Hello Zuidas by Zuidas Publishers

HELLOZUIDAS.COM MARCH • APRIL 2021

WORKPLACES WILL FILL UP AGAIN

COEN VAN OOSTROM FOUNDER AND CEO OF EDGE

Preface

PREFACE

Next issue [55] 3rd of may 2021

Hello Zuidas invests in trees! How we do that? Through our sponsorship for Trees for All, we plant trees that restore existing forests.

How old is Zuidas? That’s up for debate. The first bank headquartered here In 1974, followed by the WTC in 1985 and ABN Amro in 1999. But that the district has changed considerably since then is indisputable. It was and still is a district in development. In this issue of Hello Zuidas magazine we Hello Zuidas magazine is coming up on ten years and in that time has undergone

zoom in on local real estate. We talked to

a fantastic transformation. Not only in terms of content, I think, but its layout

developers about some of the buildings in

and image, too. The magazine is also bigger than ever! The district is growing and

Zuidas and shine a light on the future of our

developing at a phenomenal rate, so of course the magazine has to keep pace. We do

exciting district. And if we can offer a tip:

our best to make each new issue absolutely up to date and on time.

don’t miss the exhibit #ZuidasStories which is on now at Mahlerplein, featuring images

For this issue, Coen van Oostrom of EDGE gave us a warm welcome to his office building

and texts that take you through the whole

EDGE Olympic on Fred. Roeskestraat. We had a fascinating conversation with Coen about

history of Zuidas.

office transformations and the company’s take on ‘healthy’ buildings. You can read the full interview in our cover story.

OLIVIER OTTEN Managing director of Hello Zuidas

Real estate is an ongoing hot topic in Zuidas, so we decided it was time for another special feature. In these pages, many entities that have been active in the district for years tell us what they’re working on, and their dreams for Zuidas. I can also already reveal that our next issue will spotlight lifelong learning. Should your organization be included, and would you like to tell us how you fit into this theme? Then we’d love to hear from you! I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the people who worked on this issue and everyone connected to Hello Zuidas magazine. We will carry on and stay visible – no matter what. Happy reading! ROMY LANGE Editor-in-chief Hello Zuidas r.lange@zuidaspublishers.nl

De grootste zakelijke vloot van Amsterdam... én de groenste vloot; altijd binnen 5 minuten op de Zuidas; en overal in de stad.

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Index

INDEX

06 Coverstory Coen van Oosterom 10 Building the Future

22 Business in the Spotlight 24 Sustainability 26 Architecture 28 Agenda 32 Real Estate Special

51 Interview 52 Hello Zuidas 53 Business in the Spotlight 54 Interview 56 Finance 58 Legal 60 Mobility 62 Memoboard 64 Meet the district police officer

Founder and CEO of EDGE

Bird & Bird

With Zef Hemel

• Interview with Monique Soe - Agnie • Plants and seating in Claude Debussylaan • Stricter rules for bicycles and scooters

Interview with Michel Baars

Looking for the most sustainable initiative

INNSiDE by Meliá

Kliniek Dokter Frodo Gaymans

Don’t miss it

With Marcel Steinbach

Intro Real Estate Special 34 D&B The Facility Group 35 De Hypotheker 37 Von Poll Real Estate 38 Co van der Horst 41 FRIS – Real People 42 BPD – Bouwfonds Property Development 44 Dura Vermeer

Rabobank - Sustainable strategy and alternative uses

What young Zuidas lawyers look for in a job

Working from home during COVID

Zuidas updates

Interview with Marcel de Weerd

12 13 Column 14 Got a minute 16 Business in the Spotlight 18 Property 20 Zuidas Home Tour

Share #Zuidas Social Media

Paul van Lange

Members of AFC

UNGA

NSI - Timer Buildings are the future The Gustav – Bob Guldemond

46 Hello You 48 Business in the Spotlight

Delivery and Take-Away

Securitas Nederland & TPEX International

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.

Coverstory

“AS SOON AS THE GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS EASE UP, WORKPLACES WILL FILL UP AGAIN”

Coen van Oostrom, founder and CEO of EDGE Real estate is a defining feature of Zuidas. Developments are continuing at an

from the crowd and to attract talent.

astonishing pace and the lofty towers housing offices, homes and hotels have

And in order to do that, they need a good

become an indelible part of this city district. And yet, recent years have also seen

office that’s nice and above all pleasant

shifts. Where once big banks and law firms reigned supreme in Zuidas, now more

to work in. Only recently we announced

and more smaller businesses are locating here. The district is also making ever

the renovation of the ABN AMRO office in

greater strides in sustainability. Coen van Oostrom is the CEO of EDGE, a real

Zuidoost. The office has been reimagined

estate developer with its headquarters on Fred. Roeskestraat. His mission: to build

as a clubhouse where people join to

sustainable, healthy buildings where people enjoy working together. EDGE is blazing

collaborate on projects together. In the old

a trail in the Netherlands and around the globe. Hello Zuidas talked to Coen about

days, an office was just some place with a

sustainable developments in real estate and how the coronavirus is impacting the

desk, where people went about their work.’

office market in Zuidas. What sorts of things are you working During the coronavirus pandemic many

will be a key feature, as that goes hand in

on in EDGE’s technology division?

people have been working from home.

glove with the spread of viruses. So in the

‘After we’d worked on the new building

Do you think it will take an effort to get

months to come, there will be a huge drive

for Deloitte in Zuidas, we decided to stop

them back into the office?

to install new and better air purification

working as a classic property developer.

‘As soon as the government restrictions

systems. Barring some exceptions, I

We wanted to deliver sustainable

ease up and we’re allowed to return to our

expect by then people will be thrilled and

products. Within EDGE, we’ve set up a

offices, workplaces will fill up again. In our

impatient to go back to the workplace.’

technology division that’s fully focused

firm, I’ve noticed it’s really quite hard to

on digitization. EDGE Next, as it’s called,

make people stay at home. That applies

Can you tell us more about

works on technological improvements

especially to our younger workforce. Many

EDGE as a company?

for existing office buildings. Precision

of them have smaller homes and can’t

‘We’re a real estate company that takes

sensors let us quickly read and show how

wait to be allowed to work at the office

an innovative, healthy and sustainable

a building’s performance stacks up. It

again. Nonetheless, I do think there will be

approach to development. Our aim is to

provides information about the building’s

a fundamental change. Companies have

always build the best, most sustainable

sustainability, indoor light and air quality

seen that many activities can be done

and most innovative building the city has

and data on user experiences. This service

from home, which means offices no longer

ever seen – repeatedly. We’re constantly

has really taken flight; companies of all

need all those rows of desks. The office

challenging ourselves and trying out

shapes and sizes are interested.’

will evolve into more of a meeting space

new things to create something that’s

where people get to see their colleagues

distinctive from all our earlier properties.

What’s the hallmark of EDGE develop-

and put their heads together. To facilitate

We’ve also noticed this is becoming

ment and transformation projects?

that, we’ll see companies investing more

increasingly decisive when choosing

‘To begin with, all our buildings are

in the quality of their buildings. Air quality

an office. Companies want to stand out

exceptionally sustainable, as well as

Text: Romy Lange & Nicole Pak • Photography: Michael Graste

Coverstory

healthy. They have become fun places to

a plus. In addition, there are more and more

all that’s needed is some modifications.

work in, and very innovative to boot. Those

tech firms that up to now were still based

The good thing is we’ve already been asked

three pillars are crucial for us. There’s a lot

in the city centre relocating here. That

to take on several of them.’

of technology that goes into it, of course,

will also boost diversity and bring more

but that’s simply a means to an end, even if

activity to the area, putting it on the path

Is there anything else you’d

it contributes to those pillars I mentioned.

to becoming a true urban city district. I also

like to share, or a message

Our goal is that when people walk into

predict it won’t be long before Google and

you’d like to give our readers?

any of our buildings, they feel the same

Amazon discover Zuidas, if only because

‘I’ve got a message for the city. The way

kind of energy, which instantly leads to

space is running out in the city centre and it

Zuidas is laid out, is rather disorganized

an inevitable conclusion: this is an EDGE

will be increasingly hard to reach.’

and open to improvement. One minute

building. We achieve that through lots of

you’re tripping over tram tracks, the next

plants, by adding an atrium, eye-catching

What’s one really successful building

you run into a tennis hall. The route from

stairways that lure your attention upwards,

in Zuidas, in your view, and why?

RAI to the heart of Zuidas could be much

and cosy bars and corners tucked all over

‘Circl is a beautiful and important building,

better and nicer. It’s time to finish Zuidas,

the place, along with fantastic views. In

and a model for Zuidas, I think. The whole

even if it only comes down to consistently

this way we hope to add that extra special

philosophy underpinning its circularity is

using the same paving stones throughout

touch to our buildings.’

fascinating. They’ve made it into a fantastic

the district. But dotting the i’s and creating

place. But all kinds of great buildings have

unity would go a very long way towards a

What do you think the future

been added since then. To be honest, I’ve

more attractive public space. That said, I’m

has in store for Zuidas?

always thought the WTC is terrific. It’s a

immensely proud of all that’s happened

‘Zuidas is heading for a brilliant future, if

little outdated now, sadly, but that’s one

in Zuidas during these last years. I think

you ask me. It will still be the centre of the

building on which we’d love to unleash our

this district could be a golden ticket for

country’s corporate world, but less of a

philosophy. It’s got all the ingredients to

Amsterdam and potentially unique in

banking stronghold, I think. It will actually

become a sustainable and healthy place,

Europe, especially now that Brexit has

become more diverse because of the influx

provided one makes the investment. Zuidas

turned Amsterdam into an even more

of housing, retail and hospitality. And that’s

has a bunch of buildings with great potential;

attractive business location.’

‘The office has been reimagined as a clubhouse’

E D G E S TA D I U M A M S T E R D A M

The first building that breathes Offering a unique combination of flexibility, health and sustainability Take a deep breath and let go of everything you know about office space. Imagine your perfect place to work and say goodbye to rigidness and stress. Embrace flexibility, because the amount of space you rent is always the space you need. Connect with nature to feel perfectly safe and supported by your environment. Connect with others - in an environment that supports and inspires collaboration. Feel the sunlight, breathe the fresh air and grow. Grow your business. Grow your ideas. Grow as a human being and experience the first building that breathes. We call it EDGE Stadium Amsterdam - a development in partnership with Allianz Real Estate. Visit edge.tech/stadium for more information.

The world needs better buildings

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Building The Future

BUILDING THE FUTURE

“I HOPE TO MAKE USE OF THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE I’ve gained over the past 21 years to contribute to the ongoing planning and development of Zuidas.”

Monique Soe - Agnie

Building The Future

Amsterdam Zuidas Information Centre Central Hall, WTC +31 (0)800 50 65 contact@zuidas.nl www.zuidas.nl

“Zuidas is not only a great place to work but also to live, learn, get together, relax and hang out.”

Building The Future

PLANTS AND SEATING IN CLAUDE DEBUSSYLAAN

Follow on zuidas @zuidasamsterdam

Since January Claude Debussylaan looks a lot greener and friendlier. The municipality added some large clay containers full of plants and around 60 natural stone Born and raised in Paramaribo in Suriname, the youngest in a family of six,

What do you want to

Monique Soe-Agnie came to the Netherlands at age 18 to study urban planning at

accomplish as deputy director

the University of Amsterdam. In 1999 she started her career as assistant manager

in the period ahead?

This initiative dates back to 2017. It was then that the first

at the city’s Project Management Office in the urban renewal of the Zuidoost

“I hope to make use of the urban

talks were held with businesses to explore ways of making

district. In 2010 Monique’s job brought her to Zuidas, where for ten years – up

development knowledge and experience

Claude Debussylaan more attractive. Designer Joost de

until May 2020 – she was the project manager for the Ravel and Vivaldi area

I’ve gained over the past 21 years,

Wit: ‘’When it was originally built, Claude Debussylaan was

development, working on among others the EMA, Valley, AFC headquarters, new

including the last ten in Zuidas, to

actually intended to be the major shopping street in Zuidas

Van der Valk hotel and, most recently, plans for the new Ravel neighbourhood.

contribute to the ongoing planning

and it had to look quite varied.’’ In practice, it has developed

After more than 21 years doing area development in Amsterdam, Monique has

and development of Zuidas. That’s

into the hospitality and catering centre of Zuidas. ‘’That

amassed a wealth of knowledge across the whole urban development spectrum,

inextricable from the other challenges

trend meant some changes were needed.’’

from preliminary planning to execution. After a brief foray outside Zuidas last year,

and tasks we face in Zuidas, such as

Monique has now returned as deputy director of the Zuidas project office.

Zuidasdok, area access, generating

Good match

activity, sustainability and construction

‘’The natural stone is a good match for the street and the

‘pouffe stools’ where you can sit and enjoy a bite to eat.

You left Zuidas a few months ago, and

there and working with my Arena Poort

in a highly urbanized setting – to name

planted clay containers in earthy shades add colour and

now you’re back! Can you tell us more?

colleagues on some terrific projects, like

but a few. I’m very excited to start

warmth’’, says De Wit. De Wit had previously seen the clay

“When it came out late last year that

the Urban Interactive District (former

tackling these tasks with the rest of the

containers full of plants in London’s Kings Cross, where there

Sandra Thesing, my predecessor, was

Getz project) and the Station Quarter. To

executive team, the Zuidas organization

are a lot of office buildings. ‘’I think it’s a great and relatively

leaving Zuidas, I was approached about

my mind, I still had lots to do there and

and all the other parties and partners

easy way of changing a street into a pleasant and accessible

becoming deputy director for area

plenty of things to sink my teeth into. On

involved. To work with them to turn this

place to spend time in. The pouffe stools were our idea and

development in Zuidas. I was thrilled to

the other hand, it’s clearly a tremendous

unique area into a city district with an

will mean that you don’t necessarily have to sit on the terrace

be asked, of course, but had only just

honour to be approached for the post

international, urban flair. Not only will it

of one of the catering outlets.’’ It is a case of hoping that, as

started an area development job in Arena

of deputy director for Zuidas. Not a job

be a great place to work but also to live,

spring approaches, there will be more freedom of movement

Poort in Zuidoost. I was quite happy

that’s on offer every day!’

learn, get together, relax and hang out.”

so people can enjoy them.

Text: Romy Lange • Photography: Caily Bobbie Jo

Photography: Marcel Steinbach

Building The future

Social Media

SOCIAL MEDIA

STRICTER RULES FOR BICYCLES AND SCOOTERS AROUND MAHLERLAAN @towertenwtc Good thing that the trainstation is right aound the corner! ... @bouwwereld Het lijkt haast een afbeelding uit SimCity masar het is toch echt

@zuidasamsterdam

☃ Doei sneeuw. 😌

@photosbynien

een foto ...

YOU CAN FIND @benthemcrouwelarchitects

ON THESE ONLINE PLATFORMS hellozuidas @HelloZuidas @hellozuidas For employees of companies who are member of Hello Zuidas, Around Mahlerplein, scooters parked anywhere except within the designated parking spaces will be ticketed and your this year, following years of complaints.

it is possible to join our

as a contact.

@biancacombee.nl

bicycle will be removed if you leave it in the street. Amsterdam Zuid local council plans to introduce these rules later

“Some people dream of success,

The Goede Doelen Loterijen office building is perhaps most recognized by its roof - consisting of 6.800 aluminium leaves. Nominated in the “Characteristic building elements” category! ...

@hellozuidas

LinkedIn group or link

while other people wake up Different solutions

Removal and fines

every morning and make it

The problem occurs mainly around Mahlerlaan, the southern

The local council therefore intends to only allow bicycles

happen.” ...

section of Mahlerplein, Claude Debussylaan, Brittenstraat,

and scooters to be parked in the designated facilities within

and Coplandstraat. Initially, we looked for different solutions

this area, with effect from later this year. Those designated

to avoid the need for a parking ban and all the associated

facilities include the public underground parking facility,

Wat een doorzetter!

enforcement measures. For example, we have been trying to

bicycle racks, bicycle and scooter parking spaces, and of

Goed bezig Corine!!

encourage people to use the underground bicycle parking

course all private bicycle parking facilities belonging to the

facility underneath Mahlerplein, where there is plenty of

offices and residential buildings inside the zone. The rules

space. Unfortunately, too many bicycles and scooters are still

already apply to the zone north of Amsterdam Zuid station

being left on pavements, especially on weekdays. This is not

and in a section of Mahlerplein. That zone will soon be

just a nuisance but also potentially hazardous. For example,

expanded to include the one between the A10 motorway,

pedestrians are regularly forced to walk on the cycle path or

Beethovenstraat, Parnassusweg, and De Boelegracht. Green

Het qua oppervlak kleinste project

in the road, and bicycles and scooters are often left blocking

signs will be erected to indicate the new rules as you enter

van 2020, waar ik van 32m2 een

the emergency exits of the Symphony Towers.

the relevant zone. This is planned for later this year.

Find out more by opening this folding page

Photography: Marcel Steinbach

@problemspiders @personalfitnessamstelveen

DOWNLOAD THE HELLO ZUIDAS CITY APP Hello Zuidas has an app that allows you to

@gwenhoopman_interiors

@juutlenders 12

volledig huis mocht maken ...

flip through all the @tes.creatoins Winter in the city ...

Zuidas news!

Column

COLUMN

“INTELLIGENCE“ One should use the word ’’intelligence’’ wisely, because it could easily imply that other approaches are foolish or downright stupid. But given that prime minister Rutte framed the first lockdown as ‘’intelligent’’ why not ask the obvious: Is this lockdown less intelligent than the first lockdown? In October, Prime Minister Rutte preferred to talk about people taking personal responsiblity over addressing the need for serious measures. One might have wondered whether he wanted to be re-elected, because around 70% of the people were in favor of stronger measures. Rutte’s mere emphasis

Paul van Lange (1961) is Professor and Chair

on personal responsibility was anything but intelligent.

of Social Psychology at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Distinguished Research

After a long debate Rutte and De Jonge eventually did start a lockdown in the late fall.

Fellow at the University of Oxford. His research

Scientific research uncovered that this style of leadership is typical of so-called “loose”

focuses on the psychology and evolution of

cultures, characteristic of the Netherlands, Brazil, or Spain. In ‘’tight” cultures, characteristic

human cooperation as well as the psychology

of Japan, Singapore, or closer to home, Germany, governments respond faster and more

of climate change, trust, and norm-violation

effectively to an emerging crisis. Indeed, in the fall, countries with loose cultures had many

in society. After serving as coach of male and

more infections and deaths than countries with tighter cultures.

female teams at AFC and SC Buitenveldert, he also publishes on the psychology of football.

Tightness versus looseness is also reflected in how strongly “ordinary” people correct one

www.paulvanlange.com

another’s norm violations. In tight cultures people know that one cannot get away with ignoring signs saying “do not walk on the grass”, but in loose cultures they know they can. The Dutch song “15 million Dutchmen” embraced by any Dutch person serves as a strong case in point. If there was a lawn in front of the Royal Palace at Dam square, the Dutch would no doubt start a game of soccer there. Over time most of us did wear face masks in grocery stores, and complied with norms and rules as well. While compliance was also high in the first lockdown, when the streets were empty and many elderly people were too afraid to go outside. Also, all sports activities were prohibited, including the professional soccer in the primary league. We could not even see Ajax winning or Heracles rising to the occasion. I grew up in a village close to Almelo, and warm feelings for the first love will always remain warm – I love both Greek Gods. Interestingly, during the second lockdown no questions were raised about prohibiting professional football. Around 4 million people in the Netherlands actively follow professional football. Scientific research has shown that people who watch football show hormonal response such as increases in testosterone and cortisol, as if they were playing the game themselves. People also connect through football: with a smile, with a tease, with a virtual hug. It speaks to our need for being part of a collective. The lockdown we find ourselves in now is the result of a government that followed the wisdom of the crowd, four million people who are excited to see their favorite soccer club play and win. That we can now enjoy professional soccer is easily taken for granted. Yet for millions it makes this lockdown much more bearable, and therefore more intelligent, than the first lockdown.

Hello People

HELLO PEOPLE

GOT A MINUTE? The Amsterdam Football Club, a familiar name across Zuidas is the oldest football club in Amsterdam. Established in 1895, these days it’s at the very centre of the city’s financial mile. Last year, the AFC facilities got a massive upgrade to make them more modern, functional and efficient. But the club also wanted to preserve that special AFC feeling – the warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes members feel so at home. We asked a few of those members about the renovation and what they think of it.

Dennis Bijlsma - age 54 Secondary level coordinator ‘Obviously, the renovated sports park is a big adjustment. Even more for so me, as I’ve been a member for 45 years. While the work was going on it wasn’t great, of course, because you constantly find ourself in a construction site. But the result is stunning! The biggest change is our new clubhouse, which has a great physical therapy space, modern locker rooms, a big bar and multifunctional meeting rooms. I’m most pleased about the locker rooms as it means no more walking down the hall to the showers wrapped in only a towel. We’ll have no trouble settling in here; the new AFC still feels like coming home! It’s like a warm blanket around our shoulders, and I hope my two sons, who are also members, will feel the same.’

Hello People

Kelly Groenteman - age 37 Events Committee member and mother of Kayne (10), Julian (11) and Féline (2) ‘First off, I’m the mum of two hard-core AFC boys, so I was already there several times a week. Because of the coronavirus it’s temporarily off limits for me, so they cycle over on their own. I hope my youngest daughter will also play football at the AFC one day. We’ve got more and more girls playing at the club, so I wouldn’t be surprised. I’m on the Events Committee, which is all about fun and togetherness. Last year, with the renovation and also because of Covid, we had to juggle all the events around a bit, but we stayed upbeat. Compared to the old clubhouse, the new one’s very modern, but it’s already got a great ambiance! We’ll be able to organize some fantastic events there soon.’

Donovan van Dam – age 32 Head of Youth training programme ‘The AFC is a unique club with great traditions. I’ve made many friends here. Nowadays I head up the youth training programme and am in charge of the technical aspects. The AFC management have invested loads of time and energy in the rebuilding project and did everything to minimize the impact. The biggest change is that everything’s new – we weren’t used to that. The old club building had its own history and it felt like a home away from home. But it was really due for an upgrade, the same goes for the Astroturf. The

Photography: Cailly Bobbie

new sports park is gorgeous and it will definitely still feel like home.’

Emiel Neter – age 44 Seniors Committee member ‘I’ve been walking around the AFC since I was six, even my heart beats in red and black. This is a club with lots of great traditions that we’ll still have at the new sports park, I hope. Not going to the club as often during the coronavirus crisis meant there were massive changes each time. It was great to see how “my club” was transformed, although those old memories slowly disappeared too. But I was really amazed when I got to see it all in person. The clubhouse has turned out great, with terraces on both sides and stands where you can see all the pitches. We’re going to have a great time there. And the showers: now after matches I can count on a strong, hot shower!’

Business In The Spotlight

‘HUMAN INPUT AND creativity ARE WHAT FUEL UNGA’ What brought you to UNGA? ‘In 2002 I joined Walt Disney, and became CMO Benelux. There we launched the loyalty campaigns for Albert Heijn: the Albert Heijn Disney Weeks. My business partner Toon Thijs started UNGA as Toy Design Studio in 2006. He designed the “Welpies” [collectible mascots, ed.] for Albert Heijn back then, and from that point developed campaigns for the chain’s Disney Weeks. In 2013 I finally left Disney to help Toon turn the Dutch firm UNGA into an international one. It was a match made in creativity.’ We’re all familiar with those oh-so-collectible seedling pots and miniature groceries offered to shoppers at supermarkets like Albert Heijn. What many people don’t

So it’s almost nine years later;

know is that the creative business and brain behind these campaigns is based

where is UNGA at now?

in Zuidas. UNGA moved into NoMA House last year, where its sixty-strong team

‘We’re still in the supermarket business, but

representing twenty different nationalities spends its days working on worldwide

have spread over forty countries. Our best-

campaigns. With offices around the globe, UNGA is young, hip and happening and

known campaigns are “little shop” and “little

celebrates a culture all its own. Hong Liem, the company’s CEO and co-owner, took

garden”. In Amsterdam we’ve got a team of

us on a tour around their amazing office.

sixty people now, about half working in our

Business In The Spotlight

“There are clear universal similarities among families all over the world”

Hong Liem

creative division. UNGA also has another

are friends, too. Eating lunch together, the

reflected in the trees, plants, use of wood

13 people in China and five for sales across

activities, parties and trips we take together

and wealth of light. And that grasps onto

New Zealand, Australia, Russia and South

– those are all essential to the UNGA culture.

the building’s BREEAM design.’

Africa. Since 2013 we’ve almost consistently

Human input and creativity are what fuel

grown 50% per year. Meanwhile, we’re active

UNGA. To sustain that we have to provide

Looking ahead, what more

in retail loyalty as well as new businesses,

a good workplace, and that’s something

would you like to accomplish?

like our book club Hey Reader. UNGA targets

we put a lot of effort into. When I started in

‘UNGA believes that play is vital for kids,

mainly kids and families. Our concepts get

2013, we had a team of 10 employees. Now,

families and adults to become smart

a slightly different twist in each country so

that’s eighty. They like to stay and grow with

social beings. That’s what drives us: a

they’ll appeal at the local level, but there are

us, and that’s the power of UNGA.’

different creative approach to spreading this message through supermarkets

clear universal similarities among families all over the world. We have twenty different

What made you decide to trade

around the globe. We want to grow further

nationalities represented at our Amsterdam

the canal ring for NoMA House?

internationally and advance this mission

office so we can serve all those different

‘We chose this area because of the energy

in a sustainable, fun and creative way.

countries.’

and appeal of Zuidas. The four-metre high

Something that’s really important to me

ceilings, the office with an outdoor garden,

personally is that the UNGA team has a

What is the UNGA culture?

and the good transport links. That sense

longlasting future. We’re a long-lived firm

‘UNGA literally means “to play” in

of stepping into the future fits UNGA. The

where everyone feels good. #playtogrow’

Papiamento. So that’s in UNGA’s DNA:

interior layout was done in collaboration

everybody’s got an inner child. With all

with my wife and the design agency StAAT.

our people abroad we’ve grown into an

StAAT worked on shaping a calm style

UNGA Family, because for us colleagues

with a warm, friendly feel. You can see that

Text: Romy Lange & Celine Boute • Photography: Caily Bobbie Jo

UNGA Gustav Mahlerlaan 1206 1081 LA Amsterdam + 31 (0)20 626 47 33 www.un.ga

Property

PROPERTY

TIMBER BUILDINGS

Architect of this building: Dam & Partners Architecten

NSI N.V. is preparing to develop a timber office building offering 22,000 m2 in Zuidas.

responds to changing demand from end

Specifically, on what will be Maurice Ravellaan in the Vivaldi subdistrict. Rising to an

users, who want a work environment

impressive 86 metres, the structure’s unique design by the hand of Dam & Partners

that’s not only a healthy building, but also

Architecten responds to both changing demand from end users and calls to green the

inspiring and distinctive.

real estate sector. With the ambition to achieve BREEAM-NL’s highest sustainability rating of Outstanding, this wooden building will be the first in a new generation of

Sustainable building material

future-proof, circular, high-rise offices. So, is timber building the future? Hello Zuidas

Sten Karelse is in no doubt: ‘Timber

asked Sten Karelse, Head of Development at NSI.

construction is the future. It’s a fantastic product made from exceptionally

A place to congregate

the coronavirus, and we think working from

sustainable building material’. The

Though known to locals as ‘the wooden

home is here to stay. The new office needs

construction industry, he explains, ‘is the

building’, this development is officially

to be a healthy and pleasant workspace

single largest consumer of natural resources,

– albeit provisionally – called Vivaldi III.

where people can congregate and work.

at 44%, while steel and concrete production

Coming up with a new, fitting and appealing

And it has to offer an experience when you

account for about 14% of global greenhouse

name will be the work of marketing, which

go to the office. The resemblance of the

gas emissions. Trees take CO2 from the air

will start soon. ‘The plan now is to break

office experience and the identity of the

and capture roughly 0.9 tonnes of CO2 per

ground in the first half of 2022’, says Karelse.

organization will become more important.’

cubic metre of wood. For the lifetime of a

‘A lot has changed in the last year due to

The fact that it’s a timber construction

wood building, this CO2 isn’t contributing to

Property

ARE THE FUTURE

Sten Karelse

the greenhouse effect. At the end of its life

light and sustainable, another thing in

sustainability strategy since 2017, based on

cycle, after the wood has been recycled two

wood’s favour is that its look and feel have

three key pillars: Future-proof buildings,

or even three times, decomposition and the

a huge positive impact on us. Studies have

Energy & carbon and Health & wellbeing.

endburning release an equal volume of CO2.

shown that when people are surrounded

NSI has succesfully made progress on

On balance, the material’s contribution to

by natural materials they feel better:

all three fronts. Testifying to this is the

atmospheric CO2 levels is therefore neutral.’

they’re happier, friendlier, calmer and less

five-star rating it recently received in the

Aside from that, sustainably harvested

tired. We expect this wooden building will

annual Global Real Estate Sustainability

wood also provides an unlimited source of

also have that positive impact on people

Benchmark Assessment. The GRESB

construction material, it produces oxygen.

who work at or visit the office.’

is an independent organization and a

And in the time it takes a harvested tree to reach the end of its lifetime in use, two or three new trees can grow to take its place. Positive impact

‘It’s a fantastic product and an exceptionally sustainable building material’

NSI feels a real responsibility to contribute

leading ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) benchmark for real estate and infrastructure investments worldwide. ‘Our score of 88 out of 100 points was our best ever and a significant improvement on the 71 points we got in 2019’, concludes

to a more sustainable world and a

Five-star rating

Karelse. ‘We’re incredibly proud, of course,

healthier working environment, stresses

NSI has been working since 2012 to green

and it’s an affirmation of the steps NSI has

Karelse. ‘As well as being exceptionally

its real estate portfolio, following a clear

taken so far.’

Text: Nicole Pak • Photography: Caily Bobby Jo

Zuidas Home Tour

ZUIDAS HOME TOUR ‘At some point my place may get too small, but there are plenty of other options in Zuidas for a next step.’ Zuidas is a distinctive part of the city and in high demand among house hunters. Between now and 2040, some 8,000 to 9,000 new homes will be built here. Once known mostly as an office location, more recently Zuidas has been shedding that image in a complete metamorphosis. When Zuidas is finished in around 2040, a projected 15,000 people will call it home. In this new section, we ask residents to tell us where they live and how they like life in Zuidas.

Bob Guldemond lives in The Gustav builing

Zuidas Home Tour

Had you ever thought you

outdoor space, with the added bonus that

might end up living in Zuidas?

it makes it easy to meet your neighbours.

To me, Zuidas was always a collection of office buildings and I never expected to

Do you want to stay in Zuidas, or do

come live in the middle of that.

you see yourself moving on one day? For now, I plan to stay right here. At some

How do you like living in Zuidas?

point my place may get too small, but there

I love it! The area’s growing with more

are plenty of other options in Zuidas for a

homes and amenities, which is making it

next step in my residential career.

more lively. That’s made me completely rethink my initial sense of Zuidas being

Is there anything Zuidas lacks?

mostly an office location. It has a great mix

Despite there being various restaurants

of relative peace and quiet and anonymity,

and cafés in Zuidas, I’m a big fan of

yet with the busier centre nearby.

expanding what we’ve got.

You live in a small apartment, so do

What’s got pride of place in your house?

you have everything you need here?

My racing bike’s got a prominent spot in

Absolutely! The apartment has everything

my house. And I’m very happy with my big

I need. The communal terrace on the roof

Banksy collection on the wall. The images

more than makes up for not having my own

all have their own nice underlying message.

Name

Bob Guldemond

Age 28 Job

Project Manager

Building

The Gustav (north)

Hobbies

Cycling, reading & travel

Favourite spots at home

Since Covid, the dining table has become the centre

of my house. I feel completely at home there.

Favourite spots in Zuidas

Gustav Mahlerplein

Text: Romy Lange • Photography: Ruben Stam

Business In The Spotlight

Tjibbe Douma & Roger van Buuren

BIRD & BIRD: FOR SPECIALIZED FOCUS International law firm Bird & Bird assists companies going through changes in the technological or digital world. Hello Zuidas is pleased to introduce two of the newest arrivals to the growing group of practices in Amsterdam: Tjibbe Douma, an intellectual property lawyer with a focus on patents and trade secrets, joined Bird & Bird as a partner in early 2021, and Roger van Buuren, who’s been a finance partner at Bird & Bird for just over a year and advises on project financing, mainly in renewable energy and technology & communications. 22

Business In The Spotlight

Specific knowledge

vision on the future of European patent

Amsterdam-based

Bird & Bird has a constantly evolving

law with our European patent partners.

Even in the midst of the pandemic, work

sector-focused approach, with a focus on

Clients can turn to me for strategic advice

is powering ahead at Bird & Bird. This

sectors like technology & communications,

as well as for me to represent them in legal

also includes Covid-19 related work;

digital infrastructure, energy and life

proceedings. These are proceedings before

Tjibbe for example is advising a Dutch

sciences, ‘’Each partner has extensive

the Dutch courts and the European Patent

company developing a new Covid-19 test

specialization to really get to grips with

Office and I have ample experience with

and Roger advises multiple clients on

a case. And that knowledge is clearly

multi-jurisdictional matters in particular

COVID-related financing arrangements.

in demand’’, says Roger. Tjibbe adds,

also with parallel proceedings in the US.’’

Both partners affirm that, despite the crisis, many companies are making

‘’Because of its focus on technology, Bird & Bird is in a position to know these

Truly international firm

the switch to new technology. On

sectors and the issues affecting them, and

Roger van Buuren characterizes Bird &

top of that, the climate transition is

to appropriately apply that knowledge.

Bird as a truly international firm. It has a

ramping up investments in renewable

We take a creative approach to matters,

transnational network which has many

energy projects like solar and wind

take on board the commercial interests of

advantages (such as the availability

parks. ‘’We work with many long-term

the client and start out from: What do we

of expertise and flexibility to advise in

projects’’, says Roger. ‘’The virus has

want to accomplish, and what’s the best

multiple jurisdictions) and a personal

no bearing on infrastructure, and

way to do it?’’

client approach. The distance between

the large amount of work being done

partners and clients remains relatively

online is fuelling demand for digital

Entrepreneurial firm

small. With over 20 years’ experience in

knowledge.’’ Nevertheless, the partners

Since Tjibbe Douma came on board, Bird

private practice and as an in-house lawyer

note that personal contact shouldn’t be

& Bird now has five partners working

at a Dutch bank, Roger specialised in skills

underestimated. Tjibbe concludes, ‘’We

on intellectual property, four focusing

to bring commercial functions together in

hope to be able to welcome clients again

specifically on patents. That makes them

finance transactions. ‘’In my move to Bird

soon to meet over coffee or lunch at our

a force to be reckoned with in the Dutch

& Bird’’, says Roger, ‘’there was mutual

office in Amsterdam. Our practice groups

market. Plus, all have individual expertise

synergy to combine knowledge. As a

always have a team of specialists ready

to best serve their clients. Tjibbe explains,

finance partner, I mainly advice on project

to help and answer any questions.’’

‘’One of my main reasons for joining Bird

finance transactions in the renewable

& Bird is its focus on technology, and

energy sector – such as solar, wind park,

Bird & Bird being an established and high

heat transportation – and in infrastructure

regarded firm in particular on IP. Bird & Bird

with a telecom focus (such as financing

further struck me as an entrepreneurial

of optic fibre networks). This knowledge

firm at the intersection of technology and

is vital for good teamwork with my

law. It’s essential that we share the same

(international) specialists.’’

Text: Nicole Pak & Celine Boute • Photography: Ruben Stam

Bird & Bird +31 (0)70 353 88 00 www.twobirds.com Amsterdam Regus, Atrium Strawinskylaan 3051 1077 ZX Amsterdam The Hague Zuid-Hollandplein 22 2596 AW The Hague

Sustainability

SUSTAINABILITY

URBAN MINING A CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD

In the circular economy, buildings aren’t torn down

What do you see as the main reason to embrace circularity?

when they’re old, but ‘harvested’. Materials are

‘For me, the circular economy is the economic model that brings

disassembled, ‘up-cycled’ and re-used in new buildings,

together apparent opposites: ecology and economy united in

significantly lowering their environmental footprint. This

harmony. And personally, as an entrepreneur, I think my role in

is the principle behind ‘urban mining’ – using the built

society is to persuade people who don’t yet understand the added

environment as a sustainable goldmine. Michel Baars is

value and necessity of a circular economy.’

the owner and founder of New Horizon, a company active in urban mining. Terms like ‘demolition’ and ‘waste’

Why would a company choose to be circular?

don’t exist in his world. He strives to show the world that

‘All companies are concerned with the continuity of their business.

circularity can be beneficial at every level, for both planet

Matters like scarcity and availability, as well as environmental

and budget: demolition with a mission!

and social impact, directly influence this continuity. Though the

Sustainability

linear economy may not break down in the short term, a circular economy is not only better, but also inevitable. Inevitable because negative environmental impacts will be taxed; so I consider circularity to be the only winning strategy.’ Can you give an example of how urban mining creates impact? ‘We hear a lot of great stories in our business. Like about the bar of the Top Oss football club that was incorporated into the floor of Circl here in Zuidas. It’s really nice, and it’s good for our image. But imagine how much more we can do for the environment by turning old concrete into new concrete. Together with our partner Rutte Groep, we’re the first company in the world to do this successfully. Not only are we preventing tonnes of demolition waste, it’s also beneficial to the climate, as the concrete industry is a huge producer of carbon emissions.’ Can you compete with non-circular competitors? ‘If you include the costs of the environmental and climate impact, we’re competitive on all fronts. But we’re not there yet. Despite the extra work our approach entails, New Horizon is already competitive in certain materials, such as ceramics, brick, concrete and bitumen. And we’ll only become more competitive once a CO2 tax is introduced.’

Michel Baars

How is the circular construction market doing? ‘Demand is high and very much on the rise. In fact, we’re

Curious to learn how much value

continually sold out. There are far too few donor buildings, and

is retained in your building?

that’s not a good thing. Nobody will close the cycle on their own, so

Do the Urban Mining Scan

we’re all dependent on one another. That’s why I now tell project developers that I’ll deliver circular concrete for their construction

Want to read the extended

projects, but they’ll have to donate a building as well.’

interview with Michel Baars? Check out the article in ‘Verschilmakers’

What’s next for urban mining? ‘We’re at the dawn of a new phase where we’re going to quantify the value of materials used in existing property. Based on

New Horizon provides construction companies with

our user data and experiences in the past, we can predict the

high-quality building materials extracted through urban

“harvest” present in an existing building. This value has never

mining. In essence, this means the built environment is

been recognised. What’s more, the value is now negative because

the main source of building materials and resources for

it costs money to demolish it. We demonstrate that in a highly

new buildings. By harvesting instead of demolishing,

developed urban mining culture, very valuable components of a

construction companies reuse materials, capitalizing on

building emerge, increasing the building’s commercial value by

the intrinsic value of a building. This allows New Horizon to

several percent.’

compete with the traditional ‘linear approach’. 25

Architecture

ARCHITECTURE

INNSiDE by Meliá

Address

Eduard van Beinumstraat

In the future, a visit to Zuidas won’t be complete without

Architect

KCAP Architects & Planners

stopping at 2Amsterdam, formerly known as the Twin Towers.

Building owner

Commerz Real

Here you’ll find INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam: a hotel boasting

Developer Provast

the first sky bar in Zuidas, a brand-new office location with

Main user

Meliá (hotel tower)

conference rooms, plus a gym, café with an outdoor terrace

Opening

Meliá – shortly / Office – Q3 2021

and a green courtyard garden. Get ready for a new hotspot in

Floors

Hotel – 19 / Office – 16

Zuidas!

Height

Hotel – 75 m / Office – 65 m

Architecture

24/7 liveliness

enhance biodiversity. The design has also

Facts

Redevelopment of the old office towers

preserved as much as possible of the

• The first sky bar in Zuidas,

has led to an overall mixed-use concept

original structure, for example reusing

boasting an amazing view!

with functions spanning lodging, work

the concrete framework to maximize

• Live DJs every Thursday,

and leisure, where city visitors, local

sustainability in the construction process,

Friday and Saturday.

residents and workers in Zuidas can come

hence giving the building a real second life.

• 328 modern, spacious hotel rooms

together. Between the two towers is a

with Wi-Fi and Chromecast TV.

courtyard garden that’s open to the public

Cielo, Skybar with breathtaking views

• Creative meeting rooms,

by day and offers a great spot to socialize

2Amsterdam is also where Spanish hotel

grab-and-go coffee bar and gym.

with colleagues or friends after work.

chain Meliá is opening its first location

• Brand new multi-tenant office

Architecturally, the concept both highlights

in the Netherlands. INNSiDE by Meliá

tower with approx. 20,000 GFA.

the towers as distinctive entities with their

Amsterdam is a large hotel with 328 rooms.

• Almost 400 parking places

own facilities, while emphasizing their

On the hotel’s 19th floor is Cielo, a sky

ensemble character.

bar and restaurant where you can enjoy

• Sustainable design with smart

both breathtaking views over the whole

building features for a healthy

underneath the building.

Healthy workplace and stay

city and Spanish chef Orianna Bellardi’s

To redevelop the two towers, owner

modern Iberian cuisine. On Thursdays to

• 2 minutes from Amsterdam Zuid

Commerz Real engaged Provast and the

Saturdays a mix of DJs spin a soundtrack to

train station and 10 minutes

architectural firm KCAP. Sustainability was

go with those spectacular views, delicious

to Schiphol Airport.

a key factor in all the design decisions. The

cocktails and tapas. The INNSiDE hotel

office will have a BREEAM Excellent rating

brand’s motto is: Leisure at heart, Business

For more information please

and various energy-saving features. Power

in mind. With an easy-going vibe and fine

visit: twoamsterdam.nl

will be generated by a heat and cold storage

Spanish food, their hotels bring business

system combined with district heating,

and leisure guests together in locations

while solar panels and green roofing will

offering both work and play.

workplace and stay.

Agenda

AGENDA

MARCH & APRIL 2021 Every Monday

ONLINE FILMS @Rialto • www.rialtofilm.nl Picl is an online cinema that lets you watch the most beautiful films 24/7 straight from your own sofa: Rialto films, but at home. You can watch without a subscription by paying per film, with 48 hours of access to watch. Enjoy the best selection, without being tied to anything.

Friday 12 March

Wednesday 10 March

MASTERCLASS: SUSTAINABLE CHANGE

WORKING SESSION: TES OPTIMIZATION

@Circl • www.SUSC.nl

@GBC Zuidas • nina@greenbusinessclub.nl

How can you make successful sustainable change happen in

The Zuidas Amsterdam Development Office and Green

your organization? Climate change is recognized worldwide

Business Club Zuidas are committed to going off natural

as the single biggest business risk. For organizations to stay

gas. Reason enough for Zuidas to double down on an

successful, sustainability and innovative clout are key. Although

optimal thermal energy storage (TES) network. In this

many organizations are addressing these topics, non-financial

working session we zoom in on TES. The technical

aspects are often still far from being integrated in goal-setting and

administrator will be joined in the discussion by Area

decision-making. Making the necessary changes won’t be easy, but

Environment Agency and Zuidas enforcement officials to

it will certainly be relevant and inspiring!

share knowledge and gain insight into the possibilities. If you’d like to attend or have questions, get in touch with Nina van den Berg.

Thursday 18 March

ENERGY TRANSITION THURSDAY @Circl • www.circl.nl/agenda Rapidly greening our energy mix will take more than sustainable technologies alone. At least as important is a sustainable revenue model. Whoever clinches the sustainable technology revenue model takes home the jackpot. In this series we discuss promising technologies and delve into the revenue model underpinning the tech. In each session, sector specialists break down the technology and the revenue model, explaining how the tech works.

Agenda

Saturday 20 March

OPEN TOWER DAY @Amsterdam • www.opentorendag.nl On Saturday 20 March 2021 Amsterdam hosts the 9th Open Tower Day, with historic and contemporary towers throughout the city opening their doors to the public from 10am to 4pm. This year’s Open Tower Day will comply with all the RIVM Covid-19 safety guidelines. Through Sunday 21 March

EXHIBITION: FROM THONET TO DUTCH DESIGN @Stedelijk Museum • www.stedelijk.nl This summer the Stedelijk presents an extensive selection of design from its famous collection, exhibiting over 300 objects that are landmarks of design innovation and excellence from the past 125 years. Beginning with a Thonet bench that’s one of the oldest pieces in the collection, the exhibition explores major movements including the Wiener Werkstätte, Amsterdam School and Scandinavian design through to the rise of plastic in the 1960s, the colourful 80s Italian Memphis design and the Dutch design that has set trends since the 90s.

Thursday 25 March

HELLO ZUIDAS MEMBERS MEETING @Online at 15:30 – 16:45 • Join? news@hellozuidas.com Save the date! You are cordially invited to the online Members Meeting on Thursday, 25 March. This edition will focus on connection, wellbeing and networking. Leave your address details when registering (no obligations) and Hello Zuidas will send a nice surprise to your door!

Monday 29 March - Friday 2 April

Tuesday 30 - Thursday 1 April

GREEN BUSINESS CLUB ZUIDAS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

BUILDING HOLLAND

@Green Business Club Zuidas

@RAI Amsterdam • www.rai.nl/agenda

Green Business Club Zuidas was established on 29 March 2011 by among others ABN AMRO,

Building Holland is the premier innovation

ORAM and the Zuidas Amsterdam Development Office. Now, almost ten years on, GBC

event for the construction and real

Zuidas has grown into an impact organization committed to initiating sustainable projects.

estate industries. Showcasing trends,

A festive programme is in the works to celebrate this 10th anniversary! Stay tuned!

developments and innovations integrally linked to the Netherlands’ sustainable transformation, it covers the whole

Thursday 1 April

spectrum of solutions and new concepts.

BUITENVELDERT SENIORS EASTER SURPRISE

If you’re a professional eager to know how

@GBC Zuidas • diederik@greenbusinessclub.nl

we’ll achieve the climate targets, you can’t

Before the lockdown, Green Business Club Zuidas members invited

afford to miss this event!

older residents of Buitenveldert out for lunch and a chance to meet up with Zuidas team. And in 2019 they rang out the year with a smashing Christmas lunch with Zuidas Today, 50 Zuidas employees and 50 residents of Amsterdam Zuid. Sadly, such activities will probaly have to wait another half year. That’s why care provider Dynamo and Green Business Club Zuidas have decided to treat Buitenveldert seniors to an Easter surprise! For more info or to help out, get in touch with Diederik Imfeld.

Photography: Peter Elenbaas & Jan Vonk

Agenda

Thursday 1 April

IAMS @RAI Amsterdam • www.amsterdammotorshow.com IAMS shines a glittering spotlight on more than 300 cars – from supercars to unique show cars of which there’s only one in the whole world. There’s also a section devoted to the latest import models, both combustion and electric. See them all at the IAMS.

Thursday 6 April

TAXCI AFTER LUNCH SESSION: INNOVATION BOX REGIME FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Sunday 11 April

@WTC • www.taxci.nl/after-lunch-sessions

Pure Markt brings together a wide array of independent artisans

During the TAXci After Lunch Sessions, consultants from

selling delicious food, beverages and a range of other unique items.

Tax Consultants International will update you on a range of

They can tell you all about the ingredients, origins and fabrication

specific topics during a 30-minute presentation, with plenty

processes of their products. Relax on one of the inviting terraces or

of time afterwards to ask questions and meet and chat with

have a picnic on the lawn and enjoy live music while the little ones

the speakers and their colleagues.

take a spin in Holland’s coolest chair-o-plane.

PURE MARKT @Amstelpark • www.puremarkt.nl

Through Sunday 11 April

EXHIBITION: HISTORY & ROYALTY. 600 YEARS OF HISTORY @De Nieuwe Kerk • www.denieuwekerk.nl De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam’s latest exhibition History & Royalty. 600 Years of History, takes you back through the history of this church (founded 1408), in an autobiography that’s inextricably linked with that of Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

Agenda

Through Monday 10 May

EXHIBITION: REPUBLIC AT SEA @National Maritime Museum • www.hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl The exhibit Republic at Sea in the National Maritime Museum’s Main Gallery shows how water has shaped the Netherlands’ history as a maritime nation. With more than 50 objects telling the story of Friday 16 March - Sunday 9 May

the Republic in the 17th and 18th centuries, it illuminates how the

TULIP FESTIVAL

maritime world and Dutch society have been linked for centuries.

@Amsterdam • www.tulpenfestival.nl Throughout April (or thereabouts), all Amsterdam will be coming up tulips during the Tulip Festival. This year themed ‘A tulip for every

Thursday, 20 & 27 May

Amsterdammer’, the Tulip Festival is a wonderful way to (re)discover

BUSINESS ENGLISH WORKSHOP

the Dutch capital. Stroll or cycle along the route passing by 85

@Taalcentrum-VU • www.taalcentrum-vu.nl/zakelijk-engels

tulipiferous locations. Circumstances permitting, this year’s

English fluency is crucial in international business. Would

Tulip Festival will be from 16 April through 9 May.

you like to communicate more effectively with your Englishspeaking clients? Taalcentrum-VU’s language experts are here to help! The Business English workshop will boost your fluency in no time. The workshop covers two full days, from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m..

Monday 3 May - Friday 7 May

ARTZUID ART CAMP

Through Monday 31 May

@Art Zuid Foundation www.artzuid.nl/artcamp/

EXHIBITION: THE ART OF THE BRICK

Looking for a fun place for your child to

@Kalverpassage • www.artofthebrick.nl

learn about art and get creative over the

The acclaimed exhibit The Art of the

May holiday? Sign them up for ARTZUID

Brick is on view for a limited time in De

ART CAMP, Amsterdam’s one and only art

Kalverpassage in Amsterdam. A collection

camp! At ARTZUID ART CAMP your children

of 100 unique artworks built from more

spend five days working like real artists and

than one million LEGO® bricks, The Art

developing their creative skills. Walks, games

of the Brick is sure to delight all ages

and group discussions all give them loads of

and everyone from LEGO® fans to art

inspiration and ideas for creating their own

enthusiasts.

art. A fun and artistic week is guaranteed!

Photography: Evert Elzinga, Twycer & Jan Vonk

Real Estate Special

REAL ESTATE SPECIAL For years, Amsterdam Zuidas has been working with project developers, building contractors and business owners to forge a whole new urban district. Construction projects continue to take flight, from new offices to spectacular new residential towers, with attractive eateries and shops at street level. What started out as an office location has grown into so much more. Today, Zuidas is a unique district in its own right where working, living and leisure come together. Many organizations are contributing to the development of Zuidas. In this special issue on real estate, take a look and read who they are and what they do!

Sustainable and healthy real estate in Zuidas Health and sustainability are hot topics in today’s world. That goes for the building industry, too. Here in Zuidas, EDGE Olympic and NoMA House are two examples of buildings keyed to health and sustainability. We asked four professionals who work there to share their personal experience of the difference a healthy workplace makes.

Nienke Weggeman EDGE Olympic - Marketing & Communication coordinator at Ebbinge ‘The green and sustainable concept underpinning EDGE Olympic was a huge draw, since it matches our own business mindset of “true leadership”. It’s all about what makes your team perform at its best. A pleasant workplace is a big part of that. EDGE Olympic really revolves around those principles, with lots of plants, big windows, a good air system, plenty of daylight for the right mental stimulation, healthy meals available every day and water points down the hall. These are all small things that unconsciously trigger people to make healthyl choices. As a tenant, Ebbinge itself is also extra mindful of health and sustainability. In our part of the building, we’ve got standing desks and healthy snacks like date fruit bars and fresh fruit. The fact that there are so many options makes a massive difference to mental wellbeing.’

Real Estate Special

Amber de Jager NoMA House - Operations at UNGA ‘Because of our company UNGA’s tremendous growth, we had to leave Herengracht in search of something new. In the end we chose NoMA House, also on account of its BREEAM outstanding certificate. Our floor has ceilings four metres high, big windows and a vast rooftop terrace. The sound, humidity and light conditions are all excellent. There are a number of rules for users of the building, like a ban on plastic bottles, and to separate waste. It was an adjustment but also fits UNGA’s sustainable mission. We have our own chef who uses fresh products, so that limits food waste. We also offer yoga and boxing classes at the office. Our whole team, with lots of young people of all different nationalities, feels positive about NoMA House. Health is important to us all, and in this building, we can actively pursue a healthy work- and lifestyle.’

Job Holtrigter NoMA House - Associate director for the Benelux at Nigel Wright Group ‘NoMA House is next door to the Buitenveldert football pitches and that makes this spot feel like an oasis amidst the bustle of Zuidas. When we decided to relocate to NoMA House two years ago, good access was an essential factor. Also, the building has a professional, spacious and open feel. Outside there’s a kind of auditorium with lots of shrubs and planters, a ping pong table and benches. That makes it more tempting to take a break or even work outdoors. I’ve been struck by how nice it feels to work here. At Nigel Wright we’re active and fit and we promote that throughout the organization. If you look at health and a natural environment in the workplace, you can see it makes a positive contribution to a company’s development. Now, because we’re working from home, we go out for walks during Zoom meetings. Taking a walk outside results in an immediate difference in how people think and speak. So we will continue doing that in the future.’

Stefanie Driever EDGE - Project manager at techleap.nl ‘As soon as you walk into the building you can feel how much attention’s been paid to health and sustainability, with all the natural daylight and the green oasis with all kinds of plants. Aside from incentives to look after your physical health, like the availability of fresh fruit, the water fountain, the healthy meals and beverages in the restaurant and the staircase in the centre of the foyer, there’s also a concern with mental wellbeing. The building is laid out in such a way that I think it’s natural for people to interact and have a chat. When it’s possible, EDGE Olympic organizes events and talks that people in the building can go to. At techleap.nl we work with innovative startups and scaleups, where topics like health and sustainability play an important role, and that also ties in with our choosing EDGE Olympic. Health was always important to me, but it’s brilliant to keep fit and healthy because of all this building offers.’

Text: Céline Boute • Photography: Ruben Stam

Real Estate Special

LOCKING ON AND LETTING GO Linda Driessen and Sander Bon work for D&B The Facility Group, a high-end services provider in Amsterdam. Their dozens of employees supply top services to thousands of Zuidas professionals every day. Linda and Sander have noted a shift in demand away from long, fixed-term contracts towards an increasing degree of flexibility. There’s also a big call for partnerships based on easy adaptability. In other words, for smart contacts in which clients no longer bear all the risk and that provide the strongest impetus for commercial enterprise by taking care of daily service needs. Sander: I’ve had final responsibility for sales at D&B since 1 January. We’d locked onto the issue of agility and flexibility long before the coronavirus. That was due mainly to the growing share of real estate in our portfolio, where the need for risk-reduction, manageable service costs, flexibility and value creation tends to be paramount. This led us to devise new service concepts for our Hospitality, Security, Cleaning, Catering, Mobility and Facility Management services. One of those is Loaf (www.loaf.today), which pairs hospitality with an all-day catering concept, to offer not only state-of-the-art convenience but also significant savings. Another example is our Safety Host service (www.safety-host.nl), which deploys young professionals to smooth the transition back to the workplace in a safe and pleasant manner. Linda: With my background as a facility manager, I thought I had all figured out exactly what our clients need. But now the whole world’s been turned upside down and nothing’s all that clear cut anymore. I’ve had to let go of lots of old patterns and apply my

Sander Bon & Linda Driessen

knowledge and experience in more creative ways. I also consistently force myself to think three moves ahead. Now, we’ve put together a diverse package of modular service concepts that lets our clients quickly scale up or back. And we can guarantee that because we’ve set up our D&B teams to deploy with maximum flexibility. Which

Want to learn more about future-ready facilities concepts? Get in touch:

One thing we won’t ever let go, however, is our commitment to top

D&B The Facility Group Sander Bon Linda Driessen Commercial Director Manager New Business +31 (0)6 21 49 97 49 +31 (0)6 11 12 59 80 sander.bon@db.nl linda.driessen@db.nl

quality. That’s something we’ve locked onto as well!

www.db.nl

is crucial, because the world may look very different tomorrow.

Photography: Caily Bobbie Jo

Real Estate Special

De Hypotheker

WELL BEGUN IS HALF DONE

Thomas van Splunteren

2020 was a national record-setting year for mortgage transactions.

online calculators tend to fall wide of the mark. In his experience,

And hence a busy one for De Hypotheker’s Thomas van Splunteren.

these models are too limited to get an accurate picture of one’s

With an office in WTC Amsterdam, all of Zuidas comes to him for

personal situation. ‘So, if you’re serious, come straight to us. We go

mortgage advice. Van Splunteren: ‘To buy a home in this period

that extra mile and not only take a look at your mortgage costs but

you have to move fast, because you’ve got loads of company. If you

also your insurance policies, levies and municipal taxes. After that

take care of everything ahead of time, you can get financing within

the fun part begins: finding your dream home!’

two or three weeks; only then will you be seen as a viable buyer. Lesson being: make sure to prepare everything in advance!’

Independent partner Finding the right property starts with getting the right mortgage

Be prepared

advice. De Hypotheker is an independent broker that does

Interest rates remain low, demand continues to exceed supply and

business with all lending institutions. Van Splunteren also has wide

buyers still find themselves fiercely outbidding each other. But

experience in closing mortgages for independent contractors,

for first-time buyers, now is actually an interesting time to buy, as

which comes with its own set of complexities. Van Splunteren:

the transfer tax is fixed at 0% until 1 April. After that, this rate will

‘We work out the maximum you can shoot for and then look at

apply only to houses up to €400k. ‘Getting informed by a mortgage

which lending institution has the best offer, including interest and

broker beforehand is very important’, stresses Van Splunteren. ‘To

conditions. At De Hypotheker, you’re guaranteed the best deal!’ Van

stand a chance among everyone making offers, you have to make

Splunteren also takes care to be transparent and honest towards

sure your file is 80% complete. That allows you to move quickly,

all his clients. ‘If something isn’t doable, we say so.’

making you a serious and interesting candidate for the seller.’ Extra step Even before you start viewing properties, it’s sensible to find out what is and isn’t within your means. Van Splunteren has noticed that

Text: Nicole Pak • Photography: Jaiwey Nuij

De Hypotheker Thomas van Splunteren | Franchisee Strawinskylaan 1427 / WTC Tower Tower B, Level 14 1077 XX Amsterdam +31 (0)20 662 14 11 thomas.vansplunteren@hypotheker.nl www.hypotheker.nl

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Real Estate Special

Von Poll Real Estate:

YOUR GUIDE TO FINDING THE RIGHT HOME

Marie Christine Lodewijk

Teun van Esch

Joan Dik

Elisabeth van Zijverden

Willem-Jan Romeijn

Cecile Smits van Oyen

With locations all over Europe, having a base in Amsterdam’s international financial

of house-hunting in a foreign country. The

district was a must. So, in early 2018, Von Poll Real Estate opened the doors of its

real estate world is completely different in

second Amsterdam location, in Zuidas. Fast forward a few years, and now the firm

other countries. We know those differences

offers a varied mix of residential properties from Buitenveldert and Amstelveen

as well as the way the Dutch market

to Zuidas and the heart of Amsterdam Zuid. Six estate agents run the office. Hello

operates.’ That knowledge is one of Von Poll

Zuidas caught up with three of them, Marie-Christine Lodewijk, Elisabeth van

Amsterdam’s strengths and also makes the

Zijverden and Joan Dik, to talk about their work and perspective on this new

firm a reliable guide for expats.

location. According to Joan, ‘Zuidas has massive potential for us. In the future we’d definitely like to focus even more on residential rentals and sales in Zuidas’.

NVM real estate agent Von Poll is also a member of the NVM

Visibility

websites online, in the end most people still

association of real estate agents and

The Von Poll office is hard to miss. Where

want something tangible, especially when

appraisers in the Netherlands and an

their city-centre location occupies a

buying or selling a house and given the

MVA Certified Expat Broker, adds Marie-

historic canal-side property, their Zuidas

emotions involved.’

Christine. ‘These are important and

office is sleek, modern and above all

meaningful endorsements for us, because

inviting for passers-by. Marie-Christine

International orientation

they highlight the expertise of specialized

explains, ‘One of the pros of having an

From its beginnings in Germany, today Von

real estate agents. That way, customers

office here was the chance to enlarge

Poll has many offices throughout Europe. So,

know we deliver a high standard of

our visibility. Plus, we’re the only estate

if you’re looking for a place abroad, look no

professional service.’

agency in Zuidas. It’s easy for people to

further than Von Poll. ‘Everyone on the team

pop in quickly during a work break, so that

has lived abroad and has an international

really lowers the threshold’. Joan agrees,

background’, Elisabeth explains. ‘Because of

‘Though you can browse all the housing

that, we’re familiar with all the ins and outs

Text: Nicole Pak & Eefje van den Akker • Photography: Caily Bobbie Jo

Von Poll Real Estate Claude Debussylaan 134 1082 MD Amsterdam +31 (0)20 21 59 988 info@von-poll.nl www.von-poll.nl

Real Estate Special

AMSTERDAM IS FAST BECOMING “THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK”

when it comes to property development, particularly in respect to the luxury market

Amsterdam is a lively and cosmopolitan city, boasting an internationally significant airport, an increasingly important financial centre and plenty of opportunities for both entrepreneurs and career-minded individuals. It is regularly ranked within the top 10 cities to live in globally, an accolade which has been crucial in attracting new incomers from some of the biggest conurbations in the world. With an influx of expatriates, partially driven by Brexit, and with a growing presence on the world stage, Amsterdam is fast becoming “the new kid on the block” when it comes to property development, particularly in respect to the luxury market. 38

Real Estate Special

‘Co Development takes the complexity of co-ordinating such turnkey projects away from the client by managing them end-to-end, from conceptualisation through to completion.’

Ernst Faber

Turnkey residential projects - on the rise

managing them end-to-end, from

and internationally. In doing so he has

It is clear that there is increasing demand

conceptualisation through to completion.

collaborated with some of the biggest

for luxury properties in and around

Clients have the benefit of a single point

players in the industry and gained

Amsterdam. Not only that, but buyers

of contact from start to finish, whilst

extensive and invaluable knowledge of

are now looking for the complete

having access to the in-house team of

what clients are looking for. “London is

package; a fully furnished property

qualified furniture-makers, upholsterers

several years ahead of the rest of Europe

which can be moved into (or rented out)

and decorators, as well as Co van der

in respect of the turnkey market, but

as soon as the keys are handed over.

Horst’s strong professional network

Amsterdam is clearly not far behind.

This is the “turnkey home”.

of carpenters, plasterers, painters and

There has been a noticeable increase in

gardeners.

demand for Co Development’s offerings

Co Development - what is on offer

and we have the ability to be able to

To serve this growing market, Co van der

Extensive experience

help our clients realise their projects to

Horst, a boutique interior concept store

- a unique selling point

a high standard”

in Amstelveen, created Co Development

Co Development is headed up by Ernst

back in 2020. Co Development takes

Faber who has years of experience in

the complexity of coordinating such

London managing high-end and turnkey

turnkey projects away from the client by

projects in London, both domestically

Co van der Horst Co Development Binderij 2, Amstelveen +31 (0)20 641 25 05 ernst@vanderhorst.nl www.covanderhorst.nl

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Real Estate Special

FRIS

Better living starts with a successful base FRIS is a full service real estate provider with a strong track record in the lease of ground floor commercial space – a small but crucial niche in the commercial property sector. Where some real estate agents prefer to ignore this market, FRIS has made it its specific focus. These ground-floor commercial spaces occupy the base of residential complexes, sometimes extending up or down a floor as well. According to Nadine van Kaam, Commercial Real Estate advisor at FRIS, it’s a component all too often overlooked by project developers or residential investors. Which is a shame, because activity at street level makes neighbourhoods much more attractive and ultimately also boosts property values. Successful base Nadine is specialized in the commercial lease of mainly ground floor office, restaurant and retail spaces. As she points out, it’s important

Nadine van Kaam

for clients to think about the designation of a building’s base from the outset of a project. ‘’What you often saw happening’’, Nadine explains, ‘’was that too little attention went into what to do at the

contact right then. Our research department has already mapped

base, including the technical specifications and spatial layout.

out the whole range of amenities available in each city district.

That resulted in unlettable spaces that just stayed vacant. So you’d

That lets us see at a glance what a neighbourhood may be missing.

have, say, a restaurant operating permit issued for a space that was

For example, if there are a lot of places to eat, but hardly any gyms

completely unsuitable.’’ FRIS has made ground floor rentals one of

or social amenities, we notice that.’’ Using this tool, FRIS can give

its specializations and works with clients to develop these spaces

clients more comprehensive information, and does so as early on

from phase one. They’ve noticed that more project developers and

as possible. ‘If we can come on board very early on, the project

investors are coming to see the value of a successful base. That’s

developer will be able to anticipate the amenities required in the

fortunate, because a successful base also makes for better living!

neighbourhood and thus create the optimal mix at street level. That is our added value.’’

Matching tool Drawing on its now extensive experience in this niche, FRIS has been able to develop a targeted matching tool. Nadine: ‘’For each new rental engagement it identifies a bunch of matches that we can

Text: Nicole Pak • Photography: Michael Graste

FRIS - Real People Hoogoorddreef 15 1101 BA Amsterdam +31 (0)20 301 77 20 bedrijfsmakelaars@fris.nl www.fris.nl

Real Estate Special

BPD DEVELOPS

HOMES FOR EVERYONE Edward Zevenbergen

In recent years Zuidas has burgeoned into a residential district with dwellings

and a priority for the future’, Edward

for everyone. And there’s much more to come, as the district continues evolving.

confirms. ‘BPD now also has a property fund

Bouwfonds Property Development started out 75 years ago with a house in

for mid-range rental housing. With that we

Drenthe. Today, they’re over 365,000 homes and counting across the Netherlands

hope to help fill the gap between subsidized

and Germany, including spectacular, sustainable properties in Zuidas. Edward

rentals on the one hand and homes for sale

Zevenbergen, projects director at BPD, is tremendously proud of the quality of those

on the other. BPD likes to do things on a

buildings and was happy to share his vision for the future.

large scale, as was the case with our earlier projects in Zuidas. In Diemen we’ve started

With all the thousands of homes BPD has

The George, The Gustav, Django, Miles and

construction of 700 units, with a great mix

built in recent years, they’ve made significant

Intermezzo; residential properties built to

of subsidized and mid-range rentals, and

contributions throughout the Netherlands.

cater to a broad segment of the homebuyer

units for sale. It’s a complete range, which is

In Zuidas, they’re the name behind Xavier,

market. ‘Affordability is one of our missions

precisely what I want for Zuidas.’

Real Estate Special

Holland Park

Intermezzo

‘Affordability is one of our missions and a priority for the future’

Xavier

The George

The Gustav

Sustainability and integration

neighbourhood is included in those

so it’s a good example of a sustainable,

As important as affordability is

plans. That’s because a home is also

integrated development.’

sustainability. By working towards a

shaped by its surrounding environment,

number of sustainability objectives, BPD is

and an integrated approach can

Proud

steadily progressing to 100% sustainable

accommodate that.

A whole range of property developers have

development. It already offers targeted

contributed to making Zuidas into what it

solutions for climate and landscape,

Current projects

is today. Reflecting on the quality in Zuidas,

energy, circularity, and mobility. Edward

BPD’s approach is to be able to connect

Edward feels proud. ‘It’s brilliant to see how

explains, ‘For The George we came up

with housing associations quickly to look

Zuidas has come alive as a residential area

with a tailor-made system to capture

into possible partnerships with shared

these last years. All the different buildings

water on the roof and channel it down

goals, for example to develop a mix of

and locations – like George Gershwinlaan,

to underground water tanks, from which

units. In Zuidas, one association they’ve

that’s such a nice, attractive residential

it can be used to replenish the garden

worked with is Eigen Haard, where the City

street. I hope residents and business

during dry spells. Circular and natural

of Amsterdam took charge of quality. ‘One

owners feel every bit as proud.’

gas-free construction have been important

project we’re working on at the moment

components for a while and our team has

is Hyde Park’, Edward continues. ‘There,

just appointed a dedicated sustainability

we’re aiming for a good mix of units for

officer’. Also fundamental to how BPD

sale, rent and subsidized rentals. And in

approaches development is integration.

Diemen, Holland Park has started phase

When developing a property, the

two. That includes a landscaping plan,

Text: Romy Lange • Photography: Caily Bobbie Jo • Artist Impressions: Ossip architectuurfotografie, Theo van Leur & Plomp

BPD Bouwfonds Property Development IJsbaanpad 1 1076 CV Amsterdam www.bpd.nl BPD is developing the projects in Zuidas together with AM, ERA Contour and Eigen Haard. In Diemen Holland Park West together with Dura Vermeer and in Hoofddorp (Hydepark) together with Snippe Projecten.

Real Estate Special

DURA VERMEER JOINS ALL FACETS OF BUILDING Office EMA

Dura Vermeer is not only a construction company, but an established property

Commitment to Zuidas

developer as well. And that sets it apart in the real estate market. This year, the real

One thing is certain: Dura Vermeer

estate developer celebrates 165 years in business. With a strategy for success centred

continues to evolve. Working with the

on continual innovation, it’s looking forward to the next 165 years. Rutger Sypkens,

Rijksvastgoedbedrijf and its partner

director at Dura Vermeer Vastgoed, and Marijke Nas, director at Dura Vermeer

Heijmans, they were able to deliver the

Midden West, are keeping close tabs on new project developments in Zuidas.

EMA building, with a floor area of 39,000

The two Amsterdam natives are keen to contribute to this slice of their city.

m2, in 18 months. ‘The design and build project wasn’t done using traditional

The green and yellow cranes are a familiar

on broadening our knowledge to be able

methods’, Rutger explains.

sight in Zuidas, where Dura Vermeer has

to build the buildings of the future. With

‘We had several working shifts a day and

some well-known development and

Zuidas being such a densely built-up area,

the achievement of our team was realy

construction projects to its name. The

it’s crucial to think about the quality of

unheard of in the Netherlands, but we’re

company developed and built Symphony

the living and working environment. This

tremendously proud of the result and

and the Stibbe and Akzo Nobel offices,

knowledge is vital and helps us stand

the cooperation.’ With the many iconic

and was part of the consortia behind

out as a developer and builder. Aside

projects Dura Vermeer has worked on in

NoMA House and the Atrium. ‘Right

from development, direct investments in

Zuidas, it’s familiar territory for Rutger

now’, says Marijke, ‘we’re fully focused

technology are another key component’.

and Marijke, and they’re keeping their

Real Estate Special

The New Atrium

Office AkzoNobel

Mobility Hub at Project Elements Haarlem

‘We’re fully focused on broadening our knowledge to be able to build the buildings of the future’

Also, ‘Instead of building underground parking, we opted for a mobility hub based on a vehicle sharing concept. For us as a real estate developer, it’s important to participate in facets that go beyond construction. That’s why Dura Vermeer decided to operate this mobility hub itself for the first five years to see how that will work out.’ Marijke Nas & Rutger Sypkens

Community connection A whole host of developments are

eyes peeled for future projects – such

the label takes a different approach

shifting the focus from B2B to B2C at

as the one in the Ravel subdistrict.

to the design phase. Marijke: ‘It’s a

Dura Vermeer. This is consistent with the

‘OBA Next could be a really interesting

concept premised on thinking about

growing emphasis on a building’s broader

project for us as well. The tender has

the surrounding area, the building,

contribution to its environment in terms of

been heavily delayed, but we’ll jump at

behaviours and the people. The question

green space, social sustainability as well

the chance as soon as it comes on the

is: How do you create a healthy built

as connecting with the community and

market. Besides that, we are focusing

climate at each of these four different

people. ‘Dura Vermeer believes technology

on building with wood as the main

levels? To give an example, a design where

is a must for development, and brings both

construction material. We would love

users walk right into the lift, as opposed

the commercial and the technical side to

to develop a wood tower like what NSI

to one with a prominent staircase to

the drawing board to come up with a good

presented recently’, Rutger says eagerly.

encourage physical activity.’ In Haarlem,

design.’ Concluding, Rutger notes, ‘Dura

Dura Vermeer is converting the former

Vermeer is always open to new ideas and

The Good Life label

Fluor office complex into apartments

discussion. So please do not hesitate to

For new projects, Dura Vermeer

(Elements). There, considerations

contact me or Marijke!

has launched its own health and

included creating a safe environment

sustainability label. By taking a healthy

and adding value for residents in the

living environment as its starting point,

form of green roofs to collect rainwater.

Text: Romy Lange • Photography: Ruben Stam

Queries or ideas? Get in touch with Dura Vermeer at www.duravermeer.nl. More information about The Good Life label is available at www.letsbuildthegoodlife.nl.

Hello You

HELLO YOU

DELIVERY AND TAKE-AWAY It seems like ages ago that we could relax at a nice café or restaurant to savour a good meal. With all the places offering delivery and take-away options in Zuidas, we decided these eateries deserve a little extra attention. So, where are you ordering your next delicious lunch or dinner?

LUNCH MARKET 33 The Market 33 team soon hopes to welcome back diners ‘the normal way’. They miss you! Until then, everyone can still pick up mouth-watering meals at Market 33, including Mexican tacos, fiery Thai curries, crispy flammkuchen, yummy ramen soup, Italian pastas & piadine, roti & bami, fresh sushi, healthy poke bowls, seafood tagine,

OLIVER’S

or hot pho soup! Be kind. Stay safe.

Oliver’s has a menu to please every palate,

Workdays from 12pm to 8pm The Urban Foodcourt Claude Debussylaan 33 www.market33.nl

from deluxe salads to their signature Oliver’s burger. Order from the take-away menu on their website, phone or drop by! They are also happy to deliver your lunch to you. If you’d like to request something

URBAN SALAD

different from the menu or outside normal

Urban Salad offers an impressive range of

hours, please don’t hesitate to ask them.

choices for a healthy lunchtime meal. They are still preparing the entire basic menu of salads, wraps and soups every workday, and you can order via Deliveroo, Uber or Thuisbezorgd at these times. You can find more info over their menu online.

Workdays from 11am to 2pm Claude Debussylaan 5 +31 (0)20 334 63 06 www.urbansalad.nl

Workdays from 11am to 3pm Claude Debussylaan 78 +31 (0)20 646 16 26 www.olivers.nl

Hello You

WE CANTEEN The We Canteen kitchen prepares all dishes

DINER

fully fresh and on site. They create the real taste of freshness in your customized sandwich or salad, paired with a fresh juice or smoothie and offers daily specials that change daily. We Canteen serves everything in biodegradable disposables and packs up your order in a handy tote bag. Workdays from 11.30am to 2pm Strawinskylaan 77 (on entering WTC, to the left of STACH) +31 (0)20 420 06 91 www.wecanteen.nl

WURST & SCHNITZELHAUS

HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY ZUIDAS

Wurst & Schnitzelhaus is still open

To brighten up these months, Happy

despite the tough times, serving up

Happy Joy Joy selected their best dishes

authentic German cuisine for all of

and created two special menus to choose

Zuidas. There’s no better place for

from: the Snack menu and the Chef’s

crispy Schnitzels and juicy Bratwurst.

menu. Or make your own selection from

Try their lunch special: Schnitzel with

the la carte menu! One of their signature

chips and salad for €10.95 (served till

menus is the Chef’s menu of Edamame

5pm). Or choose from between the

(steamed soybeans), Chon Kuun (fried

Jagerschnitzel, Holzfallerschnitzel,

vegetable spring rolls) and Tom Kha Kai

Hollandaiseschnitzel, Bratwurst or

(coconut soup with chicken). Order now on

Currywurst. All served with salad and

their website. Enjoy!

your choice of side dish. They also deliver to your door in Zuidas and Buitenveldert.

SALSA SHOP If you’re in the mood for freshly made Mexican meal, come over to the Salsa

Saturday till Wednesday from 4 to 8pm Thursday till Friday from 12 to 8pm George Gershwinplein 6 +31 (0)20 737 15 92 www.wush.nl

Monday till Thursday from 3 to 11pm Friday till Sunday from 12 to 11pm George Gershwinplein 1 +31 (0)20 504 36 36 https://happyhappyjoyjoy.asia

Shop. Inspired by influences in America, where Mexican food is ultra-popular, everything on the menu is prepared

LOETJE ZUIDAS

fresh daily by the kitchen’s freshperts.

Order the best Loetje dishes to enjoy

That’s freshness you can taste! A big

at home! Loetje put together a special

hit at the Amsterdam food trucks is the

take-away menu so you can still enjoy

chicken burrito. Salsa Shop lets you order

the most succulent steaks and a range

beforehand and collect at a scheduled

of other Loetje favourites. Almost as

time, and of course you can have it

fun, and every bit as delicious! Order

delivered as well. Tasty burrito bowls and

and pay online, so they will have it

tacos await you!

ready for you to collect.

Every day from 12pm to 9pm Zuidplein 22 +31 (0)20 334 58 81 www.salsashop.nl

Every day from 4pm to 8pm Parnassusweg 1021 +31 (0)20 235 78 42 www.loetje.nl

Business In The Spotlight

YES, WE CAN! SMART BUILDING

Robert Rosier of TPEX International & Bart Schmeink of Securitas Nederland

Zuidas is a unique district with a culture of its own. Gleaming office towers present

TPEX International is the company

an impressive skyline and a wide diversity of people call this special corner of the

behind smart buildings and shares the

city home. It’s also a district where productive partnerships are forged. Like between

same drive for success. It started out in

Securitas Nederland and TPEX International. Bart Schmeink of Securitas Nederland

Zuidas with its worldwide TelePresence

and Robert Rosier of TPEX International tell us what makes their partnership special.

Video Conferencing operations, run in cooperation with TATA Communications.

Securitas is a global security organization

for people, offices and sites. Focused on

In mid-2015 TPEX International launched

with a proactive, integrated, guest-secure

preventative solutions with maximum

Smart Building Operations, through which

approach. In the Netherlands, the company

synergy between people, knowledge

it provides management services for a

and its 6,000-plus workforce provide

and technology, Securitas is the go-to

wide array of high-end premises, including

24/7 superior hospitality and security

innovative partner for security solutions.

Spaces, HNK and EDGE buildings.

Business In The Spotlight

AS A SERVICE Unique proposition in Zuidas

failure in a pump or a heating system, or a

Center and get all situational details sent

Recently TPEX and Securitas sealed an

stuck lift, but also inappropriate conduct

straight to their smart device. That the two

innovative partnership to roll out a unique

in the reception area’, says Robert, who

companies have connected their systems

proposition in Zuidas. What’s the passion

is specialized in managing complex

means these responders can take fast and

that links these two companies, and why

buildings.

appropriate action.

expected to perform at their best, people

Smart Building Responders

TPEX and Securitas elected to launch their

and systems absolutely have to be in sync.

The partners’ proposition makes it

partnership in the Zuidas area because

Securitas already has the best people

possible to offer tenants and users a faster,

service levels are already high and clients

stationed in the region to provide 24/7

better and more cost-efficient high-end

need that high-end service. Expanding

support and ensure safety and business

service. So, when they found each other

the partnership to other countries is also

continuity. But when a report comes in,

in their mutual search for an innovative

on the table. TPEX recently announced an

we don’t always have the specific building

partner, the two gentlemen both said ‘Yes,

alliance with the multinational Schneider

or situational information we need.

we can!’ Joining forces has given them

Electric, which monitors its buildings

That’s where TPEX came in’, explains

capability to supply end-to-end building

around the clock and measures their

Zuidas? ‘In buildings where employees are

Bart Schmeink. Service is key, but it has to be based on solid information. And that’s what brought the two companies together. Securitas has the right people, knowledge and security

‘We see everything that happens in buildings in real time. So, things like a technical failure in a pump or a heating system, or a stuck lift, but also inappropriate conduct in the reception area’

technologies, whilst TPEX International’s Smart Building Operator provides 24/7

monitoring and respond to incidents in

performance against other buildings using

monitoring of smart building continuity,

15 minutes or less. Cooperation between

advanced AI technology. This enables rapid

security and maintenance. TPEX manages

the two parties has even gone so far

detection of poorly configured buildings

buildings and maintenance contractors

that Securitas is also training people as

and so helps to improve performance, cost

from its Operations Control Center in

Smart Building Responders. These are

and the buildings themselves.

Zuidas. From guarding sites with security

people with knowledge about wide-

cameras to following up on burglary

ranging building-related affairs, and their

Both men are looking forward to a lasting

and fire reports to managing building

job varies from doing security rounds

partnership. ‘Yes, we can!’, Bart and Robert

maintenance systems and sensors, TPEX

to inspecting in the event of burglary,

say, looking out across Zuidas.

does it all thanks to the right data. ‘We

forced entry, outages and technical faults.

see everything that happens in buildings

Smart Building Responders receive their

in real time. So, things like a technical

orders from TPEX’s Operations Control

Text: Romy Lange • Photography: Michael Graste

Already a Securitas client? Ask about the possibilities. If you’re not a client yet, get in touch with Serge Dijkstra at smartbuildings@securitas.nl.

from

CARSHARING IN AMSTERDAM

19 CT /m in

1. Download the SIXT app and register 2. Choose your vehicle on the map 3. Unlock it through the app and off you go! Download the SIXT app now

Interview

The City of Amsterdam is hammering out a vision for Amsterdam as a city and metropolitan region. At its core, it’s about tamping down mass tourism, diffusing travel movements and mobility across the city and defining the future identity of Amsterdam. What kind of city do we want to be? Hello Zuidas talked to visionary planner Zef Hemel about the part Zuidas plays – or could play – in that scenario.

‘IT’S TIME FOR ZUIDAS TO LET THINGS TAKE THEIR COURSE’ Interview with visionary planner Zef Hemel

Zef Hemel

changing as a result, signalling that potential is there. I can’t wait to see the first bookshop and art galleries opening here’, he says, nodding enthusiastically. ‘That will mark the symbolic moment when Zuidas makes the transformation from a corporate district to the heart of Amsterdam Zuid. And one day maybe even to a centre in its own right.’ Urban character The influx of local residents will also play

Extend the main drag from Museumplein right through to Beethovenstraat, relocate

a vital role in shaping the way Zuidas

attractions outside the centre and shift the focus from the historic city centre to

continues to evolve, thinks Hemel.

Amsterdam Zuidas. Left up to visionary planner Zef Hemel, Zuidas could become

‘Everyone involved has to work on creating

a major protagonist in the Dutch capital’s thriving future, and even develop into a

a new storyline for Zuidas. People need

metropolitan centre in its own right.

to step into that story and lay claim to this environment. Just as it was once

Turbulent growth

the coronavirus crisis, you can’t deny that

mapped out as the first urban banking

In 2019, as professor of urban and regional

breathing space was desperately needed in

district, now it’s time for a new step. That

planning at the UvA, Hemel presented a

much of the city centre.’

will help Zuidas to really mature.’ At the

plan for Amsterdam’s historic city centre.

same time, Hemel likes to emphasize the

At Mayor Halsema’s request, he came up

Exceptional potential

things that are ‘imperfectible’ – that can’t

with a vision for the capital in 2040 focused

Where Zuidas was long office central,

be directly influenced. ‘So much has been

particularly on how to alleviate crowding in

recent years have increasingly revealed

orchestrated and organized, but now it’s

the city centre. As Hemel explains, ‘When

the district’s exceptional potential. And

time for Zuidas to let things take their

you open up space for growth, it creates

this quality has been reinforced by the

course. Often, it’s only then that the truly

breathing room for other parts of the city.

development of high-quality housing, points

exciting, unexpected things happen that

Looking at Amsterdam as it was before

out Zef Hemel. ‘You can feel the climate

give a place its personality’

Text: Eefje van den Akker

Hello Zuidas

CALLING THE MOST INNOVATIVE,

IMPACTFUL AND INSPIRING INITIATIVES IN ZUIDAS!

Green Business Club Zuidas, Hello Zuidas and the Zuidas

Logistics and Public Space. By presenting this award and bringing

Amsterdam Development Office are looking for the most

together all submissions, the organizers hope to anchor these

innovative, impactful and/or inspiring sustainable initiative

myriad sustainable initiatives in Zuidas, share knowledge and

in Zuidas! Has your organization launched or wrapped up an

especially to provide inspiration for further efforts.

innovative, impactful or inspiring sustainable initiative or exceptionally sustainable project in 2020 or 2021? Then enter

For the last eight years running, Green Business Club Zuidas, Hello

now to compete for the Zuidas Sustainability Award!

Zuidas and the Zuidas Amsterdam Development Office put together the Zuidas Sustainability Report, setting out the past year’s most

This year, Green Business Club Zuidas, Hello Zuidas and the Zuidas

important sustainability initiatives and measures. The new Zuidas

district will be presenting the first-ever Zuidas Sustainability

Sustainability Award will replace the Zuidas Sustainability Report.

Award! An expert panel of judges will assess all submissions, announce nominees and finally declare a winner. Does your sustainable initiative Businesses, organizations and knowledge institutions can now

deserve a spot on our website?

submit their cases via the website to make a bid for the title.

All submissions will be grouped around the themes of Mobility,

site: www.zuidasduurzaam.nl

Energy, Buildings, Water & Greenery, Waste & Circularity, Society,

Photography: Kees Winkelman

Business In The Spotlight

SAGGING FOUNDATION? The importance of a firm foundation for your face Yes, you read it right. A firm foundation is crucial. Not only to

cheekbones and cheeks that are less pronounced, there’s a bigger

buildings, it’s just as important for your face. Young people tend

risk of under-eye circles and fine lines forming around the eyes.

to look fresh and radiant, with plump cheeks, a healthy lust for life and boundless energy that makes them very attractive.

The good news is there’s an effective way to restore your facial foundation, using hyaluronic acid fillers. This is the safest and most

As we get older, our skin’s outer layer loses some of that freshness

natural facial treatment available and leaves no tell-tale signs of a

and the foundation under our face isn’t quite what it used to be.

cosmetic procedure.

That’s when it’s prone to sag. But what exactly means that foundation for your face? Basically it’s the volume underneath the

If you would like a foundation analysis, contact the Doctor Frodo

skin, skull and subcutaneous fat. A firm foundation means the skull

clinic to book a complimentary video or in-person consultation.

supports and shapes the skin. No matter where in the world we’re from, the shape of our skull largely defines the shape of our face.

Kliniek Dokter Frodo Gaymans Cornelis Krusemanstraat 9HS

Facial expressions are not only determined by our character, but

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- to a significant extent - also by the underlying volume and how

+ 31 (0)20 421 1559

muscles move over the skull. For example: the further back the

info@dokterfrodo.nl

teeth, the less full the lips and the smaller the mouth. With

www.dokterfrodo.nl

Interview

‘You can’t be afraid of heights, but you do have to take care! As a

‘This was another of those times in my work where I think wow, how lucky

construction photographer I can go everywhere, but I am expected

am I? This is the colossal atrium inside the EMA. A vertical plant wall was

to follow the safety rules. I regularly go up in the scaffolding, which

created to make it a pleasant, friendly environment. I took the picture from

makes for spectacular images, but I stay mindful of my surroundings

below, looking up. The blue is a glass ceiling and the green is the wall that

and only go where I’m allowed.’

goes up eight stories, making the picture almost impossible to grasp.’

Interview with

ZUIDAS PHOTOGRAPHER ‘Over the summer they were paving the A10 circular during a heavy downpour.’ ‘Abseiling down the Hourglass.’

‘This was another unique moment that happened whilst laying the Astroturf. All phases of the transition offered great photo ops, but to me this one of them holding a gigantic length of grass in front of one of the country’s most striking buildings was a golden opportunity.’

Interview

‘The instant the statue was uncrated at the courthouse I knew this

‘Like walking along scaffolds, it seems pretty risky to go up the side of a

would make for some great shots because of the combination of the

building in a bucket. But actually, it’s not. When the time comes during

statue’s pose and scale. In this photo the statue is bending down

construction to inspect the façade, this is how it’s done.’

towards the builder as though handing him something. I always try to have a trigger in my photographs.’

MARCEL STEINBACH Likely you’ve noticed many articles in this magazine feature photographs by Marcel Steinbach. He works for the City of Amsterdam and takes amazing pictures of all the development and construction in the Zuidas district. We thought it was high time to introduce Marcel to our readers! Have you always been a photographer?

essence I want to capture in my pictures. Not static figures but

‘No, I got into construction photography six years ago and shoot

active men, startling views or spectacular skies behind a building

building and infra projects all across the country under my trade

project. Thanks to an early fan of my pictures, Hans Wiemerink at

name Infra Communicatie. Before that I was an international print

SAAOne, I got increasing access to photograph the SAAOne project.

buyer for Yves Rocher and subsequently worked for a printer in

People liked my photos and I got more and more assignments. In

the Wallonia region of Belgium doing sales in the Netherlands and

fact, I got many, that in 2015 I decided to make it my job!’

Belgium for several years. But with the decline in print media, my job was cut. I ended up unemployed and at the time had no idea

What’s the coolest project in Zuidas you’ve ever photographed?

where to go from there.’

‘I don’t have one all-time favourite; every project is different, with its own story. What was really cool was shooting pictures from

So how did you wind up in photography?

top of the KPN tower when the artwork was installed there. That

A passion for construction?

was pretty special. Besides that I’m working on a fantastic series

‘After two years of fruitless job-searching, without any specific goal

on Valley and Tripolis, and also did that with Nhow and the EMA

in mind, I started taking pictures of the SAAOne project – that’s

building. But taking photos of Zuidasdok at night or at the weekend

the A1/A6 Amsterdam-Almere/Muiden motorway expansion. I’d

is also great fun! As is taking action shots of workers placing pots

always been interested in machines and construction and like the

on Claude Debussylaan or the juxtaposition of building projects

construction mentality, and felt a growing respect for those guys

with the bustle on the street. That mix makes it very varied, and

who keep working for us in all kinds of weather. That’s exactly the

basically I enjoy taking pictures of everything!’

Photography: Marcel Steinbach

Finance

FINANCE

The future of real estate:

SUSTAINABLE STRATEGY AND ALTERNATIVE USES

There’s no question the Dutch real estate industry has profited from the ongoing economic growth trend. Yet, even the real estate market will experience the effects of an economy that’s not expected to recover to old levels until mid-2022. According to Marc Brito, manager and coach of Rabobank’s Commercial Real Estate, Trade, Industry and Mobility account management teams for the Metropolitan Region Amsterdam, new housing real estate construction is increasingly embracing industrialization to guarantee affordability and speed. Residential construction

or prison into apartments, you need a strategic overview and

Residential construction won’t be slowing down anytime soon.

knowledge of all the sectors involved. By applying innovative

Marc Brito and his account management teams at Rabobank

and sustainable ideas, existing spaces in Amsterdam can then be

straddle two closely-linked sector groups: Construction & Real

repurposed for housing’.

Estate and Trade, Industry & Mobility. When clients in these diverse sectors face challenging propositions, his teams can bring them

Sustainable business model

together to actually get real estate plans up and running. Brito

As a service provider, Rabobank makes real estate projects

explains, ‘My teams’ input gives me a clear overview and makes it

possible by being part of the solution in order to achieve a

easier to pivot, which puts us in a good position to serve clients

goal. That goes for all industries it serves. ‘When assessing a

on their journey. For a project like converting a former school

construction firm’s proposition, we want evidence of a sustainable

1 Cobouw, 21 December 2020 issue • 2 www.bouwinvest.nl

Finance

business model’, emphasizes Brito. ‘So that even during the building process they’ll be keeping a view to a possible change of function; to alternative uses. For us as a bank, a real estate investor’s long-term strategy and stable cash flows – in the form of subtenants or what have you – are key factors when deciding whether to accept a corporate client. Investors with a sustainable business model fit Rabobank’s strategy.’ The property’s value is now of secondary concern when determining whether or not to extend real estate financing. Modular construction In 2020 the industry announced a spate of new factories, mainly specialized in residential prefab. This marks a step towards affordably and rapidly expanding new housing stock. Industrialization is also being embraced as an affordable way to

Marc Brito

make existing stock more sustainable. With prefab production, homes can be made from scratch. From that point, it’s simply a

meanwhile is still trying to find a balance. The coronavirus crisis

matter of transporting the modular pieces to the desired location.

is also driving continued developments in real estate subsectors.

Modular construction thus progresses the sustainability of the

One of the most important is healthcare real estate, which in

building process by another step.

spite of the crisis is more popular than ever. ‘Property advisors are forecasting a growing number of investors in the market for

The central aim is to accelerate the production process in a way

healthcare real estate over the next three years’, confirms Brito.

that’s both sustainable and affordable, using knowledge and

‘Investors and healthcare facilities will start working together

knowhow gleaned from Asia, to name an example, explains Brito.

more extensively to scale up new building production and

‘This is process optimization geared towards ramping up housing

optimize existing stock. Take Bouwinvest 2, an investor that’s been

production. An example is the Dutch modular construction firm

tapping into these opportunities for years with its Healthcare

Jan Snel , part of which was acquired in December 2020 by the

Fund. Beyond that, Rabobank is detecting declining interest

Japanese Daiwa House Group, which is strong in automation and

among property investors for non-food retail and hospitality real

robotization. That’s a way of drawing on foreign knowledge to

estate. That has everything to do with the crisis we’re in now.’

optimize processes for affordable and sustainable housing.’ The pandemic is also making real estate investors rethink their Trends and developments

long-term strategies. Current threats are opening up space for new

Rabobank’s vision, says Brito, is that the current boom in both the

opportunities and so fuelling more positive advances in Dutch real

buyer and rental housing markets will continue. The office market

estate as well.

Text: Nicole Pak & Céline Boute • Photography: Caily Bobby Jo

Legal

LEGAL

WHAT YOUNG ZUIDAS LAWYERS LOOK FOR IN A JOB

Cilia van Nierop - age 25

Hester Borgers - age 27

Life Sciences & Healthcare trainee lawyer at CMS

Intellectual Property lawyer at Bird & Bird

What do you like about working at this firm?

Did you have specific criteria when applying for jobs?

I did a student work placement at CMS in 2018 and got some

Employment benefits didn’t factor in when I applied. I got to know

assignments researching healthcare law. From the start CMS was

the IP team and our practice during my student traineeship and

very open to my interest in this specific area and in CMS itself. So,

that was my reason for applying here. We run almost everything by

straight away, I felt welcome. Added to that, I have the freedom

one another and working from home was always an option. Now

here to develop myself not only in terms of legal knowledge but

you can also go for a workout or walk when it suits you. There’s

also in the broader sense. CMS for instance gave me the freedom

room for advanced training and your own projects as well – for lots

to get involved in the Medical Business Project – a consultancy

of things. You just have to ask.

project with young professionals from a variety of backgrounds –

as a side activity.

What’s your ambition for the future? I definitely plan to stay in law. I really enjoy the fast pace and the

Did you have specific criteria when applying for jobs?

wide variety of clients with all their different businesses. In the next

A big point in CMS’s favour was that, as a large international firm,

few years I’d like to work more in our life science regulatory practice,

it offers loads of internal activities like webinars and courses you

and on the personal front I’d also like to do some more travelling.

can take, as well as good terms of employment, but also has a real

And what a good place to let the partners know about that ;)!

no-nonsense atmosphere. I’m very ambitious and want to develop as quickly as possible, but I also greatly value my private life. Especially in these strange times, I just need to grab a little fresh air some afternoons or have dinner with friends or family. CMS lets me do all that while at the same time allowing me to develop to the full extent professionally.

Legal

A survey conducted recently by Advocatie.nl concludes that work-life balance is especially important to the young generation. Education also rates high among respondents, as do flexible working options. We talked to some young lawyers in Zuidas to find out what they look for in a job and what their ambitions are for the future.

Lisanne Smits - age 26

Jeroen Rijssenbeek - age 26

Litigation and Dispute Resolution associate at Dentons

Litigation & Risk Management trainee lawyer at Loyens & Loeff

Did you have specific criteria when applying for jobs?

What do you like about working at this firm?

By taking the time to really look around, I knew I wanted to go

What I like about working here is that you’re really taken care of.

into law. Only, I knew the atmosphere would also be a big factor

Everything I need to be able to focus whilst working is provided.

for me. If I don’t feel in my element, I can’t perform. So, for me,

We’ve all got laptops with the newest software, good knowhow,

an important criterion was that I’d have the space to be myself.

learning and development, and support. Even more important is

Dentons ticked that box for me.

the atmosphere inside the firm. Everybody works hard together, and that’s expected, but it’s fine to say so if you happen to hit a

I think it’s partly the fact that Dentons has more young partners and

rough patch. So, I’ve got a buddy, a senior associate, who I meet

less of a hierarchical structure, which makes it feel easier to join in.

with every week. Sometimes we talk shop, other times about nothing special. That creates a good environment.

What’s your ambition for the future?

Workwise, my ambition is to finish my degree and to grow within the

What’s your ambition for the future?

growing Dentons firm. And for 2021, maybe a little office mixer – after

For the near future my ambition is to graduate from the Law Firm

the pandemic when it’s okay again! Longer term, my ambition is to

School, the professional training, and join Loyens & Loeff as an

get a secondment abroad, say at another Dentons office in Hong

employee. And beyond that, to make up for all the nice things we’re

Kong, New York or London.

missing out on now.

Mobility

MOBILITY

WORKING FROM HOME DURING COVID:

One effect of the Covid restrictions is that quite a lot of people who normally work in Zuidas now find themselves sitting at home. Working from home suddenly became the new normal and companies had to adapt overnight. The Hello Zuidas Foundation is supporting organizations to develop and implement home-working practices. According to Rodi van den Bergen, Mobility & Access project leader for Hello Zuidas, ‘’Organizations have had a crash course in working from home, whether they liked it or not. Naturally, that’s led to lots of changes and questions.’’ Rose Wiewel, Chief Operating Officer at Simmons & Simmons, explains how they’ve approached working from home. And we hear from Viktor Stelder of Pii Networks, whose firm helps organizations tackle change processes – something many have been grappling with this past year. Effects of working from home

updates by email and we regularly organize

to any extent, Viktor says it’s important to

The main effect of working from home is

virtual team meetings with the office.

start by thinking carefully and setting goals

the loss of many essential, but also casual

Obviously it’s not ideal, and that’s why our

for what you want the remote collaboration

workplace interactions. ‘’Some of that’s

people are so appreciative when we try to

to achieve. ‘’Working together just for the

gone online’’, Viktor explains, ‘’but mostly

lift their spirits by sending the occasional

sake of it isn’t going to help an organization

the chance encounters haven’t. Such as

card or tulips or chocolates to go with

progress. First, think about what’s needed.

dropping by someone’s desk or bumping

their coffee. Showing your employees you

There’s no one size fits all, because

into each other at lunch’’. Rose adds, ‘’Those

care and continuous communication and

one team’s needs can be completely

kinds of interactions remain genuinely

dialogue is essential.’’

different from another’s. The trouble with

important and people really miss them,

collaboration isn’t the team as such, but

especially now. You want everyone to feel

Collaborating from home

actually where we see problems arise is

connected with their colleagues and the

Collaborating from home has been a big

when different teams and departments

office. I’ve been sending around Covid

challenge for companies. To make it work

get together. This was a problematic issue

Mobility

HOW ARE ORGANIZATIONS HANDLING IT?

Viktor Stelder

Rose Wiewel

Rodi van den Bergen

for many organizations even before Covid,

list and long-winded PowerPoint. It’s also

less time spent commuting, increased

only now it’s been exacerbated.’’ During the

good to think about group composition

productivity and economization on office

pandemic, says Rose, Simmons & Simmons

and how many people to invite. Immediate

costs. All the same, these effects aren’t

set up a Working from Home programme

co-workers, so people who know each

being utilized to the fullest extent and

that also focuses on the mental wellbeing

other well, feel more comfortable sharing

organizations are wrestling with how to

aspect and helps people create new habits

with one another and being honest about

sustain development, direction and their

and work from home more effectively. ’’We

how they’re doing.’’ It’s a tough time for

corporate culture.’’ To address this, Hello

set up interactive training sessions and

organizations to keep track of colleagues’

Zuidas is setting up several Theme Tables

facilitated individual coaching for everyone

interpersonal dealings. But one thing they

where participants can exchange knowledge

who wanted it, and many of our employees

can do is provide enough online interaction.

about the many facets involved in working

signed up for the programme.’’

Viktor advises, ‘’Make sure those sessions

from home. The challenges shared here will

are informal, and don’t always use a to-do

yield valuable lessons that people can apply

Informal interactions

list. The trick is to make sure groups aren’t

in their own organizations. ‘’The main thing’’,

Still, we humans are social creatures, and

too big; smaller groups promote creativity!’’

Rodi enthusiastically points out, ‘’is to share that knowledge with each other.’’

socializing matters. According to Viktor, there are all kinds of things companies can

Theme Tables

do to shape the social setting of online

Working from home has plenty of

meetings, such as drawing up a game plan

drawbacks, but there are some plus sides,

If you’re interested in joining

for greater creativity. ‘’Allow everyone equal

too. Rodi van den Bergen, Mobility & Access

a Theme Table, send an email

time to speak and ask open questions,

project leader for Hello Zuidas, explains,

to Rodi van den Bergen at

for example. Never ever start with a to-do

‘’We’ve seen a number of advantages, like

rodi.vandenbergen@hellozuidas.com.

Text: Nicole Pak

Jobs

WIL JIJ MET ONS VAN ZUIDAS HET NIEUWE CENTRUM MAKEN VAN AMSTERDAM?

om bij te dragen aan een aantrekkelijk

Projectmanager Openbare ruimte & Veiligheid

Projectmanager Mobiliteit & Bereikbaarheid

vestigingsklimaat voor bedrijven,

Projectleider openbare ruimte &

Projectleider mobiliteit & bereikbaarheid

kennisinstellingen en bewoners in

veiligheid behelst een veelzijdige

behelst een veelzijdige functie in een

Zuidas. Dat is belangrijk aangezien

functie in een dynamische omgeving

dynamische omgeving met leuke

er volop wordt gebouwd aan nieuwe

met leuke collega’s. Je wordt voorzitter

collega’s. Je werkt intensief samen

woningen, kantoren en voorzieningen.

van het Facility Management Platform

met publieke en private partners in het

Ook aan het Station Zuid wordt gewerkt.

Zuidas waar thema’s zoals inrichting

programma Van A tot Zuidas. Je stuurt

Onze focus ligt naast openbare ruimte

van de openbare ruimte, groen en

projecten aan die tot doel hebben om

en veiligheid op het verlevendigen van

mobiliteit hubs op de agenda staan. Het

mobiliteitsgedrag te verduurzamen.

Zuidas, duurzaamheid, wonen en een

Veiligheidsplatform Zuidas valt ook onder

Je wordt secretaris van de Taskforce

goede bereikbaarheid. Bij Hello Zuidas

jouw verantwoordelijkheid. Daar wordt

Bereikbaarheid. Heb jij aantoonbare

participeren ruim 235 publieke en

informatie gedeeld over risico’s zoals

affiniteit met mobiliteitsmanagement,

private partijen.

terreurdreiging, brand, stroomuitval,

tenminste vijf jaar werkervaring, een

verkeersinfarct en pandemie. Je staat in

ondernemende geest en kan je goed

contact met omgevingsmanagers, politie,

schrijven? Lees dan verder.

Hello Zuidas is de gebiedsmanagement organisatie van Zuidas. Onze missie is

openbare orde & veiligheid en facility managers van bedrijven en instellingen. Scan de QR-code en

Scan de QR-code en

bekijk de uitgebreide

vacature online!

Heb jij interesse en pas je in het profiel? Dan komen we graag met je in contact. Mail je motivatie en C.V. naar servicepoint@hellozuidas.com ter attentie van Olivier Otten. Voor meer informatie kun je contact opnemen via 020-333 74 41 of kijk op de website. 62

/jobs

Memo Board

MEMO BOARD Zuidas Accessibility Task Force develops Zuidas mobility comparison tool A convenient new tool has been developed that lets employers, employees and students in Zuidas compare different transit modalities. An initiative of the Zuidas Accessibility Task Force, the mobility tool draws on a combination of real journey times and commuter ratings and was developed by students at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. By comparing different mobility options, it shows workers and students see the best way to reach Zuidas. Find the comparison tool at: www.vanatotzuidas.nl/mobiliteitsvergelijker/.

Zuidas is growing to 10,000 homes! Zuidas has rapidly become a unique piece of Amsterdam with international appeal and is a very special neighbourhood within the popular Amsterdam Zuid district. Current plans call for the realization of 10,000 homes in total, a portion of them in Ravel, the residential neighbourhood to be built next to the AFC grounds on De Boelelaan. Zuidas is being developed as a complete urban district and, as the residential population grows, will come to offer everything from schools and a library to facilities like a health centre and cultural amenities.

ZUIDAS ‘OPENS ITS DOORS’ FOR ANOTHER OPEN TOWER DAY ON 20 MARCH Open Tower Day Amsterdam is back on 20 March 2021 for a 9th edition! Only this year a little bit different: The Open Tower Day will be only take place online. From 10:00 am, you can enjoy special views from participating towers through 360-degree photos. The photos are taken by the Amsterdam architecture photographer Hans van der Vliet. Details will be announced on the website www.opentorendag.nl and on Facebook www.facebook.com/opentorendag.

SNEAK PEAK OF HOGELANDPLEIN IN KOP ZUIDAS The Kop Zuidas neighbourhood is set to get an attractive new square. Called Hogelandplein, it will be located between the architectural tour-de-force Terrace Tower (home to the Suitsupply HQ) and the SUD apartment building. Plans for the new square were first drawn up in 2017 with input from local residents. Work on the square itself is scheduled to start in September 2021.

Photography: Marcel Steinbach & Peter Elenbaas

Meet The...

Zuidas is best known as Amsterdam’s business district, chock-a-block with skyscrapers and scores of offices. More recently, however, the district has grown into a veritable urban neighbourhood and a great place to live and hang out. Many businesses have also discovered Zuidas, and with their arrival the district has added a wide range of services and amenities, including shops, schools, fitness centres and places to drink and dine. Powering each of these establishments are entrepreneurs and employees with their own special, personal stories that we’re eager to share with you.

MEET THE...

DISTRICT POLICE OFFICER!

Marcel De Weerd

I like the interaction with all kinds of people and the freedom and independence you have as a district officer. I’ve enjoyed going to work for 33 years and counting!’ In what kinds of situations can residents turn to you?

This month we caught up with the district officer for the

‘Residents can call on the district officer for a whole range of issues

Buitenveldert Noord-Oost zone, which includes Zuidas. His

and incidents. The police take care of quality of life and safety

name is Marcel De Weerd, and he’s an experienced policeman

and security in public spaces. District officers focus mostly on

who’s been keeping our district safe since 2012.

quality of life. They can also arrange all kinds of things to do with public spaces through their networks. But we also deal with crime.

Did you want to join the police force as a kid?

Whenever I get a call, I first look if it’s an issue for the police, and

‘Yes, it was something I wanted even as a kid, but my parents

if not I refer them to the city or private organization that can help

thought it was more sensible for me to get a degree first. I did

out. If it’s a police matter, we look at how to take action. That goes

that, and then spent four years in military service, and after that

for problems both big and small.’

I finally followed my heart. Now I’ve been working in this area for eight years and love it. In the past, district officers were assigned

How is the coronavirus impacting your work?

somewhere for no more than six years, but with the creation of

‘The coronavirus has had a considerable impact on our work.

the National Police that rule went out the window. My district still

Police can no longer make unannounced house calls. Now, the

presents enough challenges to keep me busy here for another four

first question is always are there any Covid symptoms. There’s a lot

years. Certainly considering the growth of Zuidas.’

of uncertainty and that also means you have to exercise a certain amount of restraint in your interactions, which is sad. Meetings are

What’s the best part of your job?

all online, instead of in-person. That can make your partners feel

‘What I like about my job is the diversity and unpredictability of it.

remote. Numerous measures have been taken, and where we’re

You never know what any given workday will bring. That’s kept my

on the front line it’s important to be cautious. It definitely creates

job exciting even after all these years, so my days just fly by. Also,

some pressure in our work, especially now with the curfew in force.’

Photography: Caily Bobby Jo

MEMBERS 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. Bar Valdi 23. Being Development 24. Bolenius 25. Bouwens& 26. Boyden Global Executive Search 27. Breevast 28. BREIKERS 29. Broersma Nieuwbouw 30. BYCS 31. Caffè Belmondo 32. CBRE B.V. 33. citizenM 34. Che Buono 35. Club Sportive 36. CMS 37. CoffeeDC 38. Cognito Financial Communications 39. Confius 40. Corporate Housing Factory 41. Cosmo Hairstyling 42. Crowne Plaza A’dam South 43. Customized Media 44. D&B The Facility Group 45. De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek 46. De Hypotheker 47. Deloitte 48. De Kredieter

MARCH 2021

49. De Nieuwe Poort 50. De Zuidas Apotheek 51. Dentons Boekel 52. dess Kirstins 53. Doctor Feelgood 54. Eden McCallum 55. Eefje Voogd Makelaardij 56. Eigen Haard 57. Engel & Völkers 58. ENGIE 59. Etage 0 60. Euro CCP 61. Europcar 62. European Language Centre 63. Expat Center 64. EY 65. Fam. Advocaten 66. Fetch Car Sharing 67. Financial Offices 68. Flexform Amsterdam 69. FLOW Real Estate 70. Food & i 71. Fortron B.V. 72. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 73. Fris Makelaars 74. FSB Beveiliging 75. Gelderlandplein 76. G&S Vastgoed 77. Go About 78. Goede Doelen Loterijen 79. Gerrit Rietveld Academie 80. Grand Café Mahler 81. Greenberg Nielsen 82. Green Business Club 83. Greenwheels 84. Gustavino 85. GVB 86. HAB Int. Accountants & Consultants 87. Happyhappyjoyjoy Zuidas 88. Hestia Kinderopvang 89. Het Zwarte Fietsenplan 90. Hogan Lovells International LLP 91. Holiday Inn Amsterdam 92. Houthoff 93. Hotel TWENTY EIGHT 94. House of Sports 95. Htel Serviced Apartments 96. IEF Real Estate

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, worldrenowned 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.

97. IMA 98. in2motivation 99. InAmsterdam 100. ING Rayon A’dam Zuid West 101. ISX Beveiliging 102. JLL 103. JuiceBrothers 104. JUIZZ 105. KNAP Makelaardij 106. Koetjes en Kalfjes 107. König + Neurath (Nederland) A.G. 108. Kraft Heinz 109. La Lotteria 110. Lebkov & Sons 111. Lexence 112. Leonidas 113. LibRT 114. Limon 115. Loyens & Loeff 116. Lunshof Makelaardij 117. Maarsen Groep Beheer B.V. 118. Macquarie Capital (Europe) 119. Made in May 120. Magazine-Masters.nl 121. Market 33 122. Mastercard 123. MBO College Zuid 124. Mech Make & Take 125. Melia Hotels 126. Misura Sartoria 127. Mobeazy Flexible Carsharing 128. Multicopy Amsterdam 129. Mylk 130. NACH 131. Nannies Nursery 132. NDI ICT Solutions 133. Nederlandse Ver. van Banken 134. Nedstede Real Estate 135. NH Amsterdam Zuid 136. nhow Amsterdam RAI 137. Nicolaas Lyceum 138. Novotel Amsterdam City 139. NS 140. Olympisch Stadion 141. Oliver’s 142. ONE-Dyas B.V. 143. Openbare Bibliotheek 144. ORAM

145. Oranje Energie 146. OVG Real Estate 147. Ox & Bucks 148. PAN Amsterdam 149. Pancakes Amsterdam 150. Partou Kinderopvang 151. Pathé 152. Personality 153. Platform Beter Benutten 154. Premier Suites Plus Amsterdam 155. Projectorganisatie Zuidasdok 156. Property NL B.V. 157. Protiviti 158. Provast 159. Qbic Hotels 160. Q-Park Nederland 161. Rabobank A’dam Markt Zuid 162. RAI Amsterdam 163. Regus 164. Reset Yourself 165. Restaurant het Bosch 166. Restaurant Nine 167. RGA International Reinsurance 168. Rialto 169. Rivers 170. Rob Peetoom 171. Ronald McDonaldhuis VUmc 172. Rosarium 173. Russell Reynolds Associates 174. Savills Amsterdam 175. Salsa Shop 176. Season-Flowers 177. Securitas 178. Shinyu Body & Mind 179. Simmons & Simmons LLP 180. Sixt 181. Spa Sport Hotel Zuiver 182. Spine Health Incompany 183. Spirit Hospitality Services 184. Square 185. Stibbe 186. Student Experience 187. Summertime 188. Sushilee 189. Sushi Time 190. Symphony’s 191. Taalcentrum - VU 192. Tandartsenpraktijk Van de Veer

Hello Zuidas invests in trees! How we do that? Through our sponsorship for Trees for All, we plant trees that restore existing forests.

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 Art Director Emiel Brouwers • IMAGEAU Translation Taalcentrum-VU Final Editor Ellen Josée Westrik Printed by Magazine Masters Frequency Six times a year (bi-monthly)

Copyright © 2021 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.

Editors Romy Lange, Nicole Pak, Eefje van den Akker, Celine Boute, Paul van Lange, Jos Moerkamp & Renske van Bers

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.

Photography Michael Graste, Caily Bobbie Jo, Marcel Steinbach, Ruben Stam, Peter Elenbaas, Jan Vonk, Evert Elzinga, Twycer & Kees Winkelman. Editorial advisory board Olivier Otten, Kirsten van Keimpema, Trevor Holtkamp, Jos Moerkamp & Renske van Bers

193. Taylor Wessing 194. Tax Consultants International 195. Taxicentrale Amsterdam (TCA) 196. The Bank of New York Mellon 197. The Basket 198. The Bikevertising Company 199. The Breakfast Club 200. The Office Operators 201. The Upside Down Amsterdam 202. Thomaskerk Amsterdam 203. TREC 204. Tribes 205. Urban Salad 206. Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas 207. Van Dijk & Ten Cate 208. Van Gool Elburg 209. Van Lanschot Kempen 210. Vermaat Groep (CIRCL) 211. Vesteda 212. Von Poll Real Estate 213. VondelGym 214. VORM Ontwikkeling 215. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam 216. Wagamama 217. Watersportvereniging De Koenen 218. We Canteen 219. WeWork 220. Wineboutique & Spirits 221. Wintertaling 222. Worldeye Amsterdam 223. WTC Amsterdam 224. WTC A’dam Business Club 225. WTCafé De Blauwe Engel 226. WuSH 227. XO Optics 228. X2X Worldwide Express 229. YoungCapital 230. Your Assistant 231. Zuidas Apotheek 232. Zuidas Bier 233. Zuidas gemeente Amsterdam 234. Zuidas Publishers 235. Zuidas Today 236. ZuidasTravel.nl 237. Zuidschans

Magazine Hello Zuidas is issued by

Thanks to Coen van Oosterom, Zuidas (Gemeente Amsterdam), Paul van Lange, Dennis Bijlsma, Emiel Neter, Donovan van Dam, Kelly Groenteman, Rodi van den Bergen, Viktor Stelder, Rose Wiewel, Amber de Jager, Job Holtriger, Stefanie Driever, Nienke Weggeman, Linda Driessen, Sander Bon, Lotte Gottschal, Zef Hemel, Marcel Steinbach, Hesters Borgers, Cilia van Nierop, Lisanne Smits, Jeroen Rijssenbeek, Michel Baars, Marc Brito, Sten Karelse, Marcel De Weerd, Bob Guldemond, Monique Soe-Agnie, Taxi TCA, EDGE, Hydepark, NSI, Rabobank, D&B, De Hypotheker, Von Poll, Co van der Horst, Bird & Bird, FRIS Bedrijfsmakelaars, BPD, Provast, INNSiDE by Meliá, UNGA, Securitas, Dokter Frodo, Green Business Club, New Horizon, Dura Vermeer, TPEX, Kroonenberg, Taalcentrum VU, SIXT, EDGE, Corporate Housing Factory, De Nijs, D&B.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLACE AN AD IN HELLO ZUIDAS MAGAZINE? PLEASE SEND AN E-MAIL TO INFO@ZUIDASPUBLISHERS.NL

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Hello Zuidas

Articles inside

Von Poll Real Estate

De Hypotheker

Co van der Horst

D&B The Facility Group