Hello Zuidas - September/Oktober 2023 Editie 69

We are Niek and Lotte

We are Consistency and Change

We are Logistics and Offices

We are Housing Strategy

Unique expert perspectives on the future of real estate

#WeAreSavills

It’s our people that make Savills different. Each and every one of them are expert real estate professionals. But above all - they have a personal approach. Committed, driven, down-to-earth and solution-oriented. Working with you today, offering strategic advice for tomorrow.

PREFACE

WHEN DOES CONVENIENCE BECOME CLAUSTROPHOBIC?

Usually us Dutch folk aren’t all that bothered, but this summer it felt like everyone was grabbing a plane or car to sunnier climes. The out-of-office replies flooded in. That, plus the so-so weather in Holland, made this summer feel long. A visit to the cultural hotspots on the VU Campus put some spring back in our step. Because, just think: a cinema, a theatre and an exhibition space all within easy reach of Zuidas. You needn’t even go into town to catch Barbie. Wende Wallert, director and curator of the VU ART SCIENCE gallery and this issue’s cover model, told us about the planning that went into creating this cultural centre, and about all it has to offer. Whenever you have a moment, I definitely recommend swinging by Boelelaan 1111. Inspiration guaranteed!

Having everything in easy reach like this is convenient and nice, but can also feel claustrophobic at times. The 15-minute city, in which all basic services are located no more than a 15-minute walk

or bicycle ride from home, have to be carefully thought out to avoid making inhabitants feel hemmed in. But also: not everyone can actually walk or cycle, and I sometimes wonder to what extent government and policymakers fully factor this in. The temporary closure of Weesperstraat was a massive headache for Amsterdam. With the evaluation of this trial coming up in November, we hope all parties will give it their serious consideration. Cities are set up so differently that you can’t simply apply the same measures everywhere.

To keep this conversation going, our November/December issue will shine a special spotlight on mobility. Do you have thoughts you want to share with us? You are always welcome to get in touch!

Happy reading!

ROMY LANGE Editor-in-chief Hello Zuidas r.lange@zuidaspublishers.nl

Next issue [70]

6th of November

Are there affordable places to live in Zuidas? I get this question a lot, and I understand why. The answer is simple: yes. For years now our district has offered social rental housing for a range of age groups. This July saw the addition of new homes for refugee status holders and students at Crossover. The Stepstone tower topped out in the same month, where 216 starter apartments for the age 18-28 market are slated for completion early next year. Residents there can enjoy views from up to 80 metres with rents capped at 800 euros. Meanwhile, the former Convict and Kapel buildings in Beatrixpark are being converted into temporary refugee shelters. I think it’s fair to say Zuidas is fast evolving as a more diverse and inclusive district.

OLIVIER OTTEN Managing director of Hello Zuidas

But we will tell you where.

The Mayor Villas with generous gardens offers spacious and upscale residential luxury. Park in your own private garage in the secured covered car park, with private lifts up to and inside your villa. As a resident of a The Mayor Villa, you come home to a haven of safety and comfort in a stylish cosmopolitan setting. Call it ‘Manhattan chic’. Everything at The Mayor is tailored to luxury lifestyle, from the stately central areas to the concierge and other exclusive services. Added bonus: you’re only 10 minutes from Schiphol Airport, Zuidas and Amsterdam Zuid.

MAY WE INVITE YOU IN? COME EXPERIENCE THE MAYOR. We invite you to view the model home at The Mayor for yourself. One of the two brokers will be happy to take you on an exclusive tour.

Interested? Make an appointment with the brokers.

THE MAYOR VILLA’S

• Living areas from 172 to 213 m² • Terrace/garden approx. 117 to 379 m² • Private garage with 2 parking spaces, accessed by private lift • Under oor heating and cooling • High ceilings • Private lift to all oors

• A++ energy label • Prices start from € 1,700,000 (incl. transaction costs) • Available immediately

See the website for available units. In addition to the Villas, several XXL Apartments, Garden XXL Apartments and an XXL Penthouse are still available. Prices start from € 1,500,840 (no additional costs payable by the purchaser).

We’re not going to tell you how large you could be living.

Hyde Park

PREMIUM APARTMENTS FROM €389.500,- (NO TRANSFER COSTS)

For an apartment of. 60 m2, your energy costs will be approx. €165,- per month.

HIDDEN CULTURAL GEMS IN ZUIDAS

With

VU ART SCIENCE

If you still think the VU Campus is nothing but students toiling away to earn their degrees: nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, the VU ART SCIENCE gallery, Rialto VU cinema and VU Griffioen theatre are all located in the heart of Zuidas, at De Boelelaan 1111. The gallery is an amazing exhibition space where all are welcome to come explore the connections between art and science and join the conversation about current issues. We sat down with Wende Wallert, director and curator of the VU ART SCIENCE gallery, to learn more.

Wende, you have a wealth of experience in the arts and culture sector. Can you tell us more about your background?

“I grew up with a mum who was an artist and a dad who worked in the corporate sector. I was always interested in both worlds and now I try to combine them by taking art to organizations. This is generating a new audience for artwork among people who don’t normally visit museums, on the one hand, and on the other giving organizations a way to draw attention to societal issues by means

of art. I have been at VU for seven years now, connecting art and science. For the VU ART SCIENCE gallery I put together exhibitions and a programme of ART SCIENCE dialogues, inviting scientists and artists to share and talk about their research and artwork with the public. We feel it’s important to get the broader public involved in university research, and, by linking it with art, we can open up multidisciplinary perspectives on specific themes. That’s both educational and fun.”

Your exhibitions focus on the interplay between art and science. How do you go about collecting artworks?

“My connections with individual faculties at VU keep me informed about scientific advances. I also have an ear to the ground in the art world and visit loads of fairs, galleries and art academies. I will come up with a theme I think deserves a spotlight, like climate change, and then try to find artists who are exploring that theme in different ways. Based on those art works, I’ll then look for scientists working in different disciplines to tie in with them. Sometimes an artist is so inspired by a theme that they design a new creation specifically intended for the exhibition theme. If the work fits in the collection, we purchase it to give it a permanent place on campus. In that way, we are actually building a unique collection that’s completely aligned with the research being done at VU.”

Do you also actively seek to collaborate with local organizations, in Zuidas for instance?

“There are a variety of organizations in the Zuidas area that are interesting for us to partner with. So, with the art spaces of ABN AMRO and AkzoNobel, for example, we are developing an art route. This collaboration gives rise to crossovers between our audiences and also raises awareness for the artistic value of corporate art collections. Previously, we also realized an exhibition with the Amsterdam University Medical Centers’ art department, which has a large art

the

gallery, Rialto VU cinema and VU Griffioen theatre, there’s always something on in Zuidas.

Wende Wallert, director of VU ART SCIENCE gallery

collection as well. Alongside the show we organized a series of dialogues looking at the body in the digital age, bringing together academic researchers from both VU and the Amsterdam UMC. On top of all this, we also have a sound connection with the Gerrit Rietveld Academie’s Sandberg Instituut.”

At the last count, VU had close to 1,200 artworks all across campus. Do you think these works are appreciated by students and people working at VU?

“Since opening the VU ART SCIENCE gallery at the end of 2021, we’ve had a ton of positive feedback. Bringing in visitors was difficult early on because of the Covid pandemic, but more and more people are coming to find us now. A visit to our gallery always includes a guided tour by one of our student-hosts, who tells people about the artists and scientists involved. Visitors really appreciate that personal approach. The gallery is also a lovely spot to take some time out and a nice counterpoint to the rest of the busy campus.”

The VU Campus also has an active cultural scene. You can catch a film, go to the theatre or an exhibition or any number of other events. Why is this on-campus programming so important for the university?

“VU is an academic setting where people exist in their heads most of the time. By offering art, film and theatre, we can create a space to connect with other people. That’s an important aspect of being a social campus, but also valuable for Zuidas more generally. De Boelelaan 1111 is open from noon to midnight daily and everyone is welcome here. You can come see a show, film or play, and the Cultuurcafé Bar Boele is a popular afterhours spot with both students and people from off-campus.”

VU is hoping to attract more people from Zuidas to use its cultural amenities. What can you offer them?

“De Boelelaan 1111 isn’t just for students; our cultural programming is meant to appeal to everyone. It’s a place where education, science and the cultural

programmes of Griffioen, Rialto and the VU ART SCIENCE gallery converge. We offer cinema, theatre and art exhibitions all under one roof. So, basically, you needn’t ever leave Zuidas to get your cultural fix!”

Is there anything special coming up?

“Our current show Creating the Commons will run until 31 October. It’s about fostering co-creation in the arts and sciences. It raises a variety of questions around authorship, inclusion and about who has access and who gets to be heard. We bring together a range of artists and scientists who are sharing their methodologies through presentations, performances, workshops and discussions that are open for the public. Besides that, the new theatre season will also be starting again shortly.’’

“A visit always includes a guided tour by a student, who tells people about the artists and scientists”

BUILDING THE FUTURE TAKE A STROLL THROUGH THE FUTURE IN OUR INFORMATION CENTRE

The Zuidas-Zuidasdok Information Centre has an amazing new public attraction. You can now take a stroll through the regenerated Amsterdam Zuid station. You can visit the tunnels and passageways, railway and metro platforms, the bus and tram station.

This is the most lifelike version of the future Amsterdam Zuid station ever displayed. Of course, we provide you with regular updates about congestion on the A10, reduced railway services, or other disruptions. When this happens, we also explain why that is the case. But now, you can see for yourself what the ultimate result will be of all these sheet piles, concrete pouring and moving of roof sections.

Virtual walk

In a game-like environment, you can discover for yourself what the new Amsterdam Zuid station will look like. Use the touchscreen and take a stroll

through the new Brittenpassage, go onto the tram or metro platform, then take a walk downstairs to admire the completely updated Minervapassage. Of course, you can also go outside and have a look at the trams at the stop in Arnold Schönberglaan. Or you can walk past the shops to Eduard van Beinumstraat, on the other side of the station, where the bus station will be located.

The virtual walk is not the only new addition to our information centre. Over the last year, we have given the giant model a major upgrade. There are numerous videos and animations on different aspects of Zuidas and Zuidasdok.

Zuidas-Zuidasdok Information Centre

WTC, Tower A, Central foyer

Strawinskylaan 59

Open monday to Thursday from 10.00 to 16.00 hour.

Zuidas-Zuidasdok Information Centre

WTC, Tower A, Central foyer

Strawinskylaan 59 Monday to Thursday

From 10.00 to 16.00 hour

We look forward to welcoming you.

Follow on

zuidas @zuidasamsterdam

Photo: Jan Vonk

ONZE LOCATIES

ZUIDAS

AMSTERDAM CS

NASSAUKADE

SCHIPHOL

SOCIAL MEDIA

@karanbir_smudhar #gustavmahlerplein

@walterpeople.nl

... halve finale van de ... Zuidaszomercompetitie @seenthroughwilly

@marconama

... Inspiration by nature! ...

@thijskoningmusic

Sometimes it’s good to relax when you’re in the middle of a series of shows. ...

@zja_arch

Out of office - Amsterdamse Maquettes op reis

@depizzabakkerszuidas

“Mario” met een vleugje huisgemaakte Limoncello

@eric.bolhoven

... Valley-Building ...

@dentonsnederland

Met veel trots feliciteren wij Dirk Dekker met zijn beëdiging!

FOLLOW

hellozuidas

@HelloZuidas

@hellozuidas

@arsalanakbar_armada & @Mariellesonneveld

Proudly continuing the legacy of Salsa Zuidas...

@londonessence_richard

@sonora.amsterdam on the 24th floor @nhowamsterdamrai

@blckamsterdam

...happy customer... cup of BLCK coffee...

For employees of companies who are member of Hello Zuidas, it is possible to join our LinkedIn group or link as a contact.

Download the Hello Zuidas City App Hello Zuidas has an app that allows you to flip through all the Zuidas news!

Boost your team’s productivity with Olympic Gym Amsterdam:

YOUR COMPANY FITNESS PARTNER

Welcome to Olympic Gym Amsterdam! Your company is only as strong as your team, and your team is only as strong as each member’s health. Olympic Gym Amsterdam understands this and offers company fitness programmes tailor-made to improve not only the physical health of your employees but their mental wellbeing as well. Why company fitness? A healthy team is a productive team. Regular physical exercise lowers stress, raises energy levels and improves focus and concentration. That means your team is better equipped to tackle daily challenges on the job, thereby boosting productivity and reducing absences in your workforce. Not only that – company fitness is a must-have incentive in any benefits package these days.

Our approach

We take a holistic approach to company fitness; one that’s tailored to your team. We offer a wide range of activities, from group classes to personal training and from yoga to spinning. Our certified trainers will put together a programme that fits your employees’ needs and objectives, including personal coaching and continuous support so they reach their goals.

On top of our regular services, Olympic Gym Amsterdam also offers individually optimized training programmes and medical support for injuries and/or diagnosed conditions. As a multidisciplinary health club, Olympic Gym Amsterdam provides the highest standard of medical guidance. Founder and owner Joost Hazes is well known for his training expertise in professional sport.

He has coached numerous Dutch and international elite athletes to help them achieve peak performance.

Get fit and unwind in an inspiring setting

Olympic Gym Amsterdam has outstanding facilities, including a stateof-the-art fitness space, all in an inspiring location in the historic Olympic Stadium. Our spaces are designed to offer a stimulating, comfortable environment where your employees can get fit and also unwind.

Olympic Gym

Olympisch Stadion 23

1076 DE Amsterdam

+31 (0) 20 675 23 13

info@olympicgymamsterdam.nl

www. olympicgymamsterdam.nl

Joost Hazes

Doing DEI from the inside COLUMN

“Based on your values and beliefs, I don’t see you working in Zuidas for long.” This is what a prominent figure in the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) sphere said after enquiring what my drive was to be a writer and speaker on DEI. I told her that, as well as having puzzled since secondary school over what made my male peers more suitable for top jobs than me, I also felt very strongly about fairness. That my ideal world was one which was fairer to everyone, regardless of gender, background or other personal characteristics, with equal opportunities for all. In a world of actual equal opportunities, it would of course be up to the people themselves whether to seize those opportunities, or not. But at least, everyone gets a fair chance to make something out of it.

In another conversation, this one with my flatmate, we took turns asking each other: “What is something you think I need to learn in this lifetime?” What she thought I should learn was to accept that the world is not a fair place and never will be. Though she was probably right, I simply cannot and will not accept it. Not then, not now. At least, not without actually trying to make a difference.

So, based on my values and beliefs, I can tell you exactly why you’ll continue to find me in Zuidas. What better place to try to make that difference than in a corporate setting like this one? In a place where a particular group of people is still overrepresented and where there are still plenty of DEI strides to be made? I believe that, to really learn, you need to get insight. To see inside the culture. That’s why, alongside my work as a DEI writer and speaker, I value my job as a consultant in Zuidas. Though systemic change is needed to create an environment that is truly more diverse and inclusive, for me Zuidas also embodies a willingness, a motivation and an appetite for achievement. All qualities I believe we should leverage to this end.

I am very excited to be starting as a columnist for Hello Zuidas, and to discover how we can work together to make the difference that Zuidas is waiting for.

Roos van Dalen conducts research into diversity, equity and inclusion. She is active as a publicist and public speaker in this field, and you may know her from her TEDx talk. She also works as a consultant in Zuidas.

NEW COLUMNIST

THE DAILY ESSENCE OF HOSPITALITY

If you think a front desk is just a table with a receptionist behind it, it’s time to visit DLA Piper’s Amsterdam office. Here, you might just feel like the hospitality team has been expecting you. And it has: the hosts and hostesses know who you are and what you need. Trained by bouwens&, a leading expert in hospitality and facility management, they make each workday at DLA Piper run like clockwork.

Meet Yvonne Melieste, the driving force behind DLA Piper’s Hospitality Desk. She knows how to transform a regular office day into a thriving symphony of productivity. As the desk’s team leader, Yvonne brings over thirty years of experience in the hospitality industry, embodying the bouwens& hospitality philosophy with every interaction. ‘Especially after the COVID lockdowns, we are very excited to meet people’s needs again. Like I say in Dutch: we love being ready for “de wensen van de mensen”.’

The desk at DLA Piper is the vibrant heart of the office. Yvonne and her colleagues warmly greet every person by name, whether they’re employees or visitors. One minute they’ll be calling a taxi, a restaurant or a handyman, the other they’ll be lovingly serving coffee, tea or lunch. Need a bike? They’ll help you out. Does your robe need to be steamed? No problem.

In times of hybrid working and staff shortages, a positive office vibe is crucial for connection, talent recruitment and

staff retention. ‘We’re not just colleagues,’ Yvonne confirms. ‘We’re a team, a family.’ It’s this feeling that takes working at DLA Piper – and at the other companies managed by bouwens&’s Hospitality Desks – to a higher level.

Hospitality experts such as Yvonne have hospitality ingrained in their DNA: they’re cheerful, motivated, and proactive. And they understand that genuine attention greases the wheels of any office dynamics, creating a space where ‘a great experience every day’ is not merely a slogan, but the norm.

Looking for a better office vibe?

The hospitality experts at bouwens& can’t wait to meet you.

Whether working at DLA Piper or just visiting its Zuidas office, the vibe at this multinational law firm is exceptionally warm, thanks in part to the Hospitality Desk run by bouwens&.

Tessa de Grijff (COO bouwens&) & Yvonne Melieste (Team Leader bouwens&)

Photography: Roxanne Wilm

HELLO PEOPLE

GOT A MINUTE?

Zuidas is a place about which many people have particular ideas, or even prejudices. For those who don’t live here or frequent the area for business, work or school, things are not always what they seem. Our editors polled some leading and vocal locals about the ways in which this district has surprised them, and what Zuidas is really about.

Jeroen Bende & Maria Consuelo

‘’When we opened our shop Mech Make & Take fifteen years ago, we basically had no idea what we were getting into. We had no preconceptions about Zuidas at all, either positive or negative. Now, I can honestly say it’s a brilliant location. The vibe here is great. It’s dynamic and the buildings are amazing. And it’s fastpaced. Everything is go-go-go, but that matches my own work mentality. I like it. The extra grey hairs one grows come with the territory. I still get a kick out of running Mech in Zuidas every day, combined with all the challenges of doing business.”

Tinus Vos & Simone Henning

Tinus: “What I always felt and thought about Zuidas was that there were groups of people doing very little, while taking home bags full of money. This notwithstanding, my girlfriend opened my eyes to the fact that there are all sorts of people in Zuidas. And it’s great to see all the energy being invested in bringing life to the district.” Simone: “, I expected Zuidas would be a largely urbanized area chock-a-block with high-rises and not much space in between. But I’m happy to have been proved wrong. There are parks, playgrounds and even small beehives. I am happy to cast my preconceptions aside and enjoy the local greenery. And for residents, it’s absolutely brilliant.”

Hans Augustinus

“My company, the project developer G&S Vastgoed, brought Zuidas into being, as it were. Partly because of that, I never really held any prejudices towards this area as it was largely made by us. We developed most of the buildings and that’s something I feel proud of every time I’m here. I personally feel we succeeded in creating the district the way we intended it. It became what we planned: an attractive location for many businesses. Right now, we’re developing the final project and that will basically fill the last spot in the original centre of Zuidas.”

Carlo Wijers

“I could list some of the keywords I associated with Zuidas before I really got to know the area: tax evasion, tall buildings, Manhattan, suits... But, having been closely involved here for some time now, I’ve seen that things are changing all the time. All those things I listed are also true in a way and that’s alright, but the population is becoming increasingly diverse. I talked to a 24-year-old Brazilian guy the other day who comes to residential meetings because he’s keen to stay here. I consider that wonderful and interesting. Moreover, I think we need to push for more housing, so that this growth in diversity will carry on and give us more interaction among different layers of the population.”

Text: Céline Boute • Photography: Roxanne Wilm

Take a moment to look around the district and you’ll see buildings shooting up all over the place. Development is advancing at an incredible pace. Hidde Bruinenberg, 27 years old and a site manager for G&S Bouw, is helping to shape all this growth in Zuidas. After secondary-level vocational training in construction engineering, he had his heart set on becoming a construction manager. His role model was his dad, also a site manager at G&S Bouw, and it was thanks to him that Hidde landed a work placement at the same company. It suited him so well that he was hired as soon as he applied for a job.

The early bird...

“I’m at the site hut by half six in the morning and my days starts at seven am. Right now, we’re putting the finishing touches on Tripolis”, Hidde says. “I’ve also been engaged by Boele & Van Eesteren to set up another project on plot 6/7 in Beatrixpark. Because of that, I’m switching between all kinds of jobs at the moment; one minute I’ll be with the painters doing final touch-ups to the whitewash in an

office that’s already in use, a half hour later I’ll be up to my boots in the muck, overseeing the pile driver!”

Valley pride

“Valley is a project I’ll always look back on with pride”, Hidde acknowledges. “We were one of five companies responsible for the façades. I was mostly involved with the scaffolding, which obviously is no easy feat at nearly a hundred metres up. So, I’ll

tip my hat to the builders who worked on that! I don’t think I’ll ever forget when the time came to take down the scaffolding. It was one of the greatest moments: revealing another level of stone, week by week. It was like we were unwrapping the building!”

Challenging Tripolis

Work on the Tripolis building, where De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek will shortly join Uber, threw up a number of challenges, Hidde notes. “Particularly inside the building, in the space connecting the old and new sections, the details, quality and safety were a big thing.” Here, too, though, he looks back with satisfaction on a job well done. “It wasn’t always easy, but thanks to the brilliant team on-site and excellent communication with each other, we pulled it off yet again!”

“One minute I’ll be doing final touch-ups with the painters, a half hour later I’ll be standing with my boots in the muck, overseeing the pile driver.”

“Valley is a project I’ll always look back on with pride”

DELICIOUS TAKE AWAY SANDWICHES

GERSHWINPLEIN

Within walking distance from your office in Zuidas and Amsterdam Zuid train station.

ROBERT WALTERS OPENS NEW OFFICE WITH GROUNDBREAKING CONCEPT

Recruitment consultancy Robert Walters and Walters People moved into a new office, based in WTC’s Tower Ten. An extraordinary place, as it is the first office in the world based on neuroscientific research. ‘’You can work anywhere you want nowadays, but we wanted to bring our people together in a place where they can rise above themselves,’ says managing director Jose Bokhorst.

Building a community

The initial goal of the new office was to create a community for Robert Walters and Walters People employees. ‘’We wanted to create a space that gives people a sense of belonging, but also helps them to get the most out of themselves. Working at the office should be so comfortable that they are naturally drawn there.” says Bokhorst.

Neuroscientific research

Robert Walters challenged several office designers to submit their ideas. Hoogerwerf Projectinrichting came up with the winning concept, the neuroscientific office. Extensive scientific research was carried out among employees and external subjects, including in-depth conversations

with neuroscientists and fMRI scans to measure unconscious brain activity. This resulted in a clear picture of what the new office should look like, with specific zones for different activities and moods.

Bokhorst: ‘’The reception area feels like a luxurious hotel lobby, making you feel welcome the moment you step inside. The Arena is where you go to fuel your energy: the citrus aroma, red walls and large screens with stock market information sharpen your senses. Afterwards you can unwind in the Tuscan landscape, with its plants, swings, bird sounds and fig aroma. Finally, the Grand Café awaits you, offering a laid-back restaurant setting and freshly prepared coffee and food. The perfect

place to enjoy your lunch, have a quick meeting or to check your email

Mission accomplished

‘’Our office makes our employees feel inspired, comfortable and accomplished. They really enjoy being here,” says Bokhorst. ‘’The space fosters togetherness across generations and departments. I’ve heard people say that they now speak to more different colleagues in a week than they previously did in a year. It has been an exciting journey, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved.”

Robert Walters Amsterdam

AGENDA EVENTS

Tuesday 5 September

ARTZUID 2023 X HELLO ZUIDAS

@ Zuidplein

This is a Members Only event where we will walk the Artzuid route together with guides who have all the insights and information about the artists and sculptures. We gather at Zuidplein in front of the WTC where the walk starts off, with visitors divided up in small groups. The afternoon will end in style with a delicious BBQ and tasty drinks.

Monday 25 September

MEMBERS ONLY: HOSPITALITY & RETAIL MEETING

@ Hasta La Vista, Baby – Innside By

Meliá

Joining us for this edition is Zuidas Supervisor Paco Bunnik, who holds final responsibility for urban planning, architecture and the design of public spaces in our district. We also have another inspiring special guest in store. Afterwards, Hasta La Vista, Baby will be serving up some of their delicious signature dishes and drinks. Register on the Hello Zuidas website.

Friday 6 October, 2.30pm ZUIDAS CUP

@ S.V. RAP

The Zuidas Cup is back! This is the one and only football tournament for companies and organizations in Zuidas. With the Covid-years finally behind us, S.V. RAP is once more kicking off the 7 on 7 battle for the Zuidas Cup on the club’s pitches on 6 October. For details and to register, send an email to Charles Kint, S.V. RAP board member, at: charleskint@planet.nl.

Thursday 19 October

BLACK ACHIEVEMENT MONTH X HELLO ZUIDAS

@ A unique location in Zuidas

The Code Noir Dinner by Lelani Lewis is an interactive learning experience delving into the history of Caribbean cuisine, whose narrative is intrinsically woven into all the details of this evening. The whole event is carefully curated to explain the history of the cuisine, with careful consideration and intention poured into the food itself, crockery, cutlery, drink pairings, music, performances, tablescapes and lighting, for an all-encompassing interactive experience.

For more information about these Hello Zuidas events, go to: www.hellozuidas.com.

AGENDA SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER

September & October

EXPAT CINEMA MEET-UP

@ Rialto VU – www.rialtofilm.nl

Twice a month, Rialto VU organizes expat meet-ups. Catch the latest foreign-language flicks, with English subtitles, and come along to Bar Boele afterwards for drinks, networking, good conversations and to meet new people. Every other Sunday and Wednesday are international cinema night, showcasing a different film from every corner of the globe each time, always with English subtitles and introduced by our enthusiastic host Karolina.

Thursday 7 September, 5pm

COMMUNITY EVENT

@ Crowne Plaza Amsterdam Zuidas – www.crowneplazaamsterdam.com

Join the Crowne Plaza

10-15 September

BACK TO WORK WEEK

@ WTC Amsterdam

www.wtcamsterdam.com

SocialClub is a community for all WTC Amsterdam tenants. From 11-15 September, we’re celebrating Back to Work Week with the following activities planned at the WTC Amsterdam: a table tennis clinic, ARTZUID lunch walk, networking lunch with Victor Abeln – and lots more. Are you a tenant of WTC? Visit our website to sign up!

Tuesday 12 & 19 September, 9.30am-4.30pm

BUSINESS ENGLISH TRAINING

@ Taalcentrum-VU

www.taalcentrum-vu.nl

Ever struggle to find the right words when writing emails or holding phone conversations in English? Our Business English training will help! We’ll give you the tools you need to speak and write in English with confidence in a professional environment.

Wednesday 20 September

ROARING 20S PARTY

@ Manhattan Lounge Bar

www.manhattanbar.nl

Looking for a fun night out? Come to the Manhattan Lounge Bar for live swing and Charleston music, delicious food and gorgeous cocktails. Our passionate team will take you back to the roaring 1920s, as we celebrate the grand reopening of our new-and-improved bar.

Thursday 14 September

INCLUSIVITY

@ Vebego – www.inclusivity23.nl

14-17 September

MUZE VAN ZUID

@ Amsterdam – www.muzevanzuid.nl

With music from the Renaissance to the present, this festival introduces audiences to composers at the heart of Dutch music but whose work is rarely heard today. During the 2023 edition you can enjoy music by Dutch composers in 30 concerts, musical walks and other events featuring over 60 musicians in streets and squares, living rooms, parks, churches and historic buildings in Amsterdam Zuid, De Pijp and Zuid-Oost.

Labour shortages are growing. Under the new CSR Directive, companies will be required to report their impact on people and the environment as from 2024. This is your cue to take responsibility, make a commitment and accept the challenge to make your organization more inclusive. Register at inclusivity23.nl and help Zuidas transform into a more inclusive working environment.

Tuesday 19 September

FAMILY AFFAIRS

@ IN Amsterdam Office, WTC www.iamsterdam.com

Join us for a special in-person information event during which our experts will tell you all you need to know to optimize your family’s wellbeing in the Netherlands, now and in the future. Check it out on the Live, Work and Study tab on the website.

Saturday 30 September

OPEN BY CIRCUS BOOST!

@ VU Griffioen Theatre

www.griffioen.vu.nl

Get ready to be dazzled by the magic of circus, dance and visual art in the spellbinding production OPEN, by Boost! This three-woman company is coming to VU Griffioen theatre with an extraordinary acrobatic performance about encountering the ‘other’. Supporting the visual spectacle is a stage-spanning moveable installation. Intrigued? Order your tickets today! Language is not an issue during this event, so come enjoy a unique circus experience bringing chance encounters to life.

September & October MUSSELS AT PAPA’S

@ Papa’s Loft House

www.papashouses.com

‘Tis the season to feast on delicious mussels at Papa’s Loft House on Gelderlandplein, where you can enjoy traditional mussels from Zeeland steamed in our very own Papa’s IPA, brewed by Jopen. Come discover this quiet oasis in the Element Hotel and experience the taste of our signature specials.

Photography: Zeff Zimberlin

Friday 6 October

INCLUSIVE KNOWLEDGE

@ VU ART SCIENCE Gallery – www.artsciencegallery.nl

With museums and universities aiming to change established power structures, what methods are being used in art and science to create more inclusive knowledge? During this ART SCIENCE dialogue on Inclusive Knowledge, we’ll be looking at how changing research methods and hierarchies can pave the way towards greater inclusivity. This edition features Negotiating Health project participants Aram Lee, Luisa Schneider and Saskia Duijs.

Thursday 12 October

VOLUNTEERING IN THE AMSTERDAM AREA

@ IN Amsterdam Office, WTC – www.iamsterdam.com

Volunteering is a great way to feel more at home in the Amsterdam area, by engaging with your local community while giving back at the same time! Check it out on the Live, Work and Study tab on the website.

Tuesday 31 October

AUTHORSHIP AND COLLABORATION: SUNFLOWER SOUP & CARE & DARE

@ VU ART SCIENCE Gallery

www.artsciencegallery.nl

Sunflower Soup and CaRe & DaRe’s methods enable unique forms of cocreation and collective action in larger groups. Can we build systems that create social and economic value beyond the individual; that stimulate collaboration?

Sunday 15 October

DUTCH CHAMPIONSHIP TCS

AMSTERDAM MARATHON

@ Amsterdam

www.tcsamsterdammarathon.nl

Enjoy the best of the Dutch capital on a route through the loveliest parts of Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Marathon is famed for its flat, fast and historic character, kicking off and finishing in the city’s historic Olympic Stadium. With supporters cheering on the runners from the box seats and marathon stand, it’s an unforgettable event every year!

Sunday 15 October

PURE MARKT

@ Amsterdamse Bos

www.puremarkt.nl

This market is all about products sold by producers themselves. They can tell you everything about the ingredients, origins and production processes. There’s also a great range of one-of-a-kind nonfood items. Entry is free.

To tie in with this project, Hans Berends, professor of Innovation and Organization at the School of Business and Economics, and Eric Haynes, PhD candidate at the KIN Center for Digital Innovation, will hold a talk on collaboration.

Two spectacular villas for sale

Upscale living: detached, architecturally remodelled dyke reeve’s house on the edge of ‘De Braak’ park. South-facing garden and large terrace, unobstructed park views on three sides. Driveway with space to park 3-4 cars. The villa has 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a beautiful office with fantastic views. Shops for daily groceries and the Amsterdamse Bos are within walking distance.

Amstelveenseweg 286, Amsterdam

Living area: 277m2

Plot size: 660m2

Asking price: on request

Detached waterfront villa with drawbridge in completely green surrounds, with a splendid garden and double garage with guest house. The house enjoys a wonderful unobstructed location in an area with a wealth of water near Amsterdamse Bos, Amsterdam, Amstelveen & Aalsmeer. The beautiful architecturally landscaped garden has a natural water feature and ample privacy. A lovely spacious family home with 4/5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.

Oosteinderweg 448, Aalsmeer

Living area: 340m2

Plot size: 1645m2

Asking price: €1,935,000

ask, we deliver”

If you spend any amount of time in Zuidas, you’ve likely seen the yellow RRS vans out and about. RRS is a sewer cleaning service specialized in fixing and preventing sewer problems. With their main branch in Diemen, the RRS team cover a wide region stretching across Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Hoofddorp, Haarlem, Zaandam, Aalsmeer and beyond. Abderrahim Sayah is a branch manager at the family-owned company and has been with RRS for over 15 years. He told us why he loves his job.

Don’t stress, call RRS

‘Don’t stress, call RRS’ is the slogan powering the sewer specialist. Operating from multiple locations across the Netherlands, RRS (short for Riool Reinigings Service) dispatches more than 300 technicians daily. Quality and service are what set RRS apart from sector competitors, underlines RRS Diemen manager Abderrahim Sayah. “Service is our number one priority. RRS is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customers ask, we deliver. So if you have a problem that needs to be fixed today, we make sure it is. At RRS, you’ll rarely be told that we’ll

be around ‘in a few days’. We know how to pivot fast and set the right priorities.”

From technician to manager

RRS is a family-owned company that has been in business for over fifty years. Sayah joined as a technician at the age of 23 and climbed through the ranks to become manager of the company’s largest branch, RRS Diemen. “Fifteen years ago, I never would have thought I would still be working for RRS. I’ve had lots of opportunities here and worked in different departments, from scheduling to sales to drawing up quotations. Apart from my

managerial role, I still do hands-on work as well. I feel that’s important because it helps me stay involved and in tune with what’s going on.”

Varied clientele

The yellow RRS vans are a familiar sight in Zuidas. Customers run the gamut from individuals to businesses, housing associations and municipal offices. Abderrahim: “We have a lot of contracts with housing and home owners’ associations for apartments here in Zuidas. We’re also contracted by municipal authorities for preventative drain cleaning at offices and cleaning rainwater drainage pipes in multi-storey car parks. Besides that, we do sewer repairs, maintenance work on building drainage systems and clean grease traps for restaurant clients.” Though RRS offer an extensive range of services, they all centre around one thing: sewer. “That specific focus is our company’s forte. The know-how and specialization we offer are what set RRS apart.”

Abderrahim Sayah

“Customers

Text: Romy Lange & Lysanne Wilkens • Photography: Roxanne Wilm

Zuidas: a complete, unique district where work, residence, and life come together

Amsterdam Zuidas is working with various developers and contractors to build a completely new city district. The work involves numerous individual building projects. In its early days, Zuidas was an office location for leading companies. Now we want the area to be much more than that. It will be a bustling, unique neighbourhood where people can live, work, and enjoy recreational activities. Read all about it. Many residential towers have already been realized, and we can expect more of these in the upcoming period.

PLOT 6/7: HOUSING CONSTRUCTION NEXT TO BEATRIXPARK

Housing is set to be built on plot 6/7, in the area between the AkzoNobel and Stibbe offices, the St. Nicolaaslyceum school and Kapel & Convict. Developer Breevast will be building 213 apartments here: a combination of owner-occupied, midmarket rental and private-sector rental properties, spread across two buildings.

STEPSTONE

De Key housing association is developing 216 apartments for firsttimers in the future residential tower ‘Stepstone’. These will be the first of 2,700 homes to be built close to VU Amsterdam in the years ahead. Construction starts in 2022, with completion scheduled for 2024.

THE NEWTON

Halfway through 2023, Kop Zuidas will have a new residential building on Gaasterlandstraat. The Newton will house 101 modern and energy-efficient apartments. The construction of the private sector homes has started in 2021.

THE PULSE OF AMSTERDAM

In the Knowledge District (Kenniskwartier), space has been created for a U-shaped construction block made up of five plots. On the largest plot, covering around 5,000 sq. m, construction is about to start on The Pulse, a multifunctional complex featuring housing, offices aa well as cultural and other amenities.

RESIDENTIAL AREA RAVEL

Ravel will be a green, car-free, mixed residential area in the heart of Zuidas, designed for families, blending in seamlessly with the surrounding areas. Meeting, recreation, exercise and play are the priorities in our plan for this new neighbourhood. Car traffic will be deprioritised, helping to create a safe living environment. That means that cars will not be allowed in public spaces. Residential, work and public functions will be located at ground level wherever possible. This will create more interaction between the buildings and the public space outside. We will also incorporate water and green space to enhance opportunities for biodiversity and recreational use.

OUR HOUSE IS YOUR HOUSE

ELEMENT HOTEL

We are located in the Element Amsterdam. This Marriott Bonvoy hotel features 160 fully-equipped studios and two meeting rooms, making the hotel suitable for both short and extended stays.

RESTAURANT

Experience the homely yet adventurous vibes of the restaurant incorporated in both the menu and the interior. Kick back and join us for a relaxing lunch or dinner, drinks, snacks & bites.

EVENTS

Our event professionals are ready to organize the most exciting events. Discover the endless possibilities, like our Rooftop terrace, to elevate your experience and create unforgettable memories.

IF YOU CAN PAY THE RENT, WHY NOT THE MORTGAGE?

It’s an ironic paradox: you can rent a flat for 2,000 euros a month, but won’t qualify for a home loan with identical monthly payments. If you ask Thomas van Splunteren, mortgage broker at De Hypotheker, our mortgage system needs to change. Under that system, banks calculate your maximum mortgage amount based on gross annual income. Instead, he argues, the basis should be disposable income.

Home loan applications have been assessed the same way for years. That is, based primarily on the financing cost, which is the statutory percentage of your income that you’re allowed to spend on housing. Depending on how much you make, that percentage can be anywhere from 19 to 30 per cent of your gross income. “This system has been around for thirty years and is pretty outdated”, says Thomas van Splunteren. “If you want to spend more than that on a home loan, it should be an option.”

Accommodating long-lessees

Van Splunteren advocates reforming the system to use disposable and discretionary income as a basis instead. This is the

amount you have available to spend on housing costs per month, based on your income and expenses. “The mortgage systems in the US and England already work this way. If you can prove that you have been paying a high rent for a long time or setting aside a given amount on your savings account each month, then you can demonstrate your ability to bear those housing costs.”

In this country, a limited number of lenders are also, be it cautiously, experimenting with extending higher loans to long-term lessees. Van Splunteren: “A mortgage broker can help make a precise estimate of how much a person has to spend on

housing. So, if someone can show they have been paying a substantial amount in rent for some time, I think that ought to be a positive factor in assessing how high a mortgage they can get.”

Reforming the existing system is no piece of cake, Van Splunteren acknowledges. “These rules are iron-clad law. Banks can’t make exceptions. It’s high time that the administration sat down with experts from the mortgage world. This system needs to change.”

Thomas van Splunteren

ZUIDAS HOME TOUR

“I’m in love with the cosmopolitan vibe”

Valley may be a world-class icon, it has also captured the eyes of many in Amsterdam. Among them was Hella Huizinga, who was thrilled to land a place here in Zuidas last year. A seasoned businesswoman with her own company – Hella Huizinga Wedding & Event Design and My Greatest Rentals. – and one of the faces of the hit show The Real Housewives of Amsterdam, she is always on the go. With all that rushing around, she loves nothing better than to unwind in her own oasis with her cat, Tiger.

Name Hella Huizinga

Age 40

Lives in Valley

Favourite spot at home

My balcony, the bar stools in my kitchen and, to relax, my bathtub or bedroom.

Favourite spot in Zuidas

I’m a regular at Ferilli’s, because I love Italian food and know the owner, Carlo, well. I organized his wedding. In the evening, I like going to Nela for drinks, and to start the day a green juice and great coffee at Cora Delicatessen.

Hella, can you tell us some more about your background?

“We lived in the east, specifically in Enschede, until I turned 11. After that we moved all around the country, on account of my dad’s job, until finally settling in Dordrecht. Amsterdam always drew me, and after moving here at 23 I knew I never wanted to leave. I’m a real city girl. And now I’ve had my company, Hella Huizinga Wedding & Event Design, for 16 years. I started out training to be a teacher, but quit when I was 24 and went Bangkok to make fancy dresses for kids. Not long after that I launched my career organizing parties for children, and that gradually expanded into organizing large corporate functions, weddings and baby showers. Alongside that, we recently started Rentals as the event planning got to be too much. This is a rental company specialized in supplying affordable luxury party goods.”

How did you wind up in Zuidas?

“Before this I lived in Amsterdam Zuid for a while with my then partner, but after 13 years together, we called it quits. Straight away, I had my heart set on living in Valley. And I am so incredibly happy that I managed to land one of these apartments. Valley is unlike any other building or concept in the Netherlands. I’m in love with the cosmopolitan vibe. So, from the

moment I knew I’d have to move, there could be only one contender.”

What do you love about living here?

“Living in Valley gives me a brilliant start and end to every day. The high-end service and reception are just amazing. That makes it super safe, as everyone has to sign in downstairs. When I have visitors, they ring me and give them a card for the amount of time they’re allowed to go up. Parcels can be dropped off at reception or in a private box. The building also has five restaurants and a sandwich shop, parking below ground and a gym, sauna and swimming pool. It has every comfort and convenience, which is brilliant for a busy lifestyle. I also love the buzz in Zuidas, with all the local restaurants and bars. It’s easy to get everywhere by public transport, and by car it’s a straight shot to the motorway, except around four or five on weekday afternoons, haha.”

What is the inspiration for your interior?

“I like pairing antique and modern, like the antique chest of drawers next to my sofa with that bigger one by a modern designer. And I’m a big fan of cushions by Palais, which I’ve got on the sofas indoors and out. And patterns, too, which add some unique character. I also like to bring back things from my travels.”

FINANCE

“TOO MUCH REGULATIONS

The housing market is a hot issue. A series of new reforms seeks to give buyers and renters more options and alleviate the housing shortage – but will these measures have the desired effect? Marie-Christine Lodewijk,

The Dutch housing market has been characterized by scarcity in recent years, in Amsterdam most of all. As a result, there is still tremendous pressure on this market, says Marie-Christine, in both the buyer and rental segments. “Demand exceeds supply, so that’s putting a crimp on the housing market, and given what the government is planning, I don’t see a change happening any time soon.” However, the real spikes are behind us: “Where you could expect 20 or 30 interested buyers to show up at a property viewing two years ago, resulting in 12 to 15 offers, that number has eased back to 10 to 15 on average now, and 5 or 6 offers.”

Too much red tape

Most popular are apartments in the 300,000 to 400,000 euro range, especially if they are in nice neighbourhoods and the cost of upkeep is low. Fixer-uppers, by contrast, have become a harder sell, notes Elisabeth. “Nine out of ten people would rather not take on a renovation. Property developers and traders are also more cautious about their investments.” And the transfer tax hike from 8 to 10.4 per cent as of 1 January this year and the rental cap are deterring investors. That’s a shame, Joan points out, because if a

property is not generating any income, you can’t invest in it either. “The effect of that over the long term is degradation of homes. Plus, it leaves less scope for investing in sustainability.”

To improve prospects for private and institutional investors as well as buyers, something has to change. “Too much red tape works against you”, argues Teun. “We’re already seeing that now, even though many measures haven’t even officially gotten the green light yet. Property owners are putting homes up for sale the instant their tenants leave, and investors are increasingly shifting their sights to apartments in Spain or Italy. Owners face fewer rules and restrictions there and you can let apartments for a good price.”

Continuing scarcity

Not everyone will be negatively affected by the housing market reforms, however. Things may even be looking up for first-time buyers, now that private investors are less keen. Marie-Christine: “With investors putting their properties up for sale, that’s temporarily boosting market supply. But it won’t actually solve

Elisabeth van Zijverden, Joan Dik and Teun van Esch of Von Poll Real Estate offer their take on the current situation.

Marie Christine Lodewijk

Elisabeth van Zijverden

Joan Dik Teun van Esch

WORKS AGAINST YOU”

the scarcity problem.” The scale of this problem varies from place to place, of course, but Amsterdam is such a huge magnet that scarcity is here to stay for the foreseeable future, Elisabeth predicts. “Outside Amsterdam, you have a lot more options. Take a city like The Hague, where house prices are 35-40 per cent lower than in Amsterdam. It’s curious that demand there is so much lower, given how much that city has to offer. You can get a bigger place more easily, in green surroundings, with loads of places to go out and the beach close by.”

Government job

Yet, ultimately, Joan acknowledges it is the government’s job to alleviate the housing shortage. “The government should be encouraging the construction of new homes. That would get the market moving.” Teun continues, “I think it’s also important not to do away with temporary lease contracts. Instead of capping them at two years, I’d extend the term to five years. That way you give tenants more time to work with, while landlords know they won’t be stuck with a tenant forever.”

Many measures are aimed at restricting earnings from home ownership. And that’s the rub, according to Elisabeth. “The rule that you can’t have more than two people renting a place was originally meant to keep landlords in check. But it’s nuts that you

can only have two people living in a 300 m2 house. Three or four people could share a place in Rivierenbuurt, easily. Changing this could put a dent in the housing shortage.”

She also favours revising the new points system for landlords set to take effect in 2024. Until now, the cap on rents applied only to social rental housing with up to 145 points; for anything above this threshold, landlords could set their own price. But from 2024 this system will be extended and capped at 187 points, for which the maximum rent will be 1,100 euros. Though intended to guard middle incomes against exorbitant rents and to narrow the divide between rich and poor, B thinks the measure will have the opposite effect: “Those affected by this measure will be not the bigger property owners but actually the smaller, private investors.”

Hope for the future

While it seems unlikely that current developments will offer any housing market relief in the near future, a new administration could open up new prospects. Marie-Christine: “Government regulation is the main reason the housing market is stuck. It does make me wonder, with all these measures, don’t they see what the consequences will be? I hope the plans will be put on hold and that the administration rethinks whether this actually accomplishes what we want.”

Cécile Smits van Oyen

Herma ten Doesschate Babs de Goeij - Koster

Rebecca Gatsonides

Marie Muller

Willem-Jan Romeijn

Lisa Kooijman

Esmee van Galen

Hannah van Wensem

Caroline van Weede

ARCHITECTURE

Ella (Fitzgerald) is an urban block between Gershwinlaan and De Boelegracht offering social housing in a top spot in Zuidas. With apartments averaging a spacious 80 m2 GFA, the project had a rapid turnaround time, progressing from structural design to planning application in four months.

The block follows a clear plan, rising high on busy Gershwinlaan, while two low-rise sections sit along short roads opening onto De Boelegracht. Within this layout is a wide variation of homes with various orientations on the street and city. The way different levels of the residential structure have been carefully designed to relate to the surrounding area makes Ella stand out amid the architectural diversity of the Gershwin area. This relationship is different in units opening onto the street compared to those that are just a bit – or a lot – higher up. The building is faced in bright reddish-orange stone featuring a subtle profile that lends it a distinctive personality.

Facts

• Completed: 2017

• 57 social rental apartments

• 5 storeys

• Unit floor area: 80 m2

• Design: Inbo

Photography: Jan Vonk & Marcel Steinbach

GRACHTENFESTIVAL

The Grachtenfestival was back in Amsterdam this August and, as every year, Zuidas provided a stage for several special concerts. Hello Zuidas and the Grachtenfestival team selected four unique locations where audiences could enjoy recitals by young musicians.

On Tuesday 15 August, Hello Zuidas hosted its annual exclusive members concert on the top floor of Loyens & Loeff’s Hourglass building. Guests were treated to a programme by the SEPTimental Ensemble. Afterwards, there were plenty of drinks and nibbles and opportunities to catch up!

HELLO

ZUIDAS

INTRODUCES GORDANA TODOROVIC Community Manager

With degrees in journalism and online marketing, Gordana Todorovic laid the groundwork of her career working at Stadsblad De Echo (a free Amsterdam paper published by Mediahuis Nederland) and the European Parliament in Brussels. That combination of local and international experience made Gordana the perfect candidate for her new job in Zuidas. We are delighted to introduce Gordana as our new community manager at Hello Zuidas.

What led you to this job as Hello Zuidas community manager?

“I worked as a journalist for most of my career. The Zuidas district has always fascinated me and over the years I have seen it evolve from a barren place without a train station into the buzzing international location it is today. I was also familiar with Zuidas from my previous media jobs. As soon as I saw this opening pop up on LinkedIn, it felt like the right match.”

Do you have any specific objectives you want to pursue in this role?

“What I see as my challenge in this role is to expand it further and give it a creative dimension. Beyond that, I think it’s really important to personally connect with companies and users in Zuidas and to nurture those connections.”

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

“I enjoy exploring new places and locations on my travels. It’s where I get my inspiration from. Travel is a genuine experience and

it’s so rewarding to soak up other cultures. It’s something you carry with you for the rest of your life, so I seize every chance I get to go anywhere. Other than that, I love eating out and trying out new restaurants. I live in De Pijp, where there are always cool places to discover – as anywhere in Amsterdam, really. I also like going to the gym and for walks around Amsterdam’s streets and parks.”

And what is your favourite spot in Zuidas?

“When I’m abroad, I like going to sky bars. We hardly have those in the Netherlands, but of course Zuidas does. So that’s brilliant! I love going to the sky bar of INNSiDE by Melia. And I’m super curious about the new sky bar Sonora at the nhow Amsterdam hotel.”

What else would you like to say to readers of Hello Zuidas?

“Local businesses and visitors should always feel free to share news or ideas with us. Let’s get acquainted and start something wonderful!”

LEGAL

FEMALE PARTNERS

STILL UNDERREPRESENTED AT MOST ZUIDAS FIRMS

Among 1,676 partners employed at the 16 law and consultancy firms surveyed, the newspaper reports that 360, or just over 21%, are women. At five firms the percentage of female partners is more than 30%, compared to four firms in 2019. This percentage is considered a key inflection point for change in workplace cultures. These figures lag far behind what the Dutch Social and Economic Council (SER) deems the ‘new normal’ of equal (50/50) representation of men and women and people from nonwestern migrant backgrounds in management.

SOME PROGRESS

Almost all firms have made “some progress” in appointments of female partners compared to four years ago, with the exception of Allen & Overy and KPMG. Firms where more than 30% of partners are women are Pels Rijcken, Kennedy Van der Laan, Van Doorne, Allen & Overy and Baker McKenzie. This share dipped 4% at Allen & Overy, but remained just over the critical threshold, at 31%.

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

In 2019, 12 firms were led by men. Women were at the head of three: KPMG, Allen & Overy and Baker McKenzie. Two more women were appointed to the boards of Pels Rijcken and PwC in 2023. The best score for board representation goes to Pels Rijcken, where 75% of board members are women (up from zero in 2019). One third of the firms surveyed now have a woman at the helm, by FD’s count. Alongside Pels Rijcken, they are NautaDutilh, PwC, Stibbe and Baker McKenzie. This is comparable to business industry figures overall, with one key difference, notes FD: whereas women are in shorter supply in the rest of the country, this is not true for Zuidas. At most major law firms here, 60% of staff are women, but this is not translating into gender parity at the top. In its report, FD used Loyens & Loeff as an example. The firm employs 1,524 people, of whom 59.3% are women. Among senior staff, 51.7% are women, whilst among partners this is only 18%.

DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE

According to diversity experts, most firms have no gender quota and hence no fixed number of high-level positions reserved for women. Instead, they prefer to use statutory target figures as a guide, which are less binding than quotas. This is literally their loss, diversity experts point out, because companies that are diverse and inclusive are scientifically proven to perform better. What is more, good representation of women and minority groups in the workplace is becoming increasingly important to workers and customers.

Top jobs at firms in Zuidas continue to be dominated by men. Few women are partners or board members, finds a recent survey by FD.

MOBILITY

MOBILITY BEHAVIOUR

Learn about and plan effective strategies to change behaviour in your organization

DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SOUND FAMILIAR?

• Your colleagues are four-square behind the sustainable mobility transition – provided they needn’t make a change themselves.

• You wonder why some of your workforce are not taking steps to change how they commute, and why others are.

• You put together a terrific offer to tempt staff to test ride an e-bike or shared mobility, but it’s getting barely any mileage.

• Your employees gave different travel options a try, but ended up reverting to old habits.

If so, then the live Behaviour Change Lectures at INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam Zuidas on 1 September and 10 October will teach you how to tackle these mobility challenges.

Mobility is inextricably bound up with human behaviour. After all: why would so many people sit in gridlock when there are often ample alternatives available to get from A to B? Thinking about your target group’s behaviour – and how to change it – is crucial to achieving your objectives faster. Otherwise, it’s like stepping on the gas with the parking brake on.

These two super-compact lectures, developed in association with behaviour expert Dirkje van der Ven, will furnish you with insights and techniques to change mobility behaviour in your organization.

For whom?

The lectures are open to all professionals from companies in Noord-Holland with workforces of 50 or more and who are directly involved in corporate mobility, such as board members and HR or facility managers.

It doesn’t matter what industry you are in, or whether you employ 50 people, or 5,000. If you’re looking for ways to green your organization’s mobility, or could use some tips and tricks to kickstart your efforts, then this lecture series is for you!

Behaviour change consultant

Dirkje van der Ven is a behaviour expert with Breikers and a speaker and consultant on influencing behaviour.

Her consultancy, Wavy, works with a wide range of clients to implement behavioural insights in domains from traffic safety, mobility and sustainability to wellbeing. Dirkje is also a co-founder of and senior lecturer at Gedragsland, a practice and experiencebased training programme for behaviour experts.

Register to attend at www.wijzijnbreikers.nl

What to expect: two 2-hour lectures at the marvellous INNSiDE by Meliá in Zuidas, given by Dirkje van der Ven. This programme is free of charge and includes a catered lunch, but you must register to attend!

Dirkje van der Ven

Join us for the second celebration and announcing the winners of the

Thursday, November 9th 3 PM - 5 PM bites and drinks afterwards

@ AFC ZUIDAS

CODE NOIR DINNER MEETS ZUIDAS

An interview with chef Lelani Lewis

Could you please tell Hello Zuidas a bit about yourself, who is Lelani Lewis?

‘‘I hail from South London and have lived in Amsterdam for nearly eight years.  Food has always been an intrinsic part of my life. Growing up in a large family, food was always the center point of the numerous gatherings, therefore hospitality and feeding people became my lifeblood.  However, I didn’t start to explore a career in food until 9 years ago. Before that, I was working as a project manager for different national charities in the UK. It was only when I moved to Amsterdam that I decided to take it seriously and started to try and shape a career in food for myself by starting pop ups.’’

Your recently published your own cookbook named Code Noir, what does ‘Code Noir’ stand for?

‘‘Code Noir is the name of a 17th Century document decreed by Louis XIV - also known as the most monstrous document of them all – in this are detailed descriptions how free and enslaved Africans were to be governed in the French colonies, including punishments, how much food was allowed per slave and, when a mother birthed a child, who that child belonged to. By naming it Code Noir, I wanted to acknowledge the dark past of colonialism and slavery of the Caribbean’s and more widely. As well as it being an act of resistance because I’m also highlighting the rich and diverse cuisine that was born out of adversity and celebrating this culture.’’

You are organizing a Code Noir Dinner in Zuidas, what can we expect from this event?

‘‘Yes, I’m super excited about organizing an event for Black Achievement Month in Zuidas, a celebration that is close to my heart. The Code Noir dinner is an immersive experience where we try to take the diner guests on a trip through history, represented through carefully curated cutlery and crockery, to music, artist performances and interactive elements.  It’s an engaging experience that subsequently gets people talking about subjects that they might otherwise avoid.’’

What is the core message of this event?

‘‘It’s a very extravagant way to demonstrate that we are all connected, no matter the perceived differences. And food is such an accessible and engaging way to show that.’’

Black Achievement Month X Hello Zuidas presents: CODE NOIR DINNER BY LELANI LEWIS

Date: 19th October • Location: a unique location in Zuidas

Want to know more about this event: www.hellozuidas.com

Want to know more about other BAM events: www.blackachievementmonth.nl

Lelani Lewis

Connectivity is key. You and NDI.

Timeless

Silk Flower Design from Bloemen van Loes

A ‘fresh’ bouquet whenever you need it and looks just like a blooming bouquet of flowers for any season of the year. It is always personally arranged by Edénique with an eye for detail and knowledge for a natural appearance.

Choose for the sustainable option, where no maintenance is needed and your office, reception or home always looks happy, colorful, and welcoming.

The business florist for you. Edénique is happy to help you brighten up your space. info@bloemenvanloes.nl • +31 6 52 64 54 62 WWW.BLOEMENVANLOES.NL

Connectivity is key. It allows you to email, collaborate, and work in a way that suits your needs, even from the comfort of your home. As the local KPN EEN partner for the Zuidas, NDI ICT Solutions makes it all possible. And on the rare occasion when it doesn’t work, we’ll lend a helping hand- professionally and with personal attention.

Edénique de Beaumont

NEW MEMBERS

Hello Zuidas welcomes the following new members

HASTA LA VISTA, BABY, TIERRA & MOST

Sector: Hospitality - Employees: 9-50

Link with Zuidas: We operate in Zuidas. Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: We decided to join Hello Zuidas because we are fully aligned with the objective to draw more people from Amsterdam to Zuidas. For us, it is a real win-win: we can grow our network, strengthen our voice in local decision-making and keep abreast of the latest news and developments. On top of that, it’s an opportunity to spotlight our brand and partner closely on initiatives to make Zuidas even more attractive.

COFFEE & COCONUTS

Sector: Hospitality - Employees: 15

Link with Zuidas: Coffee & Coconuts hopes to make a difference right in the buzzing heart of Zuidas. Offering island vibes and a relaxing space in this busy world, we serve barista coffees, fresh juices, coconuts and pastries. Sit down in the café for breakfast or lunch or grab it on the go. Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: Life is too short to drink bad coffee! Sadly, that’s still what you get in many workplaces. Coffee & Coconuts believes in and offers wholesale, direct trade and fully traceable coffee delivered straight to your doorstep.

JEROEN020PT training/coaching

Sector: Sport, health & vitality - Employees: 1

Link with Zuidas: Based in the hotel gym of Crowne Plaza Hotel Zuidas. Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: Jeroen offers training/coaching in a small, quiet setting, helping individuals at risk of or recovering from a burnout to reconnect with their body and work towards an energetic and balanced lifestyle. On Saturday mornings, Jeroen also gives bootcamp sessions on George Gershwinplein for local residents looking to start their weekend off with a dopamine hit.

LIEVEN DE KEY

Sector: Housing association/services -

Employees: 339 FTE (2022)

Link with Zuidas: Owner of two residential buildings in Zuidas: Startblok Kop Zuidas (formerly Crossover) on Gelrestaat, taken into use on 7 July this year, and Stepstone on Mahlerlaan, to be completed in early 2024. Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: Lieven de Key has added 336 starter homes in Zuidas to its real estate portfolio and expects to expand further in Zuidas at projects such as Verdi, Ravel and the Knowledge Quarter. Membership will further strengthen our involvement in the location and its community.

(photo: Yvonne Witte)

NEW MEMBERS

NINEYARDS

Sector: Legal services - Employees: 16

Link with Zuidas: Nineyards was founded in Zuidas in 2015 and has been here ever since. They offer clients a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge on employment law, corporate law, procedural law and mediation. Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: As a member of Hello Zuidas, Nineyards is eager to work closely with other companies and professionals in Zuidas.

NIEZINK FINANCE

Sector: Corporate consulting & services - Employees: 2 FTE

Link with Zuidas: Niezink Finance is an interim finance company located in Tower Ten of the World Trade Center. Niezink Finance generates value for organizations by delivering finance and project support to help them keep control over their finance departments.

Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: The Hello Zuidas team gave Niezink Finance a warm welcome, which we deeply value. We are enthusiastic about building meaningful connections in the Zuidas community as part of our ongoing mission to expand our business network.

SALSA ZUIDAS

Sector: Dance school/company - Employees: 2

Link with Zuidas: Founded and operates in Zuidas. Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: To connect with other members and raise our profile.

VASCOBELO

Sector: Hospitality & events - Employees: 5

Link with Zuidas: Vascobelo has several café-brasseries around the area. Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: Vascobelo offers the Zuidas community a place to connect and host events. We want to be the area’s hospitality touchstone and go-to spot.

Salsa Zuidas is an innovative initiative aiming to build a lively and inclusive dance community in Zuidas. By using dance as a unifying force, it brings together companies, expatriates and residents in a vibrant and engaging way. With a variety of classes and experienced instructors, people of all skill levels can learn and grow through salsa, bachata, merengue and other Latin dance styles.

Photo: Yusuf Çelik, By Pexels

MEMO BOARD

A moving event

In early August it was finally time for the eagerly awaited installation of two roof sections on the Brittenpassage, the second passenger tunnel through Amsterdam Zuid Station. The slabs slid into place one millimetre at a time under the interested eyes of the press and public. The culmination of long, hard preparation, the first of the two slabs for the new tunnel roof finally started moving just after eight o’clock in the evening. On the other slab, journalists had gathered to give a front-row report on the big event, while groups of spectators watched from the facing train platform.

AMSTERDAM GRACHTENFESTIVAL A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

This summer’s Grachtenfestival was another resounding success. Musicians from all over the globe wowed audiences with their talent during captivating concerts against the backdrop of all Amsterdam. Including Zuidas! From a recital on the sun-drenched roof of Loyens & Loeff to enchanting melodies in the blooming botanical gardens to toe-tapping tunes on Gerschwinplein for market-goers, it was another marvellous musical week.

CONGRATS TO CORPORATE HOUSING FACTORY!

We’re delighted to congratulate Corporate Housing Factory on their ten-year anniversary! Specialized in short, medium and long-term housing solutions, the company has grown tremendously over the last few years, with a team who are passionately devoted to their work. We love that they have supported our Hello Zuidas magazine from day one. So, thank you CHF, and here’s to the next 10!

WUSH CELEBRATES THREE YEARS IN ZUIDAS

DON’T MISS A THING!

Hey, are you following us? On Instagram (@hellozuidas), that is! That’s where we post our favourite hotspots in Zuidas every day and take you behind the scenes of the magazine. We also keep you up on all the latest local gossip, and you’ll be the first to know when our next issue is coming out. If you have any suggestions, questions or want to post an ad or message, drop us a line at info@zuidaspublishers.nl. We’d love to hear what you want to read about in Hello Zuidas magazine!

Despite a rocky start in 2020 in the midst of the Covid pandemic, the team at Wurst & Schnitzelhaus took Zuidas by storm with their fun German fare. As well as serving up tasty schnitzels, sausages and beers daily, they also have a great space to hold festive functions and toast together in the German spirit. Have you sampled their delicious dishes yet? Wash it down with a frothy mug of German brew, and your day or evening is complete! Happy birthday to the WUSH team!

THE PULSE SNEAK PEEK

On 22 June, Hello Zuidas members got an exclusive sneak peek at The Pulse of Amsterdam. They were treated to a presentation by VORM, the construction developer, and their partner EDGE Technologies about securing worksite safety, followed by a guided tour of this state-of-the-art development.

The U-shaped block will occupy five plots near the Knowledge Quarter (Kenniskwartier). On the largest one, with a constructible area of approximately 5,000 m2, work has started on a multifunctional complex with homes, offices, retail, leisure and other amenities. Building works are scheduled to run until late 2024.

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...

PHARMACIST

Essential in any place where people live and work is quick and easy access to primary care. As Zuidas grew and developed from a business district into an increasingly mixed-use urban centre, Zuidas Apotheek owner Daan Jansen was approached to establish a primary care practice here. With his dual passion for healthcare and enterprise, the pharmacy profession proved a perfect fit.

What made you choose this profession?

“Coming from a family of GPs, I always had a connection to healthcare. In fact, I wanted to study medicine, but lost out in the lottery system all of three times. In the end, pharmaceutical science turned out to be a good choice. The combination of providing care and running a business is absolutely ideal. The medical world, as I see it, is all about products that matter; about contributing to society.”

What are the biggest challenges you face in your job?

“Finding employees is the biggest challenge in healthcare generally, I think. Besides, the involvement of health insurance companies has a big impact on our daily work and is also one of the reasons for the current issues with medication shortages. Due to very low medication prices of generic drugs, international companies are supplying other

countries first. We are coping with solving these issues daily. But there are also fun challenges like delegating tasks from GPs to the pharmacy. With the workload for GP practices continually increasing, we as a pharmacy can help to manage this and structure the provided care more efficiently.”

What does the future of the pharmacist look like?

“The pharmacy profession could be broadened by delegating tasks more efficiently and thus strengthening care, for instance by focusing more on prevention. In other words, on how people can take better care of their own health. Also, more of the logistics could be digitized.”

Is Zuidas a good base of operations?

“It’s been five years since we came on board to set up primary care in Zuidas. Zuidas is still growing and that makes it

very interesting. We decided from the outset to partner with GP practices in the surrounding area. Our location here has two rooms for GPs and two for GPAs. The dynamic here is different than in a typical urban district and our pharmacy is also geared towards that. We’ve tried to organize it to be in tune with this particular location. Also, the fact that our umbrella organization, Ovidius Pharma & Care, was already based in Amsterdam Zuid made this a logical expansion.”

Who do you cater to?

“We serve residents of Zuidas, obviously, but also people who do business or work here. Both in terms of filling prescriptions as well as OTC products we carry, like creams and supplements. We also work alongside people’s home pharmacy. We share data, so that, with your consent, we can supply whatever you might need.”

Daan Jansen

Partner up with Zuidas Publishers and create your top-quality company, client or city marketing magazine or glossy.

NEW COURSES START IN THE WEEK OF 18 SEPTEMBER

L E A R N A L A N G U A G E A T T A A L H U I S A M S T E R D A M

HOUSE FOR LANGUAGES

DUTCH - ITALIAN - GREEK - SPANISH -

- ARABIC - TURKISH - HEBREWFRENCH - CATALAN - LATIN - ENGLISH

58. Deloitte

De Kredieter

MEMBERS COLOPHON

Foundation Hello Zuidas

WTC Amsterdam

Strawinskylaan 61 1077 XW - Amsterdam +31 (0)20 333 74 41

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.

De Pizzabakkers | Zuidas

De Uitsmijter

Ditt Officemakers

Doctor Feelgood

Donkey Republic

Doppio Espresso Amsterdam Zuidas

Eden McCallum

Edge Technologies

Eefje Voogd Makelaardij

Element Amsterdam

Enterprise Netherlands

116. Hotel & Wellness Zuiver

117. Houthoff

118. Hotel TWENTY EIGHT

119. House of Sports

120. Htel Serviced Apartments

121. HVO Querido

122. IEF Real Estate

123. IMA

124. InAmsterdam

125. Infusion Clinics

126. INK Interiors

127. Innside by Melia

128. ISX Beveiliging

129. Jeroen 020 Training/Coaching 130. Karhoo

131. KNAP Makelaardij

173. ONE-Dyas B.V.

174. Onemeeting.com

175. Openbare Bibliotheek

176. ORAM

177. Oranje Energie

178. Ox & Bucks

179. Palo Alto

180. PAN Amsterdam

181. Pancakes Amsterdam

182. Papa’s Loft House

183. Pathé

184. Personality

185. Pleo

186. Poké Perfect

187. Premier Suites Plus Amsterdam

188. Projectorganisatie Zuidasdok

189. Property NL B.V.

190. Protiviti

191. Provast

192. Q-Park Nederland

193. Rabobank A’dam Markt Zuid

194. RAI Amsterdam

195. Regus

196. Renessence

197. RGA International Reinsurance

198. Rialto

199. Rivers

231. Taxicentrale Amsterdam (TCA)

232. The Bank of New York Mellon

233. The Basket

234. The Breakfast Club

235. The Office Operators

236. The Upside Down Amsterdam

237. Thomaskerk Amsterdam

238. Tierra

239. Topsport Amsterdam

240. TPEX

241. Trainmore

242. TREC

243. Tribes

244. Urban Gym Group

245. Urban Salad

246. Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas

247. Van Dijk & Ten Cate

248. Van Gool Elburg

249. Van Lanschot Kempen

250. VanLoman

251. Vascobelo

252. VEBEGO

253. Vermaat Groep

254. Vesteda

255. Vet Digital

256. Victory Real Estate

257. Von Poll Real Estate

143. Maarsen Groep Beheer B.V.

200. Rob Peetoom

201. Robert Clinics

202. Robert Walters

203. Roland Berger

204. Ronald McDonaldhuis VUmc

205. Rosarium

206. Russell Reynolds Associates

207. Savills Amsterdam

208. Salsa Shop

209. Salsa Zuidas

210. Season-Flowers

211. Securitas

212. Selva

213. Shinyu Body & Mind

214. Simmons & Simmons LLP

215. Sixt

216. Smartphone Citywalk Zuidas

217. Sonora 218. Specialists in Security

219. SThree

258. VondelGym

259. VORM Ontwikkeling

260. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

261. VU | Griffioen

262. Vuurzee Bar

263. Wagamama

264. Watersportvereniging De Koenen

265. Welcome Home

266. WeWork

267. Wild & The Moon

268. Wineboutique & Spirits

269. WYNE Strategy & Innovation

270. Wintertaling

271. WTC Amsterdam

272. WTC A’dam Business Club

273. WTCafé De Blauwe Engel

274. WuSH

275. XO Optics

276. X2X Worldwide Express

277. Your Assistant

RAI

163. Nicolaas Lyceum

164. Niezink Finance

165. Nineyards Law

166. Nino’s Surinam Food

167. Norton Rose Fulbright

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 151 1077 XX Amsterdam

+31 (0)20 362 09 93

info@zuidaspublishers.nl www.zuidaspublishers.nl

Copyright © 2023 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.

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.

220. Stibbe 221. Stichting Open The Doors 222. Strand Zuid 223. Student Experience 224. Summertime 225. SV RAP

226. Symphony’s

227. Taalcentrum - VU

228. Tandartsenpraktijk Van de Veer

229. Taylor Wessing

230. Tax Consultants International

Editor-in-chief Romy Lange

Editor & Sales Céline Boute

Art Director Emiel Brouwers • IMAGEAU

Translation Taalcentrum-VU

Final Editor Ellen Josée Westrik

Printed by Magazine Masters

Frequency Six times a year (bi-monthly)

Editors

Romy Lange, Céline Boute & Roos van Dalen

Photography

Caily Bobbie Jo, Roxanne Wilm & Davide Gallery

Editorial advisory board

Olivier Otten, Angela Ham, Elisa Schouten, Gordana Todorovic & Jos Moerkamp

278. Zone2Source

279. Zuidas Apotheek

280. Zuidas Art Projects

281. Zuidas Bier

282. Zuidas gemeente Amsterdam

283. Zuidas Markt

284. Zuidas Publishers

285. Zuidas Today

286. ZuidasTravel.nl

Magazine Hello Zuidas is issued by

Thanks to Wende Wallert (VU Art Science Gallery), Savills, Kroonenberg Groep, Gelderlandplein, Zuidas (Gemeente Amsterdam), Hyde Park, Taalcentrum-VU, De Hypotheker, Enterprise Netherlands, Roos van Dalen, Corporate Housing Factory, The Mayor, Renessence, Riviera Maison, bouwens&, Hidde Bruinenberg, Crowne Plaza Amsterdam South, Robert Walters, Von Poll Real Estate, RRS, Abderrahim Sayah, Ivar Wessels, Papa’s Lofthouse, Hella Huizinga, Olympic Gym Amsterdam, Bloemen van Loes, NDI ICT, Daan Jansen & Taalhuis Amsterdam.