the Brittenpassage,
If everything runs smoothly, there will be
will have a roof terrace with trees and other greenery. The natural
and the public areas indoors complement each other. That is
sheet of concrete will soon become the
into position. This work was done from
one roof section of the Brittenpassage
and inspiring environment combined with our services ensures
why we reduced the footprint a bit more compared to the floors
work site for the second sheet. Vergouw:
Arnold Schönberglaan. The roof had
beneath railway track 4 and one beneath
that they can work as productively as possible. This is in keeping
above it. An identically inclined surface can be found at the top
‘In October 2020, we will start work on
to be lifted diagonally across the A10
metro track 1 by the morning of Monday,
with the changing need of users, which centres on space-as-a-
of the building, with which we give it its specific character.’ The
the roof section that will be beneath
and the railway tracks. The roof of the
23 August 2021. By then, three sections
service. We are well aware of the challenges on the market in the
definitive design is expected to become available in the second
metro track 1. When that is completed,
Brittenpassage will consist of a total of
of the roof of the Brittenpassage will be
short term. However, we still believe that in the long term the
quarter of 2021.
it will be covered by a protective layer of
seven sections. We’re building as close
in position, with another four to go.
Text Jos Moerkamp • Photography Marcel Steinbach • Artist Impression Dam & Partners Architects
• 11
course, the disadvantage is the limited
BUILDING THE FUTURE
CONSERVATORIUM COMES TO BEATRIXPARK
The Conservatorium van Amsterdam music academy is set to open an annex
Chapel & Convict buildings. Marleen
in Beatrixpark in Zuidas, in the Kapel & Convict (Chapel & Convict) buildings.
Munniksma, Chair of the Munisami
The City of Amsterdam and Amsterdam School of the Arts have signed a
Association of Friends of Beatrixpark:
contract to this effect.
‘The Association of Friends of
Continuing focus on further reinforcing ties with Zuidas
Beatrixpark board members were able
On 28 September the Hello Zuidas team met with its members to discuss the
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
On 7 October 2019 the two parties
terraces with views overlooking the
to contribute ideas for the development
impact of COVID-19 on Zuidas. Recent months saw many organizations busy
ALSO CHANGING
signed a letter of intent. The
park. The operator is not yet known.
of a design. We believe it’s important for
with plans and protocols to align their business operations with the measures.
That search for new ways to organize
the atmosphere and experience of the
What has this period been like for them? And what’s their outlook on the future?
space inside buildings is familiar to Ton
Kapel & Convict buildings because it
WHAT LOCAL RESIDENTS WANT
park, as it is now, to be maintained and
With contributions from RAI Amsterdam, ABN AMRO, VU Amsterdam, Maarsen
Boon, development director at Maarsen
has outgrown its current location at
The provisional design takes account
enhanced.’
Groep and the Municipality of Amsterdam.
Groep (involved in the development of
Oosterdok. The teaching will take place
of the wishes of local residents and
in Convict, where there will also be
stakeholders as well as the historic
OPENING IN 2022
FLEXIBILITY IN
employees working from home. ‘This
House and others). ‘There’s a chance
practice rooms. Kapel will have a small
value of the Kapel & Convict buildings
In the months ahead, we will be working
OFFICE BUILDINGS
major change in capacity needs is giving
the coronavirus crisis will effect a lasting
concert hall, where classical and other
and use of the park. A feasibility study
on the definitive design, in order to
ABN AMRO was one of the pioneers
us a lot to think about’, said Petran van
change on residential design, for example
public concerts will be held throughout
was conducted in 2019, followed
ensure that construction can begin
in what is now Zuidas. Before the
Heel, Construction and Real Estate Sector
making spaces for work and study a
the year. The catering facilities, to
by intensive collaboration between
in the summer of 2021, if everything
coronavirus outbreak, more than 6,000
banker at ABN AMRO. ‘Offices in Zuidas
standard part of home floor plans.’ The
be based in Kapel, will be public and
the Conservatorium, Zuidas, the
goes to plan. The Conservatorium is
people worked at its headquarters
aren’t expected to shrink, but many office
trend to convert office buildings into
accessible to students, visitors and
Association of Friends of Beatrixpark
then scheduled to move in a year later,
on Gustav Mahlerplein. The situation
tenants are now having to rethink their
apartments won’t affect Zuidas any time
local residents. There will also be two
and people living close to the existing
during the summer of 2022.
is rather different now, with most
setup both internally and externally.’
soon – there’s still so much building land
Conservatorium wants to move to the
Text Jos Moerkamp • Photography Jan Vonk
the Hourglass, Gershwin Brothers, Noma
12 •
Photography Marcel Steinbach
up for grabs. Zuidas has added quite a
even further with the arrival of a new
KEEPING EVERYONE ENGAGED
lot of residential stock recently and
theatre, cinema and Sapiens. All these
Municipalities, which are used to thinking
that trend is set to continue. Right now,
things will help draw local residents to this
in the long term, are practically trained
the main opportunities are in building
important knowledge institution in their
to look beyond a crisis. Nevertheless,
affordable housing.’
city district.’
the immediate impact of this crisis on people’s lives is tremendous. ‘Aside from
2021: STRONGER LINK VU
DIVERSITY AND
the economic impact, there’s also a
AMSTERDAM WITH CITY DISTRICT
VIBRANCY OF ZUIDAS
societal impact. People who live alone
Education providers all over the country
More active involvement with both
are having an incredibly tough time right
have also been called upon to be more
Amsterdam and Zuidas are an ambition
now’, noted David van Traa, director of
flexible in recent months, VU Amsterdam
for RAI Amsterdam, as well. Pauline
the Zuidas Amsterdam Development
in Zuidas among them. Josja van
Bottema-Sanders, general counsel at RAI
Office. ‘While young people often live
der Veer, director of VU Amsterdam’s
Amsterdam and newly appointed chair of
in groups, elderly people living alone
Facilities Campus Organization and
the Hello Zuidas Foundation’s Supervisory
are more likely to become isolated by
Supervisory Board chair for the Hello
Board, highlighted the huge impact that
the instructions to stay at home. The
Zuidas Foundation, has seen how big
business generated by RAI has on the
municipality is doing everything possible
the impact of mandatory measures has
city as a whole. ‘Whenever there was
to keep engaging these people.’
been on university students and staff.
a big international event at RAI, hotels
‘Alongside the switch to digital teaching,
would be booked solid all the way down
That’s precisely why injecting more life
VU Amsterdam is focused on the wellbeing
to Den Bosch. Impact on that scale is a
into the district and creating appealing
of these groups. The campus is a place
powerhouse for employment, especially for
public spaces are objectives that are more
where people congregate and everyone is
hotel and restaurant bookings.’
urgent now than ever. The area’s ongoing
missing that togetherness. On-site teaching
shift from high-end to more accessible is
will continue, but for the moment most
How else could RAI leverage its knowledge
a welcome change. Also sure to help are
students will stay at home.’
and capacities for Amsterdam, and
plans for the city’s music conservatory to
particularly Zuidas, in the future? ‘The
move to Beatrixpark.
The VU Campus is continuing to develop,
answer lies in opportunities for its
with a new research and lab centre set to
commercial spaces, offices around the
open soon. ‘This is fundamental to shaping
complex and logistics. These are areas
Want to join Hello Zuidas? Contact us
Zuidas as an Innovation District. In 2021,
where RAI can continue to contribute to
at servicepoint@hellozuidas.com to
the link between VU Amsterdam and
the future diversity of district users and the
find out about membership options!
Zuidas as a district will be strengthened
vibrancy of Zuidas.’
• 13
SOCIAL MEDIA
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hellozuidas
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Download the Hello Zuidas City App Hello Zuidas has an app that allows you to flip through all the Zuidas news!
14 •
COLUMN
For Greg’s final column in Hello Zuidas, he wrote an entire new book. The following is an excerpt from Shapiro’s third book THE AMERICAN NETHERLANDER: 25 Years of Expat Tales, available from 11 November.
Have a happy SINTERKLAAS SEASON… ‘Don’t tell me what to do!’ Dutch culture is famous for its pragmatic solutions to thorny social
I realize there are still Dutch people who find this topic to be
problems. …And then there’s Zwarte Piet. The Black Pete debate
upsetting. As Zwarte Piet fans continue to point out, the original
has created something like a ‘Dutch culture war.’ As for me, I must
Sinterklaas was not even Dutch. Saint Nicholas came from Myra in
say I respect the historical significance of Zwarte Piet. It’s part of
Turkey. And if Sinterklaas’ boat is supposed to come from Spain,
a historical through-line known as ‘Don’t tell me what to do!’ The
then the dark-skinned Spaniards aboard are Moors, as in ‘from
‘Don’t tell me what to do’ mentality goes all the way back to the
Morocco.’ So – however you feel about Zwarte Piet – don’t forget
Spanish Revolution. (And it’s still on display by wait staff in many
that the biggest holiday of the Dutch calendar is actually being run
Dutch restaurants.)
by a Turkish guy and a bunch of Moroccans.
In 2013, the UN’s Verene Shepherd referred to the tradition of Zwarte Piet as ‘colonial.’ She demanded that the Netherlands drop the entire Sinterklaas tradition in favor of Christmas – a demand which is by definition ‘colonial.’ The Dutch backlash to Shepherd’s statement was intense! It was a perfect example of Dutch ‘Don’t tell me what to do!’ She may as well have said, “From now on, you all have to be Catholic.” But then in 2020, Prime Minister Rutte told parliament: “I have met many people with dark skin, who said they feel discriminated against because Zwarte Piet is Black. And that is the last thing that we want during the Sinterklaas celebrations.” Apparently, #BlackLivesMatter protests really do work. Before 2020, Mark Rutte’s attitude was: “I thought we exported all our racism to America when we sold them the slaves.”
Gregory Shapiro (b.1968) is the author of How to be Dutch: The Quiz and the voice of Trump on ‘Zondag Met Lubach.’ In 2020 he celebrates 25 years as corporate speaker and host. And his mini-show ‘How NOT to Zoom’ is now available for a 5-minute guest appearance in your next videoconference. www.gregshapiro.nl
Photography Jaiwey Nuij
• 15
PUBLIC SPACE
GOT A
MINUTE? Working out and playing sports is a daily activity for many, and an active lifestyle helps people feel fitter and more comfortable in their skin. Physical exercise also has a proven ability to relax us and even reduce stress. So it was a rude awakening for many people when all the sports clubs and gyms shut their doors in mid-March. Exercising at home or outdoors were the only options left. We asked a few sporty types what recent months have been like for them.
MARY VAN DER ZEE (51) Manager at Evi Operations Likes to work out at Clubsportive ‘It was a nightmare for me when the gyms closed, because I work out five times a week. It was a tough adjustment. I have a personal trainer and we arranged to work out outdoors twice a week. With the lovely spring weather, it was great to train in Beatrixpark and around Zuidas. I found out that with creativity, natural obstacles like stairs and low walls, a pair of boxing gloves and a yoga matt, you can get a complete workout being outdoors. I started going back to the gym in the meantime, also because it motivates me to work out with other people around. But I’m still doing workouts outdoors, too, because I really enjoyed it.’
SHOROMBO MOOIJ (36) Life & health coach Likes to work out outdoors ‘I work out a lot, but when everything closed I didn’t mind it too much. I adapt easily and pretty soon had a new routine. In fact, I decided I’ve come out of this crisis stronger and fitter than ever. I ran with resistance bands and sometimes with boxing gloves in my rucksack. I used to do obstacle runs, so the whole city is a race course for me. Also, Boogieland hung up bags all over the city, so I planned my runs to be able to box a few rounds along the way. Now I’m attending favourite gyms again and feel totally safe there. I’ve been investing in my health for years, my immune system’s in peak form, and I’m strong and fit, so I don’t belong to a high-risk group.’
16 •
PUBLIC SPACE
MEREDITH OVERMAN (30) Promovenda at Maastricht University & Amsterdam UMC, locatie VUmc Likes to work out at Rocycle ‘Through Onefit I had a couple of favourite spots I went at least twice a week. It was strange at first when everything closed, but I shifted gears quickly and began working out outside a lot. I’d go to a green patch with a family member or friend, taking along kettlebells and dynabands. I also went walking with my boyfriend during the lockdown, and the great thing is we’re still doing that. I’m back at my favourite fitness clubs again now, and with the measures they’ve taken I feel absolutely safe!’
JOEY SINGELS (32) Online entrepreneur, owner of VoetbalPrimeur.nl Likes to work out at AFC ‘When everything shut down, it wiped out a huge chunk of my daily
padel. You might say the sports routine has gotten even busier. At AFC
routine. Ever since I was five, I spent at least four days a week at the
I actually feel safer than in lots of other places. On arriving, you’ve
AFC pitches, so I lost both the intensity and the relaxation of sports
got to scan a QR code to leave your details and there’s also someone
in one fell swoop. During the pandemic, a group of us got hooked on
in the clubhouse to make sure everyone’s behaving themselves.
padel, a big hype that’s a cross between tennis and squash. Now we’re
Otherwise, we have to wait till everything’s allowed again, because
back to playing football again, thankfully, but we’re also still playing
the whole big social and teambuilding element is gone.’
• 17
PROPERTY
Property
#UPDATE
It may sound unlikely, but on the plot between the EMA office and Van der Valk hotel, just south of the A10 motorway, there is room for an office building with a gross floor area of 30,000 square metres. ‘It will be a while yet, but preparations are already underway’, says Jaap Brouwer, senior urban planning designer for the City of Amsterdam. Architectural forms
of the building will be set off slightly from the A10, creating space for
We can look forward to another eye-catcher off the motorway. A
a low-rise section (18 metres high). ‘How exactly that will be fleshed
building of which the architecture is fundamentally different from
out depends on market demand and the creativity of parties that
everything that’s already here, says Brouwer. ‘We’re aiming for a
submit bids to develop this plot’, Brouwer adds.
nice diversity of architectural forms – something that’s distinct from the Cross Towers where EY has its offices, from the EMA
City vista
headquarters and from the beautiful tour-de-force at Van der Valk.’
Although it will be some time before it’s completed, a good
Planned to rise a towering 85 metres, the new building is actually
deal of thought has already gone into the development of this
most striking for its width, with an elongated shape. The taller part
plot, also known as ‘Kavel 13’. The tower section will have an
18 •
PROPERTY
unimpeded view towards the city, though without blocking that
the zoning plan is to allow an additional 20,000 square metres GFA
of EMA staff. Logistics will be routed via the road parallel to the
for offices over and above what had earlier been provided for. This
motorway (Spoorslag), similar to EY’s Cross Towers. The entry to
proposed change has been published, so members of the public
a slated two-level underground car park will also be accessible
can submit their input now. If all goes to schedule, the zoning plan is
from this road. ‘A little inside fact is that parking spaces have
ready to be presented to the municipal council for a vote by March
already been set aside here for the EMA. Because of the rush to
2021. After that, the preparatory work will continue, but actual
build the EMA office, there was no time to dig a parking garage
construction won’t start until 2024 at the earliest.’
there as well’, Brouwer explains.
Green rooftops and solar panels Public amenities
The amended zoning plan for Kavel 13 will also incorporate rules
The new building is meant to bring more life to Domenico
on sustainability, says Van Buuren. ‘These sustainability obligations
Scarlattilaan. The arrival of the EMA and Van der Valk have already
will be laid down in a document, setting out the extended scope of
started the ball rolling. ‘We’ve made sizeable investments in public
the zoning plan. For instance, there’ll be a ruling that the building
space around the EMA office’, Brouwer continues, ‘and the new
has to achieve a sustainability rating of BREEAM Excellent at the
building will tie in nicely with that. In addition, the building’s ground
very least, as well as requirements for things like waste collection
floor won’t be allocated to offices, but to public amenities such as
inside the building, green roofing and solar panels.’
small retailers and food outlets. So the upper floors will be oriented towards the city, the lower part towards the street level’, is how
Further developments
Brouwer sums up the philosophy.
Brouwer expects the Vivaldi subdistrict to become much more closely intertwined with Zuidas than it is now. ‘So many things
Zoning plan changes
are poised to happen. The wooden office tower, which you can
Amanda van Buuren is the project’s legal expert and says Kavel 13
see when you look up Gustav Mahlerlaan from Parnassusweg,
is unusual in this respect, as well. The zoning plan for this Vivaldi
and the child-friendly Ravel neighbourhood extending off the end
subdistrict was first drawn up in 2016 and has to be amended for this
of Mahlerlaan. These developments will really change the whole
project. According to Van Buuren, ‘One important change relative to
character of this part of Zuidas.’
Photography Marcel Steinbach & Yourcaptain
• 19
FINANCE
Finance News
#INTERVIEW From the outset of the coronavirus outbreak, banks have been ready to help clients
euros. That’s in addition to the government
through these uncertain times. The Dutch Banking Association, or NVB, was set
assistance packages. Regular credit to
up to promote the interests of the banks in the Netherlands. Measures being taken
businesses will continue as well, which is
now to combat the pandemic are having a sweeping economic impact. Hello Zuidas
rather unusual in times of crisis. And we’ve
caught up with Chris Buijink, president of the Dutch Banking Association, to talk
been rigging all this up from home. It may
about the coronavirus crisis and its effects.
be quiet in Zuidas, but it’s buzzing on the digital superhighway!’
What role may the NVB play
discussions with the Dutch administration
during the coronavirus crisis?
on adapting existing programmes, like the
The NVB has been issuing
‘Back in March, banks had already decided
Credit guarantee for SMEs and Corporate
coronavirus monitors. What are they
to support businesses whose operations
financing guarantee to the coronavirus
exactly, and who are they for?
were hit by the outbreak. Banks offered six
crisis. This led to the adoption of our
‘We wanted to show the extent to which
months’ deferment on outstanding loan
proposal to create a Small credit guarantee
banks are giving businesses some slack to
repayments. The NVB was also involved in
for SMEs, providing loans up to 50,000
weather the crisis. The 2 October monitor
20 •
FINANCE
shows banks have financed approximately 25 billion euros so far. The monitor is also something of a gauge of how companies are doing. You can see, for example, that use of the government guarantee schemes has been limited up to now, signalling that government measures like the continued payment of wages under the NOW programme (Temporary Emergency Measure for the Preservation of Jobs) and tax deferments are having the intended effect. But we also realize this may still change in the time to come. Banks are ready for stormy weather.’
The pandemic is raising pressure on banks because of the additional loans they’re giving out and the loans business owners won’t be able to repay. Is deferred repayment giving businesses some financial oxygen? ‘Banks are doing everything possible in this crisis to support customers, businesses and consumers alike. That’s a lot, but they can’t rescue everybody. The assistance is meant for businesses that are fundamentally healthy and can be expected to recover
CHRIS BUIJINK
after the crisis. Additional loans are approved only where justifiable and if the bank expects the business can repay in time.’
What’s your outlook on the future of the economy? ‘The future of the economy is closely tied to how this virus
The banks have remained stable in this crisis.
progresses and the development of a vaccine. From an economic
But are their buffers large enough if it lasts a long time?
vantage point, we need to do all we can to avoid a second
‘It’s a blessing that banks were strong early on in this crisis. Buffers
lockdown, which would have many negative effects on businesses
have been substantially enlarged in recent years, and we’ve worked
and so also on employees. In parallel with that, we have to keep
with public and regulatory authorities to forge a robust financial
working on the tremendous challenge to green our economy.
system, so banks that run into trouble won’t have to be propped up
As I see it, the new cabinet will play a major role in formulating
with taxpayer money. EU Banking Union measures have ensured
clear transition paths for sectors. The cabinet’s investment plan
banks can keep themselves afloat. That’s not to say banks won’t
also presents opportunities to get large-scale infrastructure and
also incur losses in this crisis. There is a big credit risk – the risk that
sustainability projects off the ground, especially now. All in all, the
businesses can’t repay their debt. Banks can cope, but a prolonged
future’s very uncertain, and it’s not going to be easy. It will test in
crisis will impact on all aspects of our economy; that’s unavoidable.’
how far companies and individuals, all of us, can adjust our course.’
• 21
HELLO YOU
Oliver Otten, Danielle Weeling & Calvin Choi
StrandZuid
Pamela Peetoom, Berend Bouwman, Jan van den Brosch & Rik Hoogendoorn
Marie- Christine Lodewijk & Secile Smits van Oyen
Stefan Titus, Sanne Stoeltie-Koort & Marc Beers
Ingrid Buis & Saja van Hoogwaarden
Tom van Wijngaarden & Wendy Leenes
Rosanne Kloosterman & Myra Koperdraat
Marius Drissen, Fouad Benaya, Oliver Otten, Lydia van den Wildenberg & Angela Ham
Sabine Hofwijks & Maurice van der Kroft
Bart Dignum & Laurens Visser
Marianne van Dort & Zoe Swensson
Patrick Brinkhof & Madhuwe Changoer
Kjeld Oostera & Angelo Verhoeven
Paul van Maarschalkerwaart
22 •
HELLO YOU
Diederik Vermeulen & Felice van der dussen
Ieke Tromp & Jacco Boekel
Abdessamed Azarfane
Bas te Loo, Daan Ruitenbeek, Olivier Otten, Peter Leupold & Nicolette Bosgieter
Kevin van Grondelle
Annemiek Groot
MEMBERS BOAT TRIP THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER Once a year Hello Zuidas sets up a boat trip for its members. Food and Lotte Holander
drinks were served, and shoulders
Darios Agianniotakis & Maurits Nyst
were rubbed - proverbially, of course. This year, our Hello Zuidas members were divided over three boats to ensure that everyone had enough space to observe social distancing. Ain’t no party like a safe party! Michael Schut & Ferry Schouten
Fokke Faber
Photography Michael Graste
Jane Goorden & Anniek Spekking
Jan van den Bosch
Stefan Vernooij
• 23
H Y D E P A R K
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW H Y D E PA R K I S H E R E . C O M
“Your house is your home” Apartments from € 359.500,-
TOPSALES AMSTERDAM:
helping your business succeed in sales Topsales Amsterdam is a sales consultancy and training company that helps clients improve their sales. By providing strategic advice, training and coaching, owner Lotte Lobé helps B2B businesses and their sales teams succeed in sales.
LOTTE LOBÉ
ABOUT TOPSALES AMSTERDAM
successful in sales your interest should be in
related data and services to financial
Clients come to Topsales Amsterdam
helping your client succeed. This goes much
institutions such as ABN AMRO and Deutsche
with sales-related challenges or goals. For
further than providing them your products
bank. Eventually, Lotte took the plunge and
example: ‘How can we attract new clients?
and services.’
started Topsales Amsterdam. Lotte is also a
Can you help us set up sales processes and
sales keynote speaker and shares daily sales
strategies? Can you help us train and coach
ABOUT LOTTE
tips on social media. In June 2020, Lotte
our sales team?’ Topsales Amsterdam can
With a proactive approach to life from a
was named a ‘top 10 female sales coach’ by
assist with all aspects surrounding B2B sales-
young age, Lotte Lobé began her sales
Yahoo Finance.
related processes. Topsales Amsterdam’s
journey at 17, selling lottery tickets through
training and processes dive a lot deeper
cold calling. She progressed through
into selling than ‘features and benefits’ in a
university and the corporate world in
TOPSALES AMSTERDAM
sales script. Lotte explains: ‘In order to be
London, where she sold fixed-income-
+31 (0)6 55 77 30 11
Salestips from Lotte
info@topsalesamsterdam.com www.topsalesamsterdam.com Follow Lotte from Topsales on
1. Hunting and farming
2. A Topsales mindset
3. Smile and dial
Don’t forget your existing client
Is it worth it to invest in your people’s
Sending messages online to target new
base while on the hunt for new
mindset? We think so! Sales professionals
clients is easy, but those messages are also
business. They’re the reason you’re
with a strong mindset generate 37% more
way too easy to ignore. A phone call is still
in business at all.
sales and ensure long-term performance.
one of the most effective ways to create a first connection and transfer your enthusiasm!
Photography Lotte de Graaf
• 25
NEXT GENERATION CAPITAL MARKETS Interview with Marleen Evertsz, founder of GoldRepublic and Nxchange
A nerd – that’s how Marleen Evertsz would describe herself. ‘I love to spend all day on developing innovative fintech applications. That’s what gives me the greatest satisfaction. There is such amazing technology available and development is going so fast. Combining that with our existing regulatory framework creates endless solutions.’
MARLEEN EVERTSZ
SAFE INVESTMENTS
helped GoldRepublic to become the first ever
That’s what Evertsz did in 2010 with GoldRepublic.
provider of precious metals to be licensed by the
She made it possible for anyone to invest in physical
Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets, in 2010.
gold. ‘Of course, you can go to any bank to buy, and
26 •
invest in gold, but 99% of the banks can’t allocate
ACCESSIBILITY
a bar number to you. This means that you are not
After the launch and success of GoldRepublic,
the owner of a physical bar, but that you are owner
Evertsz kept thinking about how she could
of a pool of gold that is on the balance sheet of a
develop financial products more accessible to
third party.’, says Evertsz.‘ ‘This has a whole different
the broader public. That’s when Evertsz decided
risk level and is not transparent. My main reason for
to establish the fully regulated digital exchange
starting GoldRepublic was what we all learned after
named Nxchange. Nxchange is based on the same
2008: that safe investments aren’t that safe after
principle as GoldRepublic, but with a wide array
all. I wanted to buy and own the physical asset – in
of products in which people can invest. Evertsz
this case gold – and store it in a vault somewhere,
explains: ‘We are constantly working on how we
outside of the financial system. After all, you buy
can finance products and projects in such a way
gold for when things go wrong.’ This philosophy
that it fits within the investment mandate of the
institutional investors, and at the same time offer
Investments in sustainability often concerns new
the investment opportunity to the broader public.’
technology or new companies. It is precisely by using our platforms, permits and creativity that we
An example is the issuance of two green bonds
can come up with something to finance difficult,
on Nxchange, whereby fourteen solar parks are
but necessary projects in sustainability. Then offer
financed. The total issue amount is Eur 22 mln.
these new financing structures to investors and
GOLDREPUBLIC
The largest part of this issuance will be financed
make them as accessible as possible. Arranging
+31 (0)20 794 60 21
by an institutional investor and a small amount
everything down to the last detail. That’s what I
www.goldrepublic.nl
will be offered to retail investors, which, according
love,” says Evertsz with an enthusiastic smile.
NXCHANGE
to Evertsz, is a typical Nxchange investment opportunity.
‘Of course, I’m pleased and it’s great when it’s all
www.nxchange.com
up and running. But it’s the way to that point that
+31 (0)20 240 43 60
FUTURE PLANS
interests me the most. By the time we pop the
Sustainability is paramount at Nxchange. I think
champagne, and celebrate with our team when we
Herengracht 450
we’re able to make a very interesting contribution
have reached our goals, I can’t help but being with
1017 CA Amsterdam
in the future of financing sustainable projects.’
my head in the next upcoming challenge.’
Text Eefje van den Akker • Photography Jaiwey Huij
• 27
SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABILITY NEWS
A greener Zuidas
It’s no secret anymore that green spaces are vital to the quality of urban living. Plants help purify the air, soak up rainwater, keep the city cool and offer homes for birds and insects. And that’s to say nothing of the effects plants have on people! In urban environments like Amsterdam’s Zuidas, there’s less room for planting, so it’s important to green other parts of the district too. GREEN ROOFS One place with tonnes of potential space is Zuidas’ rooftops – offering as much as 180,000m2! Green Business Club Zuidas, Waternet and the Zuidas Amsterdam Development Office have a shared ambition to install 25,000m2 in water-retaining green rooftops in the district. With about 30% covered so far, there are still quite a few square metres left to go. That’s why GBC Zuidas, Loyens & Loeff, Waternet, the Zuidas Amsterdam Development Office and DGBC last year organized a dinner for property owners, developers and managers to tell them about the benefits of green roofing. Interested in joining the Green Roof Diner of 2021? Please let us know: zuidas@greenbusinessclub.nl. The City of Amsterdam and Waternet have also agreed on incorporating water-retaining green roofs in area development plans, in the form of water-neutral and wildlife-inclusive building envelopes. This has already led to the inclusion of green rooftops on many buildings, including VU Amsterdam’s new research building, the EMA building and The George.
28 •
SUSTAINABILITY
VERTICAL GARDENS A new trend is vertical gardening. Buildings’ exterior façades offer a vast amount of space for greenery, and there are lots of indoor options, too. The circular pavilion at ABN AMRO is a prime example. Part of the façade has a vertical garden, creating an attractive biotope for butterflies, bees and birds. This vertical garden was built from a Cradle to Cradle façade system consisting of modules that can easily be taken apart and reused. The new EMA building also boasts a green wall, in the lobby. This spectacular feature is 21 metres wide and 60 metres high and made up of 52,000 plants. They filter the air, improve air humidity and that translates to more creative and less stressed staff.
MORE GREENERY Another brilliant example is the vertical greenhouse at RAI Amsterdam’s Amtrium. This 30m2 vertical urban veg patch grows produce for the kitchens of the RAI restaurant and The Roast Room. The greenhouse also helps with air circulation. To promote planting in the city, the City of Amsterdam has made a number of subsidies available, including one for green roofs and façades and another for blue green roofs in Amsterdam. These can cover up to a respective 50% and 75% of the investment, depending on total costs. What a great incentive for a greener Zuidas!
Lotte Gottschal is communication- and projectmanager for Green Business Club Zuidas, a organization that has businesses cooperating 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: lotte@greenbusinessclub.nl.
Text Lotte Gottschal • Photography Marcel Steinbach, Rob Aket & Jan Vonk
• 29
AGENDA
AGENDA NOVEMBER • DECEMBER
Friday 6 November MASTERCLASS: SUSTAINABLE CHANGE @CIRCL Every Monday
Wednesday 4 November
Climate change is recognized worldwide
MOVIES FOR EXPATS
MEETING POINT
as the single biggest business risk.
@Rialto
@Amsterdam Forest
For organizations to stay successful,
Would you love to see some of the
Hit the trails of the Amsterdam Forest
sustainability and innovative clout are
beautiful films Rialto is screening,
every first Wednesday of the month
key. Although many organizations are
but don’t understand all the foreign
for an unguided walk of about 7 km.
addressing these topics, non-financial
languages and can’t read Dutch
For €1.50 (per person) you get a route
aspects are often still far from being
subtitles? Rialto also shows some
description and coffee or tea afterwards.
integrated in goal-setting and decision-
great films in English, or with
Starts from the Boswinkel. More info: De
making. Making the necessary changes
English subtitles. More info:
Boswinkel, 020-2517840, or
won’t be easy, but it will certainly be
www.rialtofilm.nl.
boswinkel@amsterdam.nl.
relevant and inspiring! www.circl.nl/agenda.
Tuesday 3 - Thursday 5 November
Wednesday 4 November
Friday 6 - Sunday 8 November
PROVADA LIVE
CIRCL GUIDED TOURS AT A DISTANCE
NATURE WORKING DAY
@RAI Amsterdam
@CIRCL
@Amsterdamse Bos
Over 3,000 real estate professionals,
Even in these times of social distancing
The year 2020 sees the 20th anniversary
100 virtual stands, 100+ knowledge
we’re still eager to share our experiences
of the national nature working day
sessions and 120+ speakers come
with circular construction, the stories
(Natuurwerkdag). To celebrate, saplings
together at the virtual convention
behind the reused materials, and how
will be harvested from the Schinkelbos
platform PROVADA Live. With a
we work in our restaurant. That’s why
and Kleine Poel’s Oeverlanden on
programme of talk shows and webinars
we’ve started offering virtual tours of
6, 7 and 8 November and stored for
about the future of living, working and
Circl on the first Wednesday of every
replanting. Want to lend a hand with this
shopping, PROVADA Live promises all the
month. To register more than one
activity? More info and to register:
latest innovations and top speakers.
person at a time, send an email to:
www.natuurwerkdag.nl
More info: www.provada.nl.
reserveren@circl.nl.
/locatie/amsterdamsebos.
30 •
AGENDA
Send your agenda to info@zuidaspublishers.nl.
Thursday 12 November
Thursday 19 November
Tuesday 24 November
ENERGY TRANSITION THURSDAY
HELLO ZUIDAS HOSPITALITY SECTOR
SPEED DATING FOR AGES 25-38
#8: CCS SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
Consultation
@à Deauville
MODELS UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
Hotels and eateries make an important
During these speed dates you’ll
@CIRCL
contribution to the vibrancy of Zuidas.
be introduced to around 20 other
To rapidly reduce CO2 emissions and
Hello Zuidas has a dedicated platform for
singles. Every four minutes, half the
make our energy mix greener, we need
this sector in which members regularly
singles move to the next table,
more than sustainable technologies
get together. The Hospitality Sector
putting a different person across
alone. A sustainable business model
Consultation meets three times yearly to
from you until you’ve met them all.
is equally important. In this series, we
talk about how to put Zuidas more firmly
After each date, state on the form
discuss promising technologies and dive
on the map as a central city hotspot. For
whether you want to get better
deeper into the revenue model behind
more information send an email
acquainted: Yes or No?! More info:
the tech. In this edition, we discuss CCS:
to Marius Drissen at:
aboutlove.nl/event/details
Carbon Capture and Storage.
Marius.drissen@hellozuidas.com.
/speeddaten-amsterdam/.
Monday 23 & Tuesday 24 November
Tuesday 24 & Wednesday 25 November
Sunday 15 November
WORLD BULK WINE EXHIBITION
IOT TECH EXPO
PURE MARKT
@RAI Amsterdam
@RAI Amsterdam
@Amsterdamse Bos
The biggest global fair devoted to the
This year’s programme features the most
This ‘pure market’ features stalls selling
trade of large volumes of wine returns
innovative advances in the tech world.
special food products, beverages and
to Amsterdam. The World Bulk Wine
With case studies and special conference
creative wares. With lots of colourful
Exhibition is the first fair in the world
live streams, this expo spans the entire
terraces and the beautiful natural
devoted to promoting and ensuring the
emerging technology ecosystem. See
surrounds, there’s plenty of fun for the
quality and transparency of a sector that
the latest innovations in action and join
whole family. During this winter edition,
generates 40% of global wine exports. As
special networking opportunities at
enjoy toasty fires while sipping hot
well as a business platform, WBWE is a
the same venue – including the official
chocolate or mulled wine! More info and
meeting point for professionals worldwide
party, VIP lounges and an AI-powered
the latest updates on this activity:
and a place for debate and dialogue. More
matchmaking tool. Various ticket options
www.puremarkt.nl.
info: www.worldbulkwine.com.
available! More info: www.rai.nl/agenda.
• 31
AGENDA
AGENDA NOVEMBER • DECEMBER
Tuesday 24 November & Tuesday 1 December
Through Sunday 29 November
Tuesday 1 December
WORKSHOP: BUSINESS ENGLISH
MIND YOUR STEP
THE TAXCI AFTER LUNCH SESSIONS
@Taalcentrum VU
@Zuidas
@Online webinar
English fluency is crucial in international
Currently on view at Art podium
The TAXci After Lunch Sessions update you
business. Would you like to
Zone2Source in Amstelpark is Mind Your
on a range of topics during a 30-minute
communicate more effectively with your
Step, a group exhibition about the art of
webinar. After our speakers’ presentations,
English-speaking clients? Taalcentrum-
walking. Mind Your Step brings together
you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions.
VU’s language experts are here to
art installations, curated walks, audio
In this session, we’ll elaborate on a number
help! Our Business English workshop
tours and expeditions in and beyond
of categories relevant for the levy of
will boost your fluency in no time. The
Amstelpark, as well as an interactive web
Dutch taxes, including ‘lucrative interests’
workshop covers two full days, from 9.30
app that invites everyone to help ‘walk
(lucratieve belangen) and their key
am to 4.30 pm. Register now at:
out’ the whole map of Amsterdam. More
characteristics. More info and to register:
www.taalcentrum-vu.nl/zakelijk-engels.
info: www.zone2source.net/mindyourstep.
www.afterlunchsessions.taxci.nl.
Through Sunday 29 November
Tuesday 1 December
WORLD PRESS PHOTO
YOUNG TALENT
@De Nieuwe Kerk
Sunday 29 November
– VAN A’DAM ENSEMBLE
On view from 1 June 2020: the world
TWILIGHT WALK WITH
@Oosterkerk Amsterdam
première of World Press Photo 2020,
THE FOREST RANGER
Young Portuguese talent from
the renowned international press
@Amsterdamse Bos
Amsterdam’s conservatory performs a
photography competition. This
Join the forest ranger for this walk as day
programme of music and traditions from
touring exhibition of prizewinning
fades into night. While birds nestle down
Portugal – and an ode to Christmas to
pictures from the biggest and most
to sleep and other wildlife goes quiet,
mark this first day of December. Members
important annual international press
we’ll walk into the sunset together.
of the Van A’dam Ensemble are Maria
photography competition visits the
This event is suitable for walkers aged
Lagrifa (harp), Edgar Milhões (double
Nieuwe Kerk on Amsterdam’s Dam
10 and up. Cost: €5 p.p.
bass), Daniel Perzhan (violin) and Cláudia
Square every year. More info:
Register stating your phone number via:
Ribas (mezzo-soprano). More info:
www.nieuwekerk.nl/.
020-2517840 or deboswinkel@amsterdam.nl.
www.oosterkerk-amsterdam.nl/agenda/.
32 •
AGENDA
Send your agenda to info@zuidaspublishers.nl.
HELLO ZUIDAS EVENT
Tuesday 8 December HELLO ZUIDAS END OF YEAR MEETING
Through Thursday 31 December
Through 14 February 2021
Members-only event
AMSTERDAM’S TREASURE ROOM
VAN GOGH INSPIRES
It’s an annual Hello Zuidas tradition
@Amsterdam City Archives
JEAN-LUC MYLAYNE
to ring out the year with members
The history of Amsterdam contains a
@Van Gogh Museum
during our End of Year Meeting. This
treasure trove of stories and fascinating
Through 14 February 2021, the Van Gogh
is a time to take stock of the past
documents, and the Amsterdam City
Museum and Huis Marseille join hands
year and look ahead at what the new
Archives is their keeper. With more than
to present three works by Jean-Luc
year has in store for our city district.
45 km of shelves of old books and papers,
Mylayne. Like Van Gogh, Mylayne seeks to
Full details will be announced in a
photographs, postcards, prints and
express the connection he feels to nature
personal invitation to all members.
drawings housed in the listed De Bazel
through his work. For this presentation,
For more info about the Hello Zuidas
building, the archive welcomes everyone
the Van Gogh Museum made a special
foundation, send an email at:
to delve into the rich history of this city.
selection of three photographs by
servicepoint@hellozuidas.com.
More info: www.amsterdam.nl/stadsarchief.
Mylayne. www.vangoghmuseum.nl.
Thursday 10 - Sunday 13 December
Through Thursday 31 December
Through 21 March 2021
KUNSTRAI
THE MOCO MASTERS COLLECTION
FROM THONET TO DUTCH DESIGN
@RAI Amsterdam
@Moco Museum Amsterdam
@Stedelijk Museum
Discover contemporary, autonomous
All the artists in this collection were
Interior design has been a mainstay of the
and applied art during this 36th
inspired by one another: Banksy saw
Stedelijk Museum’s collection since 1934.
annual celebration of the Dutch and
Basquiat’s and Haring’s work in the New
Drawing on that impressive collection, this
international art world. KunstRAI is
York subway, and Basquiat’s talent was
exhibition punctuates the history of interior
one of the world’s longest-running air
discovered by Warhol. And they in turn
design with the seminal works. Included are
fairs for modern and contemporary
inspired scores of artists across the
acclaimed designs by, among others Thonet,
art, where more than 80 galleries from
globe. Their work was not only hugely
Gerrit Rietveld and Charlotte Perriand.
the Netherlands and abroad offer a
influential for street art, but has also
The exhibition touches on topical issues
selection of their paintings, sculpture,
made it into many homes and museums
such as sustainability and the impact of
photography, furnishings and jewellery.
around the world. More info: www.
the coronavirus pandemic on design in the
More info: www.kunstrai.nl.
mocomuseum.nl. www.mocomuseum.nl.
Netherlands. More info: www.stedelijk.nl.
• 33
New townhouses with city garden - within the city ring - Cruquiuseiland in Amsterdam
Amvest is currently developing 29 Townhouses,170-270 square metres, at Cruquius 1.6. The townhouses on Cruquius consist of four or five floors with a small footprint. The spacious city garden can be accessed through harmonica sliding doors; allowing for a smooth transition between inside and outside. Their beautiful mezzanines distinguish the Parkview townhouses. This provides an unprecedented sense of space and light. In addition, you will optimally experience the green heart of Cruquius, with its beautiful nature playground and terraces. These townhouses consist of five floors and feature a fantastic basement. Various townhouses also provide direct access to private parking.
Are you looking to combine living and working? The four ‘Workspace’ townhouses are perfectly suited for this. For example, these are ideal as a studio, office or private practice. Purchase prices from approx. 995,000 including transaction costs. Including 50 year paid for leasehold. Would you like more information? Please visit www.cruquius.nl/hellozuidas and do not forget to leave your details if you are interested in up-to-date information about the start of sales.
‘We donate 3% of the proceeds to charity’
YOURGIFT CARDS
A great business gift for a good cause
TOON VAN DOOIJEWEERD AND KARIN VAN OEVELEN-SCHURER
good cause.’ Toon adds, ‘On the one hand, it’s just a great feeling to be doing this, but at the same time it generates exposure for us. Whether you order a lot or a few doesn’t matter. We always donate on behalf of the company, but we pay.’
YourGift Cards started out as a plastic gift card that could be redeemed online and
BUSINESS MARKET
in shops. With something for everyone and every occasion, it was a gift you could
YourGift Cards is a platform with its own
truly use. Now approaching its 15th year, the gift card is an ongoing success. ‘Helped
electronic money institution (EGI)-authorized
along, of course, by some timely innovation’, says director Toon van Dooijeweerd.
and guaranteed gift card. Companies can
‘We were innovative when we first launched, and we still are. Now, that’s through
personalize the YourGift Card to reflect their
the impact we make by donating to charity.’
own look and feel, or even go all out with a special landing page, for instance to thank
MAKING AN IMPACT
other gift card initiatives in that we support
staff. ‘Gift cards are personal and we enjoy
YourGift Cards has built its success on five
charitable causes’, Karin explains.
doing that’, Karin says. ‘In a big organization
pillars: it can be redeemed at both physical
with lots of employees, it can be tough to
and online vendors, donated to charities,
GIVING TO A GOOD CAUSE
keep everyone happy, but with a gift card
exchanged for other gift cards (Bol.com,
Giving back to society is an important and
recipients can pick their own gift. Which is
Thuisbezorgd and many others) and used
hot topic. YourGift Cards is doing its part
what we all want!’
for magazines. ‘It’s up to the recipient what
by donating 3% of proceeds to charity
to spend it on; the amount can even be
upon purchase of a YourGift Gifts & more
split up’, says Karin van Oevelen-Schurer.
gift card. Companies can choose which
YOURGIFT CARDS B.V.
As sales manager, she keeps in close
charity to donate to. Karin continues,
085 273 47 20
contact with all customers and loves telling
‘Recipients could already donate gift cards
www.yourgift.nl
companies how they can make an impact
to charity, but we wanted to do more! So,
sales@yourgift.nl
by buying gift cards. ‘We’re different from
we decided to give 3% of the proceeds to a
Text Nicole Pak
• 35
MOBILITY SPECIAL
Mobility Special
THE FUTURE
Good access is something we’ve been working on for some time in Zuidas, since well before the pandemic. Green Business Club Zuidas, which is at the forefront of these efforts, has recently noticed that initiatives which once struggled for acceptance – bike incentives, avoiding rush hour, teleworking – are becoming the new normal. This could be a great opportunity to rethink how we organize our mobility.
36 •
MOBILITY SPECIAL
OF MOBILITY Within GBC Zuidas there has been extensive discussion these past months about how that might be achieved. The City of Amsterdam and Dutch Railways (NS) for instance have been working together to map out employer needs and initiate an area-wide action plan. Another partnership is with VU Amsterdam in a project to reduce congestion on public transport and bike lanes. Hello Zuidas talked about these efforts with Irma Winkenius, regional director at the NS, and Stefan Titus, Campus Development Programme secretary at VU Amsterdam. HYPER-GRIDLOCK
bike lanes quiet and classrooms moved online.
Before the coronavirus crisis, the NS and VU
At the same time, spreading out travel seemed
Amsterdam were already working together to tackle
more essential than ever. Winkenius explains,
hyper-gridlock. With passenger volumes rising, the
‘The challenge is figuring out how to stagger
objective was to achieve a more even distribution.
that travel. With education institutions, we’ve
‘The crux of the problem was area development
worked out targeted agreements for education
in Zuidas, on the one hand, and more trains and
and public transport in Amsterdam, based on
connections, on the other’, explains Winkenius.
agreements made at the national level. These
Titus adds, ‘Amsterdam Zuid Station has been a
focus on staggering the beginning and end times
bottleneck for quite some years, with a massive flow
of education activities to reduce peaks during
of passengers. Both the numbers of students at VU
morning and evening rush hours.’ Titus: That wasn’t
Amsterdam and commuters in Zuidas are rising.
always easy, because besides considering what’s
Distribution and diversification of that traffic are
in the interests of the public in terms of transport
crucial. Also key to note is that only 2% of our staff
capacity, we also had to deal with our own limited
come to work by car. That’s great, but it also means
capacity on campus, with everyone having to keep
public transport and the capacity of that system is
1,5 metres distance. At the moment we’re offering
really paramount for us.’
only 25% of our normal in-person teaching to ensure a better distribution over the day. This way
TARGETED AGREEMENTS
we maximize the limited campus capacity and we
After the outbreak of COVID-19, the situation
help to spread the amount of travelers in public
changed completely. Suddenly trains were empty,
transport over the day.’
• 37
MOBILITY SPECIAL
STEFAN TITUS
IRMA WINKENIUS
STAGGERED TRAVEL
The important thing now is that the employers act quickly and
The developments we’re seeing now all stem directly from the
use this signed declaration of intent as the basis for drawing up
coronavirus. But we also need to avoid a return to hyper-gridlock
concrete measures. So that in future people will be able to travel
in the post-corona era. This period is proof that it can be done
safely on public transport and safeguards will be in place to
and that working together – whatever the circumstances – can
ensure continued access to all of the companies involved.
generate lots of creative solutions. ‘VU has a responsibility to help ensure the safety of public transport for wider society
REGISTER YOUR TRAIN JOURNEYS
without limiting our campus capacity for teaching and research’,
The NS has come up with various possible measures, also factoring
says Titus. ‘However, we’ve also stressed that this responsibility
in that not everyone has to stagger their hours – although the more,
shouldn’t just apply to education institutions, but to employers
the better. One option would be to register your train journeys in
as well to the best of our ability’, says Titus. ‘However, we’ve
advance. ‘We think it would be very effective to link the workspace
also stressed that this responsibility shouldn’t just apply to
reservation many companies already make to the NS crowding
education institutions, but to employers as well. The City of
indicator app. Employees could register both a workspace and
Amsterdam has been very good about taking this up, resulting in
a journey in one go. That would enable the NS to inform them
the signing of a declaration of intent by employers in which they
about expected crowding and possibly offer an alternative travel
also commit to staggering working hours as much as possible.’
recommendation’, Winkenius finishes enthusiastically.
Winkenius continues, ‘Over the past months we’ve talked with many companies and organizations, including VU Amsterdam, about spreading commuters out over the day and physical
The Dutch Railways and VU Amsterdam are calling for
distancing. Employers are struggling with the 1,5 metre rule
suggestions from Hello Zuidas members on how to stagger
in offices and preventing crowding around entrances and lifts.
travel when offices reopen, for collaborative pilots, and any
Staggering when people work across the day and the week will
other ideas that can help us ensure long-term good access to
be the key to preventing problems. That will automatically also
Zuidas. It’s all about working with each other, for each other
result in a more even spread of journeys, which is exactly what
– now and in the future!
we want.’
38 •
Photography Michael Graste
MOBILITY SPECIAL
Hely, the multimodal shared mobility provider for Dutch businesses Hely is a joint venture of the Dutch Railways (NS) and Pon Holdings. It’s a start-up, but one that’s growing so fast it hardly qualifies as a start-up any longer. ‘At year-end, we’ll have 30 mobility hubs across the Netherlands’, says Michael Baan, business development manager at Hely. ‘Shared mobility is part of a future-proof mobility policy, and many organizations are already seeing the benefits of a mobility hub. Increasingly, they’re looking for flexible mobility solutions – not only because it’s more cost-efficient, but more recently in response to changing commuting behaviour due to the pandemic. That’s where we can help.’ ONE EASY APP
and sustainable, so it’s important to us to
Unlike many other market providers, Hely offers
be distinctive by offering multimodal shared
a range of shared modalities, including electric
mobility. That includes bikes and e-bikes. E-biking
cars, e-bikes and e-carrier bikes – all easily
to an appointment in the city is so much faster,
available in one app. That means users always
environmentally friendly and cheaper than by car.’
have the right vehicle at their fingertips and travel
For both employers and employees, smart use of
with maximum flexibility. For companies, it’s a
sustainable shared mobility can open up a wealth
one-stop, future-proof mobility solution that
of possibilities.
‘Our mission is to make cities more liveable and sustainable’
can be tailored to fit their needs. ‘We take care of all the details for our customers so they don’t
CUSTOMIZATION
have to worry about things like key management
When it comes to using Hely’s shared mobility,
or maintenance’, Michael explains. Hely is also
businesses and private customers have various
working to team up with other shared mobility
options. You can start a ride and pay per use from
providers so it can offer even more choices and
any Hely Hub in The Netherlands. Such as Hely
flexibility for employees, both at the office
Hub Station Zuid, with 35 e-bikes, and Hely Hub
and on the go.
Zuidas, with a variety of carsharing vehicles. ‘But
MICHAEL BAAN
we also have Hely MAX’, Michael adds. ‘That’s
HELY
MULTIMODAL SHARED MOBILITY
your own exclusive hub with a custom fleet. Hely
+31(0)85 00 12 12 6
‘Especially in big cities they’re facing problems
can provide a bespoke service that’s seamlessly
michael@hely.com
that need to be solved,’ continues Michael.
aligned to any organization’s specific mobility
www.hely.com
‘Our mission is to make cities more liveable
needs and objectives.’
Text Nicole Pak • Photography Lotte de Graaf
• 39
MOBILITY SPECIAL
New at Motiv-E:
LEASE PLANS
ROBERT VERMEULEN
The future of driving is electric, there’s no doubt about that. It’s only a matter of time
unique perks, like hard-to-find electric
before all of the Netherlands go electric. For Motiv-E, that future started a few years
vehicles, attractive discounts and even
ago, and as of 1 November 2020 they plan to go live with a leasing service as well.
vehicles that aren’t available yet on the
‘We want to make switching to electric cars a breeze for SMEs with small vehicle
Dutch market. At Motiv-E, it’s all possible.
fleets’, explains Robert Vermeulen, business manager at Motiv-E. ‘It’s our mission is to make driving electric as accessible and affordable as possible, with a view to the
FULL PACKAGE
environment, a love of electric cars and personal service for our customers.’
With Motiv-E as your partner, you get fullservice mobility. ‘Our new lease activities
LEASE PLANS
only offer products – like cars, charging
now allow us to offer a full package for
Motiv-E has a range of leasing options.
stations, solar panels, e-bikes and e-kick
businesses, structured around e-mobility
‘We have four different lease plans’, says
scooters – but also key knowledge and
and the transition to that for everyone from
Robert. Full Operational, Net Operational,
knowhow about those products.’
small independent contractors to SMEs’,
Financial and Private lease. So we can
Robert concludes. ‘Our sustainable and
offer a lease plan to suit every customer.’
IMPORTERS
practical mobility solutions are tailored
Leasing has all kinds of benefits, according
THROUGHOUT EUROPE
entirely to our customers’ wants and
to Robert. ‘It saves you time, you outsource
Having built up a wide network of contacts
needs. We make it all possible!’
the management and admin, and it’s off-
with importers throughout Europe, Motiv-E
balance financing. Also, the costs are the
has a solid supply chain, says Robert. ‘In
same from month to month and we help
the Netherlands, delivery times for electric
MOTIV-E
you develop your fleet policy and keep it
cars tend to be extremely long, or they can’t
+ 31 (0)85 44 44 940
up to date. But Motiv-E is more than just a
be supplied at all. Thanks to our network,
info@motiv-e.nl
leasing company. It’s also a platform with
we can supply large volumes quickly,
www.motive-e.nl
articles and advice on how to make the
and have the fastest delivery times in the
www.vier-procent-lage-bijtelling.nl
transition as easily as possible. ‘We not
Netherlands.’ It also lets Motiv-E offer some
Text Nicole Pak • Photography Jaiwey Nuij
• 41
The most flexible and complete business mobility solution. Radiuz, the all-in-one mobility platform. Our multimodal travel app allows employees to travel more freely and allows employers to control mobility on a monthly basis via the mobility portal. See radiuz.nl/nearby to see how you can work towards a smarter and more flexible mobility policy in just 4 steps.
PARK & BIKE Subscription
Park your car at RAI and pedal to work! When I start back at the office again shortly, should I take public transport or go by car? And where can I park? RAI Amsterdam and Hello Bike have teamed up with Hello Zuidas to offer a solution, with an attractively priced Park&Bike subscription. The subscription lets you park your car at RAI Amsterdam and then cycle the short distance to work on a Hello-Bike rental bike. Benefits > 1 month free > Safe and fast > Up to 4 vehicle registrations per subscription > Unlimited use of Hello-Bike > RAI Parking just a 5 min cycle from Zuidas and the city centre
Sign up now and get 1 month free
Park & Bike Silver €655 excl. VAT 4 months (3+1 free) Park & Bike Gold €970 excl. VAT 6 months (5+1 free) Bike Only €35 p/m For more info, get in touch with Pamela Peetoom. She’ll be happy to help you. p.peetoom@rai.nl +31(0)6 51 81 52 92
MOBILITY SPECIAL
THE MOBILITY SOLUTION FOR ZUIDAS:
SIXT+ all-inclusive car-subscription doesn’t tie you down and gets you everywhere! For everybody in Zuidas who’d love a car of their own, but not the high purchase price tag or lengthy lease contract that comes with it, SIXT+ is the solution. With this new all-inclusive subscription, you have a car whenever you need it, and can cancel on a monthly basis. And all you need is the app! Hello Zuidas got all the details from Roelien de Haas, commercial director at SIXT.
ROELIEN DE HAAS
SUBSCRIPTION
car in my way constantly when I don’t actually
Mobility provider SIXT is already known for its
need it all the time?’ SIXT+ solves that, says the
services SIXT ride (driver service), SIXT share
commercial director. ‘This way, you only have a
(carsharing) and SIXT rent (car hire). Now, it’s
car parked out front when you actually need it.’
introducing SIXT+, an all-inclusive car subscription that can be changed from month to month. Place
THE FREEDOM OF FLEXIBLE SUBSCRIPTIONS
your order, and within just a few days you’ll have
‘If you look at employers, employees and
a car of your own – without having to shell out for
residents, you see they all put a high value on
the purchase or a long-term lease. ‘Basically, you
flexibility, but for different reasons’, continues De
could compare it to private leasing, only SIXT+ is
Haas. ‘Imagine you’re an expat and you’re living
much more flexible’, says De Haas. For starters,
in the Netherlands for a few months and for a few
the subscription can be cancelled on a monthly
months in another country. You don’t want to
basis, you can swap cars and keep your kilometre
have a car all the time, so a flexible subscription
credit. ‘If you sign up for a subscription and think
like this is ideal. Or, another example: if you’re a
you’ll need 2,000 kilometres this month, but only
consultant who works in Zuidas, but have to work
drive 1,000, you can use the remaining kilometres
somewhere on the other side of the country for a
next month.’ Another perk: if you want a BMW one
long time on assignment at a client. Sometimes
month, and a Jaguar the next, you can do that, too.
you only need a car for a couple months’, explains De Haas, ‘and this way you’re not tied to anything
PARKED CARS
after that period.’ Last but not least, SIXT+ is also
With the pandemic, many people are staying
perfect for employers, says De Haas. ‘Imagine you
home more and spending less time on the road to
hire someone who after a couple months turns
go to work or visit family. That means cars are just
out not to be suited for the job. You can just give
Download
parked in the drive or on the street most of the
the car back, instead of still being stuck with a
the SIXT App
time, and that’s a waste. According to De Haas,
lease car for several years, as employers usually
‘People are asking themselves: why have this
are these days.’
Text Daphne van Breemen
SIXT+
www.sixt.nl/plus
• 43
DISCOVER HELY BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
ALL YOUR SHARED MOBILITY IN ONE APP Grab an e-car, e-bike or e-scooter: all easily via one app. We are Hely, your full-service mobility partner. Looking for flexibility and pay-per-use? With Hely FLEX your employees can use the vehicles of all Hely Hubs in The Netherlands. Interested in future-proof employee mobility? With Hely MAX we offer smart mobility solutions, tailormade to fit your organisation's mobility policy. This can be a Hely Hub at your office location, with a fleet of shared vehicles, exclusively for your employees. Discover Hely at our 2 locations on the Zuidas or get in touch to learn more about our tailored shared mobility solutions.
HELY HUB ZUIDAS Benjamin Brittenstraat 13 HELY HUB STATION ZUID Strawinskylaan 11 www.hely.com/zakelijk Hely Hub Zuidas 085 - 00 12 126
Benjamin Brittenstraat 13
LET US CALL YOU BACK
MOBILITY SPECIAL
TCA TAXI
It’s time to join forces
HEDY BORREMAN
Hedy Borreman has been at the helm of TCA Taxi for three years now. Considered a ‘man’s world’ by most, Hedy herself takes a different view of her field. Her career has revolved around the automotive and mobility sector from the start. Now, her goal is a healthy organization with a secure future. Hedy: ‘I knew when I started here that this sector is always changing. No two days of my job are the same.’ BIG IMPACT
easy for everyone within the organization, from
The coronavirus pandemic has had a big impact on
managers to receptionists, to order taxis.’ TCA Taxi
TCA Taxi. In early March, when the Netherlands went
is also making strides in sustainability and already
a taxi fast, with booking
into an ‘intelligent lockdown’, TCA Taxi saw business
has a large fleet of electric vehicles.
options from comfort to
Use the TCA app to order
luxury (business).
drop to just 5% of nnormal activity. That was especially noticeable among cabbies. ‘Prospects
SHIFTING MOBILITY = NEW OPPORTUNITIES
looked so hopeless that many independent drivers
The recent switch to working from home has
quit. ‘We have no idea when the situation will
triggered a mobility shift that’s opened up new
improve. We have to try to stay afloat’, says Hedy.
opportunities for TCA Taxi. Companies are rethinking their employee mobility schemes –
EXPANDED CUSTOMER PORTAL
for example replacing the many lease cars now
For a limited time
In spite of the crisis, TCA continues to develop and
standing idle in the drive with taxi services for
only, with 20% off!
is keeping its head high. Among other things, the
appointments and meetings. ‘Taxis bring you from
company is actively expanding its customer portal
door to door hassle-free, so that’s a big advantage.’
TCA TAXI
to grow its presence in the business market. ‘We want to make things easier for customers’, Hedy
According to Hedy, now’s the time to join forces
Wisseloordplein 2
explains. ‘For instance, by introducing a customer
and support one another. ‘We really need to help
1106MH, Amsterdam
portal that supports both direct ordering and
each other out, Not only now, but over the long
+31(0)20 777 77 77
ordering via customer cards and the app, which
term, too. We all stand to benefit from making sure
www.tcataxi.nl
give employers clear overviews and make it
small businesses and operators survive.’
Text Lindelotte de Koster • Photography Jaiwey Nuij
• 45
MOBILITY
Zuidas Mobility
WHAT’S YOUR NAME AND WHAT DO YOU DO AT THE CITY OF AMSTERDAM? ‘My name is Diederik Basta and I’ve been the project leader for two years now of BuurtHubs, part of the municipality’s Smart Mobility Programme. In this programme we’re looking into how smarter and cleaner mobility can contribute to making the city more accessible, liveable and cleaner. Not only for city dwellers, but for commuters, visitors and businesses, too.’ What’s a BuurtHub?
to share their cars and/or use things like
‘BuurtHubs [‘neighbourhood hub’ in Dutch,
shared scooters. It’s not always necessary
ed.] is a two-year experiment to provide
to own a vehicle yourself. With BuurtHubs,
access to various forms of electric shared
we’re investigating whether creating these
mobility for Amsterdam residents. So bikes,
hubs can help with:
carrier bikes, scooters, cars, to name a
• Access in and out of districts and
few. All clean, electric and for people in Amsterdam to use. Residents and businesses design these hubs together and choose the
neighbourhoods • Boosting use of clean shared mobility (less private ownership)
kinds of mobility they want available. That
• Improving air quality
means individual BuurtHubs can differ in
• Quality of life in districts and
size, modalities and related services.’
neighbourhoods • Lowering CO2 emissions in the city
DIEDERIK BASTA
46 •
Why do we need it?
• Strengthening local communities
‘The city is changing rapidly, public space is
Additionally, we’re studying the attitudes
in short supply and private cars are idle on
and behaviours of residents and other
average 23 hours a day. We’re also seeing
users who’ve switched to more sustainable
an increasing willingness among people
forms of shared mobility.’
MOBILITY
The concept of a mobility hub
Why should the business
smarter and more efficient way to invest
brings to mind something on the
community get involved?
in shared e-mobility. When workers have
city outskirts. So why Zuidas?
‘Organizations in Zuidas have shown
appointments off-site, they can just book
‘As the name suggests, we’re talking
themselves keen to invest in smart and
an e-bike or carshare and go. And that
about a neighbourhood hub here, geared
clean mobility through various initiatives,
means they can bike, walk or take public
towards local communities. We’re putting
for instance incentivizing bike use, trialling
transport to work.’
BuurtHubs up in every city district,
e-bike fleets and joining the MaaS pilot that’s
including Zuidas. These last few years,
starting soon. Many have employees that
When will Zuidas have its own BuurtHub?
Zuidas has been changing into an area
frequently have to travel to appointments
‘We kicked off on Thursday, 1 October
where many more houses and non-work
elsewhere in the city or country. As a result,
with a neighbourhood evening and
related amenities are being built. It’s
many of those people take the car to work,
discussions within the community. That
precisely for those residents of Zuidas, who
even though Zuidas is easy to get to by
first meeting went down well. We’d like
are growing in number, that these hubs are
public transport, bike or on foot.
to talk to more Zuidas residents to form
being developed. On top of that, parking
a better picture of their mobility needs.
availability is low in these neighbourhoods,
Also, many organizations buy cars, bikes
People can sign up by sending an email
so BuurtHubs offers a way for future
and/or scooters for their employees,
to buurthubs@amsterdam.nl. In spring
residents to get a feel for new forms of
which take up even more space in car
2021 we’d like to set up three BuurtHubs
shared mobility.’
parks yet aren’t fully used. BuurtHubs is a
in and around Zuidas.’
• 47
Your Residential Real Estate Agency
PERFECT PLACES TO LIVE IN
ARENT JANSZOON ERNSTRAAT 188
PARNASSUSWEG 28 III
Price Living Space Outdoor Space Content
Price Living Space Outdoor Space Content
€ 780.000 Buyer costs 121 m2 38 m2 437 m3
€ 1.050.000 Buyer costs 164 m2 39 m2 622 m3
A superb family house located on a prime location between ‘Zuidas’ and
This super light, well-classified upper house of no less than 164m² has it
the luxurious shopping center ‘Gelderlandplein’. This lovely and bright
all! A fantastic living room en-suite with a lot of atmosphere thanks to
house with garden-patio is part of ‘Gelderhof III’, a complex built in 2007,
the many authentic elements such as the beautiful stained glass doors to
designed by the famous architect Erick van Egeraat. The house has a
the cosy live-in kitchen that have been carefully preserved. Furthermore a
living area of 121 m2 and includes an open kitchen, three bedrooms and
useful utility room, four spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms and a really
a bathroom on the first floor. Perfect for those who want to live close to
impressive roof terrace, south- facing! As a cherry on the cake, a mega
the bustle of the city in a safe and very quiet environment with everything
storage space in the attic where you can easily store everything you do
you can think of in the direct vicinity.
not need for everyday use.
OFFICE ZUIDAS Claude Debussylaan 134 1082 MD Amsterdam
OFFICE CITY CENTRE Keizersgracht 321 1016 EE Amsterdam
W W W.VON-POLL.NL Residential Real Estate Agents
CONTACT +31 (0)20-2159988 info@von-poll.nl
HOW DO YOU LOOK TODAY?
With Miranda van Commenée, Stylist & Personal Shopper
According to Miranda, you never have a second chance to make a first impression. As a stylist, she helps women discover and craft their own unique style. ‘The clothes you wear
Linda van der Kolk
are a reflection of your identity’, Miranda points out. ‘When you wear pieces in the right colours that fit well, you feel more self-assured. And that carries through in your image, both
Job
professionally and personally.’ Miranda has been interested in colours, styles and image for
for SMEs at CL.HRM
as long as she can remember, and – thanks to years of experience in the fashion world – has
Age
47, married, with 2 kids
an unerring ability to select the right clothes for each person. ‘Advising people is my passion
Lives in Amstelveen
External HR expert
and my job, and I’m not happy until my client is looking her or his best, and radiates that!’ LINDA IS WEARING • Trousers by Raffaello Rossi € 199.95 • Top by Luisa Cerano € 199.95 • Leather jacket by StudioAR € 199.95 • Shawl by Repeat € 99.95 • Boots by Toral € 169.95 In cooperation with Modehuis Blok and Van den Assem Schoenen. ‘Linda was looking for a work outfit with a casual touch. This combination in shades of brown is on-trend for colours this winter and looks fabulous on Linda.
What’s your favourite place to shop?
Favourite shoe or handbag brand?
A beautiful mix of designs and materials
Amsterdam and any city during citytrips,
Haven’t got one. I wear all different brands.
in the same hues gives it a contemporary
and also online!
Most expensive garment ever?
look. The fitted leather jacket creates a
Average monthly clothing bill?
nice silhouette and gives Linda the casual
Around €250.
touch she was after. And the gold boots
A Boss overcoat costing €1,000. It was a great investment that I still love.
complete the look.’
What’s still missing from your wardrobe?
Favourite colour?
A nice pair of classic jeans with a navy
MIRANDA VAN COMMENÉE
Preferably dark colours. My favourites
blazer and crisp white shirt.
www.mirandavancommenee.nl
are navy blue and dark green.
info@mirandavancommenee.nl
What’s your styling request?
+31 (0)6 54 37 08 90
Heels or sneakers?
I’d like a professional outfit
Follow on
Definitely heels!
that also works off the job.
• 49
LEGAL
Legal News
#INTERVIEW
Sandra Spek was appointed General Manager of Baker McKenzie’s Dutch office from July 2020. She is also a member of its board. Her previous positions include CFO at Mosadex, Careyn, Centraal Beheer and FBTO. Having started her new job during the tumultuous time of Covid-19, we asked about her outlook on the period ahead and what her plans are.
50 •
LEGAL
What will you be focusing
Your background isn’t in law.
on in the time ahead?
What has it been like for you,
‘For starters, just getting to know the
to end up in a new sector like this?
organization and my colleagues, both at
‘I was familiar with the legal world from
our Amsterdam office and internationally.
the other side of the table, when as a CFO
My aim is to collaborate with the whole
I engaged solicitors to advise on the sale
Age 49
organization, both staff and partners,
of various companies and new financing
Position
General Manager
to further optimize our services. What’s
transactions. It’s refreshing to see things
at Baker McKenzie
keeping our clients awake at night and
from this angle now, but also to discover
how can we ease their concerns? What will
that I can apply a lot from my previous field
our clients need most in future? But also,
of work here as well. Working alongside
What’s your favourite spot in Zuidas?
how can we make their day?’
such a wide range of nationalities in one
So far, our own Baker Café at the office.
Sandra Spek
of the largest, most diverse and most
Because I started in the midst of the
You started in a tumultuous time,
dynamic law firms in the world is brilliant.
coronavirus crisis, it’s especially nice
during the Covid-19 pandemic. Have
People work hard here, but everyone’s also
to get to know as many colleagues
there been many changes or adjustments
incredibly welcoming, from my colleagues
as possible in person instead of on
in Baker McKenzie as a result?
at reception right through to the partners.’
Zoom. It’s a great spot to get together
‘It was already the new normal when I
casually, although of course most
started, so in that sense I don’t know any
Is there any specific challenge you
people are still working from home
different. Our business has continued
want to take on in this organization?
most of the time. I’m also looking
more or less seamlessly. Partly because of
‘Acclimatizing in a new job in the midst of
forward to exploring more of what
prior big investments in solid IT structures,
the Covid-19 reality is a challenge in itself;
Zuidas has to offer in future!
but also because there was already a
I miss the interaction and spontaneity
strong culture of digital collaboration in
of constant in-person exchange. Digital
What’s a hot topic in
cross-border teams both in and beyond
meetings tend to be more focused on
your firm at the moment?
Europe. What was different, of course, was
business matters. More broadly, my
Doing business in such a rapidly
the social aspect. We’ve made conscious
challenge will be to lay a firm basis for the
changing environment is a first for
efforts to make up for that with digital town
new strategic reality. That will take some
everyone. Our full attention right now
halls, online team activities like wine-
more patience, of course, but we’re already
is dedicated to helping our clients
tastings and pub quizzes, Insta challenges
hard at work to set out concrete action
in jurisdictions around the world
with pictures of, say, your home office, and
plans and tackle the practicalities. That’s a
navigate through the pandemic as
Storytelling Café sessions.’
challenge which really energizes me!’
effectively as possible.
• 51
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DE HYPOTHEKER:
honest and transparent in the quest for your dream home unrealistic expectations, we tell them so’, Van Splunteren explains.
GET INFORMED BEFOREHAND A common trap people fall into, according to Van Splunteren, is falling for online mortgage providers and the proliferation of calculation models. ‘You can’t always trust information you find online when it comes to your options. You can easily fill in some figures and the models will do the maths for you. People assume they’ve got more to spend than they actually do
THOMAS VAN SPLUNTEREN
and don’t come to us until after they’ve already found a house, which then turns
From their humble beginnings on Parnassusweg to a full-fledged office on Strawinskylaan
out to be out of reach. That’s a recipe
– after twenty years De Hypotheker has become an establishment in Zuidas. Mortgage
for disappointment.’ And that’s why Van
man Thomas van Splunteren knows this special slice of Amsterdam inside out by now –
Splunteren recommends, ‘Come to us
whereas the ever-changing housing market is another story altogether. Van Splunteren:
first. We go that extra step and look not
‘After all these years, it’s still completely unpredictable. We’ve witnessed so much. And
only at your mortgage costs, but also your
that’s precisely why sound mortgage advice is so essential.’
insurance policies, levies and municipal taxes. After that the fun part begins: finding
GROWING RESIDENTIAL OFFERING
Van Splunteren’s job involves giving
When the whole country went into
mortgage advice to people who are
intelligent lockdown this past March,
shopping for a house. De Hypotheker
Van Splunteren saw his work schedule
offers a variety of options, from basic
empty overnight. ‘It scared people all
online recommendations to extensive
Thomas van Splunteren | Franchisee
right. Uncertainty about contracts and a
guidance, where customers are
Strawinskylaan 1427 / WTC Tower
potential crisis seem to have prompted
supported in their house hunt and
Tower B Level 14
reticence. Oddly enough, it took only two
completing all the paperwork and
1077 XX Amsterdam
weeks for business to bounce back again.
arrangements from start to finish. ‘We
020 – 662 14 11
And, incredibly, it got even busier than
have two aims: to take the work out of
thomas.vansplunteren@hypotheker.nl
before. On top of that the housing stock
people’s hands while continueing to be
www.hypotheker.nl
also grew, which is a good combination.’
honest and transparent. If clients have
Text Nicole Pak & Eefje van den Akker • Photography Jaiwey Nuij
your dream home.’
DE HYPOTHEKER
• 53
Striking
A BETTER BALANCE PATRICK VAN OPPEN
At the end of September, more than 20 major organizations in the Amsterdam metro region signed an employer declaration in which they committed themselves to spreading out working hours and transport use during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This affects some 38,780 workers employed by the City of Amsterdam, Noord-Holland Province, the Amsterdam Transport Authority, Loyens & Loeff, ABN AMRO, SADC and Royal Schiphol Group. The Dutch Railways (NS) and other regional transport providers are also involved. Under these agreements, working from home more will become the norm. Those who do commute will plan their journeys during quiet times, outside rush hours. For those travelling longer distances, options will include some combination of public transport, bike or e-bike and car or carshares. All with a view to ensuring better access, less gridlock, fewer delays and cleaner air. Hello Zuidas talked to Sharon Dijksma, chair of the Amsterdam Transport Authority, and Patrick Van Oppen, partner at Loyens & Loeff, which is one of the signatories. Why was a change needed?
rush hour peaks. The important thing is
the responsibility for keeping Zuidas
Dijksma: ‘We’ve been working with various
that employers set up solid systems for
and the Amsterdam region accessible.
employers in the Amsterdam metropolitan
teleworking and help employees towards
Part of our CSR ambition is to reduce our
region for a long time now on measures
a better distribution of working hours and
footprint, so we’re also actively seeking
to reduce rush hour congestion. By
kinds of transport they use.’
ways to do that. By having our people
signing this document, we’re making firm
work from home more, we can reduce
agreements for both during the pandemic
Why is it important for Loyens & Loeff
and afterwards. If 10 to 15% more people
to sign these employer agreements?
work from home, that’s 85,000 to 170,000
Van Oppen: ‘As an employer of more
What kind of assistance is available
fewer journeys a day in the Amsterdam
than 700 people in Amsterdam, we feel
for companies making these changes?
metro region , meaninga big reduction in
it’s important to shoulder our share of
Dijksma: ‘Stichting Breikers offers a free
54 •
CO2 emissions as well.’
How will these agreements affect Loyens & Loeff’s employees? Van Oppen: ‘At the moment we’re still in the middle of the pandemic, so not much will change. For the time being, we’re still working from home as much as possible. At an organizational level, we have noticed that this is going well and that we’re still supplying the same top-quality service. What we’re experiencing now has put this topic on the agenda and we’ll have to look at where we want to take it.’
Why is it so important to
SHARON DIJKSMA
get more companies on board? Dijksma: ‘A better division of working
service to help employers transition to
all our employees can work effectively at
from home as opposed to working at the
smarter and more sustainable mobility
home. Reactions have been very positive.
office would have direct benefits for the
and logistics. Since every company and
People who were sceptical at first have
accessibility of the region as a whole,
worker has different mobility needs,
noticed that it’s quite doable to work from
but especially Amsterdam. Also in terms
tailored advice is essential. There’s no
home. Of course it’s also nice to see your
of shorter journey times, fewer CO2
need for employers to reinvent the wheel.
colleagues regularly, so the trick is to strike
emissions, and less stress related to traffic
We’ve also developed a new platform
the right balance.’
queues and delays. A smarter distribution
offering tips and cases, on Zowerkhet.nl.
of commuter traffic over the day and week
This nationwide platform aims to inspire
Looking ahead, why are these
and across different transport modalities
and support employers and employees
agreements important after
offers good prospects for keeping the
to make smart(er) travel choices around
we come out of the pandemic?
Amsterdam metro region accessible.
working and commuting.’
Dijksma: ‘The COVID-19 measures have
That’s vital for the people who live here
changed our mobility behaviour. We’ve
and will also strengthen the regional
How have people inside the firm
been able to experience a different
economy.’ Van Oppen: ‘We’re all part of
responded to this change?
way of dividing working hours between
the solution, so we need all businesses
Van Oppen: ‘Just before corona we’d
home and the office. Here is a chance to
in the metro region to get on board. If
already started rolling out a project where
permanently restructure where we work,
we all examine what we can do to make
we gave every employee a laptop with
and how and when we make the journey
employee commutes smarter and more
new software installed. Fortunately, we
there. Many people are working from
sustainable, we can keep the region
managed to round off this project in all our
home right now and will continue to do
accessible, help clean the environment
countries in spite of the lockdown, so now
so for at least part of the week.’
and our staff will have less traffic stress.’
Photography Jaiwey Nuij
• 55
Zuidas: NEW HUB FOR More proof that Zuidas is fast becoming an exciting life sciences hub, is the recent arrival of US-based Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, a global biopharmaceutical company whose new office is next to the EMA. Based on Nobel Prizewinning science, the biotech leader has a revolutionary approach to the treatment of rare diseases. Now, it’s investing millions in the Netherlands as a growing home-base for its European activities. Hello Zuidas caught up with Anant Murthy, general manager for the MidSize Market Region, to learn more. What kind of company is Alnylam? Alnylam was founded in 2002 based on the Nobel Prizewinning discovery of RNA interference. DNA, which is our genetic code, produces RNA, and RNA produces proteins we need to survive. Proteins also cause disease. If somebody has a genetic disease, typically the RNA is overproducing, underproducing, or misproducing some protein. The discovery that our bodies have a natural way of regulating RNA opened a path to creating medicines that let us turn production of some proteins on or off – almost like a light switch. After years of biochemistry research, our first medicine was approved in 2018 and now is available around the world.
Is this therapy used for one disease, or is the application broader? There are many diseases where RNAi can offer benefit. Our first medicine targets amyloidosis, where a gene mutation causes amyloid ANANT MURTHY
56 •
deposits in nerves and organs. Early symptoms are numbness, vision loss, then heart and gastrointestinal problems and eventually
CUTTING-EDGE BIOTECH multiple organ failure. There’s a 50% chance of
our activities in the Netherlands as it’s an
passing on the mutation, which makes it devastating
important strategic hub for us.
for families. There are quite a few patients in the north of the Netherlands with this mutation. But
How is COVID-19 affecting you as
more broadly, we’re working on a whole new class
a health and life sciences company?
of innovative treatments for rare genetic, cardio-
It’s had a tremendous effect. Our first priority
metabolic and hepatic infectious diseases.
was the safety of our employees, many of whom regularly visit hospitals and doctors. In this new
What attracted Alnylam to Zuidas in particular?
office, we’re taking measures so it will be safe for
Even before the EMA moved from London to
everyone to use. Also, we don’t want to create risk
Zuidas, we were attracted to the world-class
for communities we’re trying to help, so we’ve had
medical and research centres here. We’ve had
to rethink how we do clinical trials. For instance,
research partnerships with some of them for
by administering treatments at home. But despite
years, so it was a natural progression to build an
COVID and the macroeconomic uncertainty, we’re
international hub in Amsterdam. Also, it’s a very
going full steam ahead in Zuidas with this state-of-
international city, which is perfect when you’re
the-art facility.
recruiting from around the world. Infrastructurally it’s fantastic and quality of life is high. Also
Diversity and inclusion are key values for
logistically, because we ship a lot of our medicines
Alnylam. How are you achieving that?
via Schiphol and distribute them from here around
Our vision is for a diverse and inclusive biotech
the world. So there are lots of advantages.
industry that benefits our employees and the patients we strive to serve. Part of that is our
You’re the general manager of the midsize
commitment to ensuring broad patient access
cluster. What’s your role in the organization?
to our medicines. Within Alnylam, we build on
My primary role is overseeing operations in this
the diversity of our employees, who represent all
cluster of Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg,
different talents, backgrounds and experiences,
the Nordics, Portugal and Canada. I also oversee
dozens of countries and more than 20 languages.
• 57
ARCHITECTURE
ZUIDAS ARCHITECTURE
Hourglass:
PERFECT ADDITION TO ICONIC ARCHITECTURE OF ZUIDAS Address
Parnassusweg 300
Architect
Dam & Partners Architecten
(building shell)
Building owner Bouwinvest Dutch Institutional Office Fund N.V.
Main users
Loyens & Loeff N.V., Premier Suites
Completed in
March 2020
Height
80 metres
Floors 18
58 •
ARCHITECTURE
Zuidas is renowned for its pioneering architecture. As it matures into an international quarter of Amsterdam, buildings are shooting up left and right in Zuidas. Amidst all these modern skyscrapers, it may be difficult to imagine that just about 20 years ago this stretch of land connecting the residential neighbourhoods of Zuid and Buitenveldert consisted mostly of tennis courts and football pitches. In this series
Facts
we zoom in on the architecture of Zuidas. This time, we take a closer look at the
• The building’s architecture in
Hourglass building.
the shape of an hourglass was inspired by the work of Romanian
Take the train to Amsterdam Zuid Station
light. Amplified by the many rectangular
sculptor Constantin Brâncuși.
and these days you’ll find yourself
windows that look almost haphazardly
• Floors 12-16 are occupied by a
welcomed by the awe-inspiring iconic
strewn across the façade, this transparent
Premier Suites Plus apartment
architecture of Zuidas. Recently added
effect is carried through in the large glass
hotel with 115 units and a
to this skyline is a new eye-catcher called
entryway that opens onto Parnassusweg.
restaurant. On the ground floor
Hourglass. It’s no mystery how this
Hourglass has mezzanines running from
is an urban gym operated by
unusual building got its name. Even from
the ground floor up to the 10th floor and a
TRAINMORE and there’s also a
a distance, the sandstone structure’s
green wall stretching over the full length.
curved silhouette, narrowing at the
Different entrances and access routes to
middle, is distinctive. The light natural
Zuidas give the building a multifunctional
two-storey car park plus spaces
stone façade and warm materials give
character that dovetails with its slated
for 550 bikes.
Hourglass a classic and cosmopolitan
use. With everything from offices for
look. The building’s cinched waist divides
Loyens & Loeff to Premier Suites luxury
built with a view to obtaining a
it into two sections, resulting in two
accommodation, it’s a place that invites
BREEAM Excellent certificate.
separate atria that flood the interior with
visitors to Zuidas to linger.
fine-dining restaurant. • Underneath the building is a
• Hourglass was designed and
• 59
Hello Zuidas
#INTERVIEW
PAULINE BOTTEMA-SANDERS
In mid-October the Supervisory Board of Hello Zuidas had a changing of the guard, with Pauline Bottema-Sanders coming in as the new chair. We talked with her about her new role and the future of Zuidas.
60 •
Pauline Bottema-Sanders Age 46 Job Title RAI
General Counsel & Company Secretary
Job Title Hello Zuidas
Chair of the Supervisory Board
How does it feel to be stepping into Josja
Hello Zuidas is working to shape
Do you think the impacts of the corona-
van der Veer’s shoes at Hello Zuidas?
a pleasant living and working
virus pandemic will leave a lasting mark
‘It’s a real honour! Josja headed the
environment for everyone in Zuidas.
on Zuidas? For instance, because of the
Supervisory Board for more than six years.
What do you see as the biggest
recommendation to work from home?
In that period, both the Hello Zuidas
tasks facing the district?
‘Yes, I think the effects of this crisis will
Foundation and the Zuidas district have
‘The ongoing development of Zuidas means
be noticeable for a long time to come.
grown exponentially. Josja was incredibly
accessibility and mobility will remain a
Companies are finding out that working
active in her role as chair. She and Olivier
major concern in the time ahead. Because
from home is doable and that it also has
Otten set up a solid organization that
of that, we’ll be keeping a close eye on
its advantages. We’re aleady hearing about
promotes the interests of an impressive
the plans surrounding Zuidasdok. Aside
organizations that want to switch to partial
group of 465 members so far. I’m looking
from this logistical challenge, residential
working from home permanently. That
forward to keeping us on that upward track.’
integration will also be a key objective for
will lead to less office space, and I expect
the district in the coming years.’
economic developments will also reduce
How do you envision the future
office demand.’
of Zuidas and what role do you think
The events industry has been among the
Hello Zuidas can play in that?
hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis. Just
Numerous initiatives over the past
‘Zuidas is a unique part of Amsterdam. It’s
recently, RAI announced it will have to
years have transformed Zuidas from a
a financial centre that’s seeing tremendous
reorganize. What do you foresee for RAI?
business district into a modern urban
development and where more and more
‘At RAI, we believe in in-person interaction
neighbourhood. Is there a successful end
people are coming to live. That blended
and also that the need for such interaction
point for the district, in your view?
use means we have to think carefully about
won’t change. That said, this coronavirus
‘I think the city will always continue to
the amenities we’d like to have here in
crisis means you have to regroup. We
evolve, albeit at a slower pace. And,
Zuidas. In representing the interests of a
expect that and also that purely in-person
because of that, I expect there will always
wide diversity of members, Hello Zuidas
events, we’ll be seeing more hybrid events
be a role for an organization like Hello
finds itself in an excellent position to offer
as well. We’re experimenting with such
Zuidas that promotes the interests of
the right mix of amenities.’
hybrid forms in our current events.’
area users.’
Photography Jaiwey Nuij
• 61
FM PLATFORM
On 23 September, Hello Zuidas organized a ‘green walk’ through Zuidas as part of the effort to offer alternative ways for people to get together and learn from each other during the pandemic. Themed ‘greening Zuidas’, the outdoor meeting was made possible by Hello Zuidas’ Facility Management Platform and intended to inform businesses, organizations and residents about area developments, as well as to inspire and enlist them for greening the district.
GREENING ZUIDAS CIRCULARITY The walk set out from Circl, a prime example of innovation and circularity, where everything revolves around highquality reuse of materials. Designed for energy-neutrality, the building produces almost no waste. Sjors Mineur, in charge of programming at Circl, took us on a journey through the platform’s story. The focus, he explained, is on reusing materials and climate resiliency. After that, Daniel Goedbloed, Rainproof programme manager at Waternet, picked up the thread. By a stroke of luck it was raining during the presentation, allowing Goedbloed to demonstrate how rainwater can be captured and to describe the many ways companies can use it. Rainwater is great not only for DANIEL GOEDBLOED & SJORS MINEUR
62 •
flushing toilets, but also boosts biodiversity.
FM PLATFORM
ESTHER WUBBEN
PRINSES AMALIAPLEIN
lottery organization previously spread
Awaiting the group at Prinses Amaliaplein
out across multiple buildings all over
was Ton Muller, head designer of Public
Amsterdam, Wubben was tasked with
Space for the Municipality of Amsterdam,
consolidating all departments at one
where he’s in charge of Zuidas. As a
building. One of the most important
designer, Muller was involved in the
conditions was that the structure had
renewal of this public square. The design
to contribute to the organization’s
was chosen by the municipality, in careful
sustainability and environmental goals.
consultation with local businesses
This gave her unrestricted freedom to
and residents of the Prinses Irene
consider the most sustainable solutions
neighbourhood and features four different
for all aspects of the new premises. It
materials. Prinses Amaliaplein is meant to
was built in part from recycled materials,
leader for Public Space & Safety
create a soft transition from the Zuidplein
resulting in a climate-proof and almost
at Hello Zuidas, Fouad Benaya:
to the Prinses Irene neighbourhood.
wholly self-sufficient building and a
fouad.benaya@hellozuidas.com
According to Muller, sizeable investments
BREEAM Outstanding certificate.
TON MULLER
INTERESTED IN THIS TOPIC? Get in touch with the project
in planting are slated for the coming years, tying in with concrete targets set in the
The last area discussed during the green
Plan for a green Zuidas.
walk, was the Beethoven subdistrict at the top of Beatrixpark. There are some big
From Prinses Amaliaplein, the group
changes in store for this slice of Zuidas,
continued past the ‘WADIs’ (an acronym
where three new buildings are planned.
from the Dutch Water Afvoer Drainage
Ton Muller described how the landscape
Infiltratie, or ‘water disposal drainage
around the buildings will be given a green
infiltration’) to the Goede Doelen Loterijen
and recreational function. All of which is
garden, where Real Estate project leader
set to make Zuidas an even more mixed-
Esther Wubben awaited us. With the
use district!
• 63
NEW MEMBERS
WELCOME TO THE CLUB Introducing the following new Hello Zuidas members
Personality Retail and e-commerce fashion & socks • 2 employees
LINK WITH ZUIDAS Our company is located in Zuidas, and one of the two founders lives and works in Zuidas. The other also worked in Zuidas for three years, and lives in Amsterdam.
REASON FOR BECOMING A HELLO ZUIDAS MEMBER We’re big believers in Zuidas and one of us even had an active hand in shaping how Zuidas looks now. So it was only natural to become a member. Our dream is that, one day, everyone in Zuidas will walk around wearing our socks!
Interieurstudio Dess Kirstins Interior design and furnishings • 1 employee
LINK WITH ZUIDAS I’m based in Zuidas, which is both where I live and have my office. I’m also already working on interior design projects and home interiors in Zuidas.
REASON FOR BECOMING A HELLO ZUIDAS MEMBER To connect with other business owners and to get involved with this group and of course the area itself.
64 •
NEW MEMBERS
GoAbout Shared mobility • 5 employees
LINK WITH ZUIDAS GoAbout landed an exclusive permit to offer a public bike-sharing scheme in Zuidas for the next two to three years.
REASON FOR BECOMING A HELLO ZUIDAS MEMBER GoAbout wants to contribute to a sustainable, accessible Zuidas and to tackle that in partnership with other Hello Zuidas members.
ISX Security • 35 employees
LINK WITH ZUIDAS We’ve long had a big client base in and around Zuidas. Our site security has kept many of the buildings here safe and secure during construction. We’re still providing security services for a number of those companies now. Recently, we were contracted to provide 24/7 security at the Hourglass building (Loyens & Loeff).
REASON FOR BECOMING A HELLO ZUIDAS MEMBER We’re located in Amstelveen Noord, so Zuidas is literally our backyard, and a growing number of our clients are based in Zuidas. Partly owing to Hello Zuidas, we have a better picture of current topics in the region.
VORM Construction and development • 286 employees
LINK WITH ZUIDAS VORM is an established lead player in the construction and property development sector, with a history going back 101 years. Our ambition is to supply more people with affordable housing faster, without increasing the ecological footprint. And, to complete the picture, we’re making a key contribution to this ambition with De Puls in Zuidas. We’re incredibly proud of this project featuring the first multifunctional building in Zuidas! De Puls will be a multi-purpose, sustainable residential environment, serving a mix of users, where people can live, work and play.
REASON FOR BECOMING A HELLO ZUIDAS MEMBER We want to get to know Zuidas even better!
hellozuidas
@HelloZuidas
@hellozuidas
Hello Zuidas
• 65
MEMO BOARD AFC CLUBHOUSE COMPLETED On 24 September 2020, keys to the new clubhouse were officially handed over to the Amsterdam Football Club. Now it’s just a matter of rigging up the interior before members can inaugurate their new home. After years of puzzling, on 4 July 2019 building contractors Sallandse Wegenbouw and HSB Bouw finally got the green light to break ground. Relocation of the football pitches closer to the A10 motorway started immediately after that to make room for the new Ravel neighbourhood being developed between 2022 and 2035. Now that AFC has the keys, they’re getting to work inside. Locker rooms and showers are on the ground floor, while one floor up will be the clubhouse and society were members can get together, have a snack and of course enjoy a great view of the pitches. The club is scheduled to move before the end of this year, at which point the old clubhouse at the other
SPONSOR THE 9TH ANNUAL OPEN TOWER
end of the sports park will be torn down. Work on the last
DAY AMSTERDAM ON 20 MARCH 2021
pitch will start upon delivery of AFC neighbour Valley in
In 2021, the Open The Doors foundation will be hosting the 9th
mid-2021, completing the Goed Genoeg sports park.
edition of Open Tower Day in Amsterdam, featuring towers from Ransdorpertoren and A’DAM Lookout in Amsterdam Noord to the ABN AMRO tower, VU Amsterdam and The Edge in Zuidas, plus Oudekerkstoren, Kalverpassage/Blue and Zilveren Toren/Level this day wouldn’t be possible without sponsors. Would you like to contribute? Sponsor or take part in this unique event and we’ll feature your logo on our sites, digital map, poster and flyer. You’ll also receive invites to the opening at a secret high-up location in Amsterdam! For more information or to participate, contact the Open The Doors Foundation at info@openthedoors.nl.
Photography Marcel Steinbach
Eleven in the city centre. Admission to the towers is free. That’s why
ARTZUID 2021 IS ON! Great news: the 7th edition of ARTZUID is going ahead next year! The Art Zuid foundation is currently preparing for the art route, scheduled from 15 May to 19 September 2021. The main inspiration for next year’s focus is Hildo Krop and his passionate beliefs around societal inequities and other universal themes. ARTZUID 2021 will present Dutch and international artists who engage with these issues, exchange and share cultural influences, and both make us aware of and offer hope for a better world. The outdoor exhibition of modern and contemporary sculptural works on Apollolaan, Minervalaan and in Zuidas is intended to inject more life into the neighbourhood by drawing new visitors to Amsterdam Zuid. For programme details and information on how to support the Art Zuid foundation, visit www.artzuid.nl/en/donors/.
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MEMO BOARD Wine and dine in a 50-metre Ferris wheel at RAI Amsterdam Don’t miss it! This autumn, you can enjoy fine dining with a panoramic view of Amsterdam outside RAI Amsterdam. Michelin-star executive chef Joris Bijdendijk of the RIJKS® Restaurant has teamed up with Smakenrad (‘wheel of taste’ in Dutch) to serve his favourite dishes in the country’s biggest Ferris wheel, turning in front of the RAI convention centre for three months from 13 October. The 27 heated cabins have been converted into private restaurants that ascend 50 metres. The menu changes every three weeks and features a variety of dishes from Chef Bijdendijks two restaurants, Wils and RIJKS. Dinner is €42.50 per person (for two courses and a two-hour ride), or you can take a 30-minute breakfast ride for €7.50. To book: www.smakenrad.nl.
FARM-FRESH PRODUCTS COME TO RAI AMSTERDAM Boeren voor Buren – ‘farmers for neighbours’ – is an initiative set up by Rabobank Amsterdam in partnership with the Municipality of Amsterdam. Launched to meet the spike in need for assistance during the coronavirus crisis, this ongoing programme lends a helping hand by linking Dutch farmers and hard-up Amsterdam residents. It supplies healthy and affordable potatoes, fruit and vegetables from regional farms to disadvantaged urban households – to ‘neighbours’ who are struggling to make
11 PLANE TREES LODGING
ends meet. With several locations already, now this
AT VAN DER VALK FOR A YEAR
initiative is also coming to RAI Amsterdam. In the coming
The 12-metre tall plane trees in front of the Valley building
months, RAI Amsterdam will make one hall available two
were recently transplanted one by one to the plot between
days a week as a space to store and package the food,
the EMA and Van der Valk hotel. They had to be moved
from which parcels can be distributed throughout the city.
temporarily to allow for the installation of new cabling and pipelines in front of Valley, which was needed to make way for a new entrance to the covered car park, and to widen the bike lane here. When examining the options, plant specialists discovered that plane trees cope well with transplanting, so a nice temporary home was found between the EMA and Van der Valk. A year from now, the planes will be moved back to their original location in front of Valley.
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Lost in transla�on? We’re not. www.taalcentrum-vu.nl/en/transla�ons 020 - 598 64 20 | info@taalcentrum-vu.nl
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Members Hello Zuidas • November 2020 If your company isn’t on this list, please contact servicepoint@hellozuidas.com 01. 900 Mahler (Syntrus Achmea) 02. ABN AMRO 03. Accendium 04. Accenture 05. À Deauville 06. AFC 07. AkzoNobel 08. Albert Heijn 09. Alpha Security 10. amsterdam inbusiness 11. Amsterdamse Bos 12. Amsterdam UMC 13. APG 14. Arcadis 15. Arnold & Siedsma 16. Art Zuid 17. Asunaro Holland Interplan 18. Atrium Meeting Centre 19. Avenue Services 20. Bagels & Beans 21. Baker McKenzie 22. Bartolus Advocaten 23. Bar Valdi 24. Being Development 25. Blue Boat Company 26. Bolenius 27. Bouwens& 28. Boyden Global Executive Search 29. Breevast 30. BREIKERS 31. Broersma Nieuwbouw 32. BYCS 33. Caffè Belmondo 34. CBRE B.V. 35. citizenM 36. Che Buono 37. Club Sportive 38. CMS 39. CoffeeDC 40. Cognito Financial Communications 41. Colliers International 42. Confius 43. Corporate Housing Factory 44. Cosmo Hairstyling 45. Crowne Plaza A’dam South 46. Customized Media 47. D&B The Facility Group 48. De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek 49. De Hypotheker 50. Deloitte 51. De Kredieter 52. De Nieuwe Poort 53. De Zuidas Apotheek 54. Dentons Boekel 55. dess Kirstins 56. Doctor Feelgood 57. Eden McCallum 58. Eefje Voogd Makelaardij 59. Eigen Haard 60. Engel & Völkers 61. ENGIE 62. Etage 0 63. Euro CCP 64. Europcar 65. European Language Centre 66. Expat Center 67. EY 68. Fam. Advocaten 69. Fetch Car Sharing 70. Financial Offices 71. Fit 20 72. Flexform Amsterdam 73. FLOW Real Estate 74. Fortron B.V. 75. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 76. Fris Makelaars 77. FSB Beveiliging 78. Gelderlandplein 79. G&S Vastgoed 80. Go About 81. Goede Doelen Loterijen 82. Gerrit Rietveld Academie 83. Grand Café Mahler
84. Greenberg Nielsen 85. Green Business Club 86. Greenwheels 87. Gustavino 88. GVB 89. HAB Int. Accountants & Consultants 90. Happyhappyjoyjoy Zuidas 91. Hestia Kinderopvang 92. Het Zwarte Fietsenplan 93. Hogan Lovells International LLP 94. Holiday Inn Amsterdam 95. Houthoff 96. Hotel TWENTY EIGHT 97. House of Sports 98. Htel Serviced Apartments 99. IEF Real Estate 100. IHS Markit 101. IMA 102. in2motivation 103. InAmsterdam 104. ING Rayon A’dam Zuid West 105. ISX Beveiliging 106. JLL 107. JuiceBrothers 108. JUIZZ 109. KNAP Makelaardij 110. Koetjes en Kalfjes 111. König + Neurath (Nederland) A.G. 112. Kraft Heinz 113. La Lotteria 114. Lebkov & Sons 115. Lexence 116. Leonidas 117. LibRT 118. Limon 119. Loetje 120. Loyens & Loeff 121. Lunshof Makelaardij 122. Maarsen Groep Beheer B.V. 123. Macquarie Capital (Europe) 124. Made in May 125. Market 33 126. Mastercard 127. MBO College Zuid 128. Mech Make & Take 129. Melia Hotels 130. Misura Sartoria 131. Mobeazy Flexible Carsharing 132. Mondzorg Praktijk Zuidas 133. Multicopy Amsterdam 134. Mylk 135. NACH 136. Nannies Nursery 137. NDI ICT Solutions 138. Nederlandse Ver. van Banken 139. Nedstede Real Estate 140. NH Amsterdam Zuid 141. nhow Amsterdam RAI 142. Nicolaas Lyceum 143. Novotel Amsterdam City 144. NS 145. Olympisch Stadion 146. Oliver’s 147. ONE-Dyas B.V. 148. Openbare Bibliotheek 149. ORAM 150. Oranje Energie 151. OVG Real Estate 152. Ox & Bucks 153. PAN Amsterdam 154. Pancakes Amsterdam 155. Partou Kinderopvang 156. Pathé 157. Personality 158. Platform Beter Benutten 159. Premier Suites Plus Amsterdam 160. Projectorganisatie Zuidasdok 161. Property NL B.V. 162. Protiviti 163. Provast 164. Qbic Hotels 165. Q-Park Nederland 166. Rabobank A’dam Markt Zuid
167. RAI Amsterdam 168. Regus 169. Reset Yourself 170. Restaurant As 171. Restaurant het Bosch 172. Restaurant Nine 173. RGA International Reinsurance 174. Rialto 175. Rivers 176. Rob Peetoom 177. Ronald McDonaldhuis VUmc 178. Rosarium 179. Russell Reynolds Associates 180. Savills Amsterdam 181. Salsa Shop 182. SCOR Global Life SE 183. Season-Flowers 184. Securitas 185. Shinyu Body & Mind 186. Simmons & Simmons LLP 187. Sixt 188. Spa Sport Hotel Zuiver 189. Spine Health Incompany 190. Spirit Hospitality Services 191. Square 192. Stella Agency & Academy 193. Stibbe 194. Student Experience 195. Summertime 196. Sushilee 197. Sushi Time 198. Symphony’s 199. Taalcentrum - VU 200. Tandartsenpraktijk Van de Veer 201. Taylor Wessing 202. Tax Consultants International 203. Taxicentrale Amsterdam (TCA) 204. The Bank of New York Mellon 205. The Basket 206. The Bikevertising Company 207. The Breakfast Club 208. The Office Operators 209. The Upside Down Amsterdam 210. Thomaskerk Amsterdam 211. TREC 212. Tribes 213. Urban Salad 214. Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas 215. Van Dijk & Ten Cate 216. Van Gool Elburg 217. Van Lanschot Kempen 218. Vermaat Groep (CIRCL) 219. Vesteda 220. Von Poll Real Estate 221. VondelGym 222. VORM Ontwikkeling 223. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam 224. VU University Press 225. Wagamama 226. Watersportvereniging De Koenen 227. We Canteen 228. WeWork 229. Wineboutique & Spirits 230. Wintertaling 231. Worldeye Amsterdam 232. WTC Amsterdam 233. WTC A’dam Business Club 234. WTCafé De Blauwe Engel 235. WuSH 236. Xavier (Syntrus Achmea) 237. XO Optics 238. X2X Worldwide Express 239. YoungCapital 240. Your Assistant 241. Zuidas Apotheek 242. Zuidas Bier 243. Zuidas gemeente Amsterdam 244. Zuidas Publishers 245. Zuidas Today 246. ZuidasTravel.nl 247. Zuidschans
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.instagram.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 Editor & Sales Nicole Pak 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, Nicole Pak, Daphne van Breemen, Greg Shapiro, Lindelotte de Koster, Lotte Gottschal & Jos Moerkamp Photography Michael Graste, Jaiwey Nuij, Lotte de Graaf, Marcel Steinbach, Jan Vonk, Yourcaptain & Rob Aket Editorial advisory board Olivier Otten, Marius Drissen, Lydia van den Wildenberg, Jos Moerkamp & Maartje Oome Thanks to Annelou de Groot, Hotel The Grand, Clubsportive, Zuidas (Gemeente Amsterdam), Greg Shapiro, Hydepark, Topsales Amsterdam, GoldRepublic & Nxchange, Cruquius, Hely, Motiv-E, TCA, SIXT, Loogman, Radiuz, RAI Amsterdam, Hello Zuidas, , VonPoll, De Nijs, Miranda van Commenée, Sandra Spek, De Hypotheker, Le Fournil, Corporate Housing Factory, Fagron, Alnylam, Bilderberg Garden Hotel, Gelderlandplein, Brouzje, Taalcentrum-VU, Patrick van Oppen, Sharon Dijksma, Pauline Bottema-Sanders, Diederik Basta & Chris Buijink. Printed by Senefelder Misset 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. Circulation Free for Zuidas and Amsterdam South. 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 © 2020 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.
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