Hello Zuidas - november/december 2023 Editie 70

HELLOZUIDAS.COM NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2023

70

AMBITIOUS MASTERCHEF TEMPORARILY IN ZUIDAS

JORIS BIJDENDIJK SVH DUTCH MASTERCHEF AT RIJKS® & WILS RESTAURANTS

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Preface

MOBILITY WE ARE WRESTLING WITH IT

Romy Lange & Jesper Schuijt

PREFACE

Next issue [71] 8th of January 2024

Zuid Station is the country’s fastest Amsterdam has been tearing through municipal mobility policy. Soon we’ll have a speed

growing public transport station and

limit of thirty kilometres per hour and a bollard plan pilot disabling cars from going anywhere

well on its way to becoming the second

in the centre has recently been launched. And there is a lot of noise about so-called knips –

largest in Amsterdam. A raft of works

road-dividing ‘cuts’ – in the city. Not everyone appears to be thrilled with these plans. Several

are scheduled for the years ahead. The

bollard holes along Brouwersgracht have been sprayed full of foam and local residents have

new Britten Passage is opening soon,

been tossing bollards into the canal. This is a huge cause of concern at the fire brigade and

while the Minerva Passage will be closed

other emergency services, which often cannot reach destinations in time.

for some time. How will this affect you as an employer, employee, resident or

“A great deal hinges on what the municipality decides”, says Jesper Schuijt of Porsche

commuter in Zuidas? What do the coming

Amsterdam. “Amsterdam wants to become a climate-neutral city. We are trying to tie in

years have in store on the construction

with that, though it’s not always easy for us as a sports car maker. In 2030 we want eighty

front? How will public areas and

per cent of the cars we sell to be electric. Our customer response has been mixed.

pedestrian routes around the station be

Due to our heritage there always will be purists, however, who want to hear the engine roar

laid out over the short and long term? Will

and drive in a petrol car as long as possible. “Driving electric still has a rather dull image,

the station, shops and bike parking remain

but after taking a test drive in one of our electric models people get excited about it. We

accessible during the works? Hello Zuidas

can clearly see the transformation towards electrification in our new car sales; nowadays

is hosting a meeting about all of this on 23

already 65% of our customers order a plug-in hybrid or a fully electric Porsche.”

November. Are you a member yet? If so, we hope to see you there!

In this issue we bring you a special feature on Mobility. A tricky topic, judging from how many organizations are wrestling with it. But there are also plenty of companies coming up

OLIVIER OTTEN

with solutions and offering them in our area. A fascinating development! In the next issue,

Managing director of Hello Zuidas

we’ll be diving into Sustainable Services. Got something to say about this topic? We would love to hear from you.

Until next year!!

Happy reading!

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

3

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Index

INDEX

08

23

30

36

44

70

08 Coverstory with Joris Bijdendijk 12 Building the Future 15 Column by Roos van Dalen 17 Share #Zuidas 18 Got a Minute 20 Zuidas Home Tour 23 Code Noir Dinner 24 BNP Paribas Real Estate 26 Agenda

30 Miele X 32 VU Amsterdam 34 Mobility Special

56 Sustainability 58 Property 61 Vebego 62 Legal 65 Hello Zuidas 68 Finance 70 Meet the…

72 Memo Board

SVH Dutch Masterchef at RIJKS®* & Wils* Restaurants First visitors for extra station passageway Business-wise diversity makes sense Social Media

How do you get to and from Zuidas? ‘‘From the ground up’’ Food for Thought Going for growth Don’t miss it

Hello Zuidas invests in trees!

How we do that? Through our sponsorship for Trees for All, we plant trees that restore existing forests.

‘‘A diverse team is very important to get the best solutions and perspectives.’’

De Boelelaan 1111 proudly presenting culture for everyone Intro with Marco te Brömmelstroet 36 GVB 38 Arval BNP Paribas 40 AVIS 43 Doppio Bike 44 D&B The Mobility Group 47 SIXT 48 Mobility

51 Hello You 52 Architecture 55 Hello You ArtZuid

Park Meadows Beethoven Residences Code Noir Dinner

Who will win the 2023 Zuidas sustainability award?

Local access key to property value Inclusivity ’23 a resounding success Dutch senate rejects bill for the work wherever you want act New Members

Cancer in the workplace tips for employers, employees and care professionals Pirate Monk

Zuidas Updates

With an excellent business climate, world-renowned educational institutions within reach, and leading companies in many sectors from many countries, Zuidas has huge potential. The foundation Hello Zuidas contributes to Zuidas by realizing a well functioning area. The goal is to promote a district that has international appeal, and high quality working and living conditions.

5

ALLOW US SHOW YO SOMETHIN

S TO OU NG NEW..

PARK-MEADOWS.NL

Coverstory

8

Coverstory

“MY DREAM IS THAT PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER WILL COME TO THE NETHERLANDS FOR ITS CULINARY LANDSCAPE” Joris Bijdendijk, SVH Dutch Masterchef at RIJKS®* & Wils* Restaurants Masterchef Joris Bijdendijk has fast made a name for himself in the gastronomic

Where did your passion for food and

world. As executive chef of RIJKS®* and Wils* restaurants – both boasting a Michelin

cooking originally start?

star – and of Wils Bakery Café – awarded a Bib Gourmand – he is helping Amsterdam

“I am an Amsterdammer through and

to scale the ranks of the world culinary scene. With the original RIJKS® - located at

through. But, growing up, our family spent

Museumplein - under renovation, the old CIRCL premises at Gustav Mahlerplein was

weekends on a self-sufficient farm in the

transformed into a RIJKS® POP UP restaurant until November 11th. Joris generously

Belgian Ardennes. So, my parents had busy

made time in the midst of shuttling between his three Amsterdam Zuid locations to

jobs in Amsterdam during the week and

share his story and passion for gastronomy with us.

then on Friday afternoons my brothers and I would pile into the station wagon and head

Joris, you’ve temporarily been a

What led you to choose CIRCL

south to work on the farm, with its own veg

chef in Zuidas. How do you like it here?

in Zuidas for the pop-up?

garden, orchard and drinking water from

And has this location influenced your

“My idea, starting out, was that I’d just

rainwater. I fell in love with this line of work

menu in any way?

cook somewhere else for two weeks, but

because of those weekends. I experienced

“It fits to a T. I know this area well, as it

as things got progressively more serious

firsthand how important ingredients are. I

happens, having set up the kitchen of CIRCL

and lengthier and the renovation plans

did my first work placement in a butcher’s

back when it first opened. It’s a brilliant

more involved, the period we needed to

shop, followed by a dish-washing job

location. It has expanded a lot in recent

bridge became rather long. In fact, this

when I was fifteen which gave me a terrific

years. Beforehand, we did some research into

was the only place we seriously wanted

impression of the chefs’ team. That was

what the target group here is looking for. This

to go for. Location is super important,

when I decided I wanted to become a chef

being Zuidas, there are many more offices

and we are well-situated here. I already

myself. This was twenty-five years ago,

than in the city centre. Demand for lunch

knew the area well and what else is here.

and I’m still very happy with my choice. My

is bigger, so we’ve responded to that with

With RIJKS® POP UP, we opened a whole

parents always supported me, but were also

a ‘power lunch’, guaranteeing people can

new restaurant. And we were taking a

very clear that I needed to be serious about

be in and out within one hour. And there’s a

chance with that. We’ll only be here for a

it. Nowadays, they both love dropping by my

vending wall with tasty RIJKS® snacks to go

short time, just under three months.

restaurants to dish out advice.”

with a glass of fine wine and some great

Right now, we’re wholly focused on the

What lesson has stuck with you

finger food after work hours. We are using this

new RIJKS®. We needed some time to

the most in your career?

location to showcase as well as test out the

find our feet, but are running at full steam

“I am truly lucky that my work is still my

new RIJKS®. It’s like a little black box offering

now and that’s a fantastic thing

passion. The main lesson, for me, was to

a sneak preview of our new restaurant.”

to witness.”

take it seriously and make a plan. Realizing

with drinks, so you can relax on our terrace

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

9

Coverstory

there will be times when you have to make

wants to be a chef, like me, but we’ll cross

culture, you need to get as many people

some sacrifices in hopes they will pay off

that bridge when we come to it, haha. I’m

as possible involved in food and cooking.

later. And also, that not every day is going

happy to let them help out with chopping

You have to start at a young age to get that

to be fun. If you throw in the towel or

and cooking, because I believe strongly

motivation going. But, with Low Food, we’re

change tack at the first setback, you’ll never

in learning by doing. And also to carry on

obviously aiming for something bigger.

really get good at anything.”

cooking at home – I’m totally fine with

Only recently we hosted our first festival,

that. We have fun going out for groceries

oriented mainly towards professionals, and

together.”

now we are hoping to expand further.”

any particular goals you are working

As one of the founders of the Low Food

Can you give us a sneak preview of the

towards now?

foundation, you are committed to

new and improved RIJKS®?

“Running my own place one day would be

raising the bar on Dutch gastronomy

“People could taste a real sneak preview

very nice. My wife is French, so maybe we’ll

and sustainability. Why is this

at RIJKS® POP UP, which was brilliant. The

head to the sunny south to start a lovely

important to you?

new RIJKS® is opening in mid-November

restaurant on the beach. Still, Amsterdam

“Our aims are training, research and

and will be a buzzing restaurant. The team

is in my blood, and I am happy right where I

networking. The foundation has several

consist of a group of professionals who love

am. I have restaurants at amazing locations

academies and I myself teach in the

the work they do in a down-to-earth way.

and am nowhere near ready to stop

gardens of the Rijksmuseum. I want to

Our big focus is on all the wonderful things

with those.”

continue with this as it is a way, I can show

we can serve in the Low Countries. RIJKS®

kids how easily you can create great meals

has always been good, but sometimes

What do you prefer to cook when you’re

from the garden. My dream is that one day,

you have the chance to shake it all up and

at home with family?

people from all over will want to come to

redefine yourself. We want to take new

“My two boys of seven and eight are very

the Netherlands because of its culinary

strides in data-driven sustainability, so

much involved. My youngest says he

landscape. If you want to build a food

we’ll be measuring everything we do. I think

With two Michelin stars and one Bib Gourmand under your belt, are there

that guests who dine with us will have a wonderful and hopefully festive experience.

Our team makes sure every person has felt welcomed and a part of the evening’s experience.”

10

Building The Future

BUILDING THE FUTURE

First visitors for extra station passageway After years of construction away from public view, the digging has started for the passenger tunnel at Amsterdam Zuid station: the Brittenpassage. In October it even welcomed it’s first visitors. We are still removing thousands cubic meters of sand from underneath the A10, metro and railway tracks. And the site is spectacular to behold.

12

Building The Future

Information Centre Zuidas-Zuidasdok Central Hall, WTC +31 (0)800 50 65 www.zuidas.nl/contact Follow on zuidas @zuidasamsterdam

Over four long years, we have been

Special tour

hard at work building the roof of the

Last October, in order to celebrate this real

Brittenpassage, the second passenger

milestone, Zuidasdok and the Nieuw-Zuid

tunnel at Amsterdam Zuid station. During

construction consortium set up a special

last summer, we inserted two huge roof

tour for all interested parties. For the first

sections made of 7 million kg of concrete

time ever, people had the opportunity to

underneath the A10 and a railway track. To

take a look around the Brittenpassage.

do this, we had to (temporarily) remove a

It was an impressive journey underneath

passengers: from around 80,000 now to

section of motorway as well as the track,

the A10, the train and metro tracks. Many

between 250,000 and 300,000 by 2030.

but rall neatly replaced it after finishing the

more journeys will follow before the official

This additional passageway is part of the

work. To the naked eye, the amount of work

opening in 2027. If you’re interested, please

complete regeneration of the station. The

we were doing underground remained

stay tuned at Zuidas.nl or Zuidasdok.nl.

main entrance to Amsterdam Zuid station, referred to as the Minervapassage, is set

invisible for a long time, but this is now changing. With the removal of a total of

Complete regeneration

to undergo a metamorphosis as well. In

50,000 cubic meters of sand underneath

Amsterdam Zuid station is set to have a

the future, both passageways will not only

the A10, metro and railway tracks, the initial

second passenger tunnel, for Amsterdam

enable you to access the trains and metro,

contours of the future Brittenpassage are

Zuid station is essential to accommodate

but you will also be able to shop and park

finally visible.

the expected growth in the number of

your bike there.

Photography: Jan Vonk & Marcel Steinbach

13

Column

COLUMN

BUSINESS-WISE diversity makes sense

Is this something we should even want? During a discussion about DEI the other day, someone asked me: aren’t things just fine the way they are? While some people responded with outrage, others no doubt echoed this question – in silence. And it’s for this very reason that the question needs to be taken seriously. Why is change precisely what we need, to make Zuidas more diverse and inclusive?

First of all, because it is simply the right thing to do. Anyone and everyone looking to build a career in Zuidas should be welcome to put their talents to work here. The goal is not to put every woman at a leadership position/top position, but to better facilitate those who do hold this ambition. So that women and other groups who are underrepresented in the corporate world no longer have keep swimming against a strong tide. At least, no more than members of the overrepresented group need to.

If is often said, moreover, that a diverse team spots more opportunities and solutions than a homogeneous group. So, business-wise, diversity makes sense. Provided that it is guided by inclusive leadership. Otherwise, diversity quickly turns chaotic. Because, just think how much you could learn if you didn’t talk solely to people who already agree with you. Instead of people reaffirming your own views, it can be hugely instructive – be it somewhat uncomfortable – if someone challenges them.

For the needs of different groups to be taken seriously, it is crucial that they be represented in the

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.

chambers where decisions are being made. Author Caroline Criado Perez made this painfully clear a few years previously in her book Invisible Women. Women are easily forgotten in sectors where they are underrepresented. Take for instance the medical world, where for decades most research has focused on the male body. Due to the resulting lack of knowledge about the female body, women are more likely to die of heart failure. Closer to home, in the corporate world, there is a certain breed of white, male employee with certain characteristics that makes specific life-choices. Anyone deviating from this mould is automatically ‘the other’. And so organizations continue to make decisions premised primarily on this normative man.

Though so far the financial imperative to become more diverse and inclusive has often been absent, this is set to change in the years to come. Not only will customers begin calling for more diversity in boardrooms, but also Generation Z is on the way. A generation more open-minded than all of its predecessors. And this fact will unapologetically demand employers to follow their example.

So, if your organization wants to stay attractive to customers and employees, then change is absolutely the way to go.

15

GELDERLANDPLEINLIJN: THE FREE BUS ALWAYS NEARBY A delicious lunch or dinner, fashion shopping or just the daily groceries? Take the free bus to Gelderlandplein, the mall of southern Amsterdam with more than 90 stores & restaurants.

BUS STOPS IN: • VIVALDI • BUITENVELDERT • ZUIDAS

DOWNLOAD THE GELDERLANDPLEINLIJN APP FOR ROUTES AND CURRENT LOCATION OF THE BUS

Social Media

SOCIAL MEDIA

@rijksrestaurant @youlynq.me @thekickscommittee

@marcel.steinbach

lto-toren

@werkenbijcms @gelderlandplein

POWER LUNCH

CMS goes Hollywood...

Mahlerplein zaterdag ochtend...

@zuidasamsterdam ...Binnenkijken bij The Newton

@limonamsterdam About last Friday...

in Kop Zuidas...

Heerlijk borrelen op één van de terrasjes...

@saskiavanstein @selva.restaurant Last week’s grand opening!

Magnificent piece of architecture called the Valley

@gtlaw.ams Onze nieuwe toppers!

@mesmerisedbyamsterdam Student housing in Amsterdam

FOLLOW hellozuidas

For employees of companies who are

Download the Hello Zuidas City App

@HelloZuidas

member of Hello Zuidas, it is possible to

Hello Zuidas has an app that allows you

@hellozuidas

join our LinkedIn group or link as a contact.

to flip through all the Zuidas news!

17

Hello People

HELLO PEOPLE

GOT A MINUTE? For this issue’s spotlight on mobility, we polled people on the street about how they get to and from Zuidas.

Are they bothered by the construction works currently underway? And what improvements would they make to travel and transport in and around Zuidas?

Anna Dikhtiarenko “I take the train to Zuidas. I commute by rail from Delft every day, which theoretically is a direct link. It would be nice if the service were more stable though, because there are frequent cancellations and delays. That wasn’t at all the case a year ago. Nowadays, the train is almost always overcrowded.

If I can’t catch a direct train, I have only a couple of minutes to transfer. So if my first train is delayed and I’ve got just two minutes, there is no way I can make my connection. So, ideally, there would be more train services.”

18

Hello People

Vincent Egging “I think local access is quite good. I drive to Zuidas from Purmerend and park my car under the WTC. In the past I always took public transport and that was great too. You step straight from the train into your office, which is ideal. If I could change anything, it would be the congestion. There is always gridlock around six o’clock, but I guess we’ll always have that. Zuidas is perfectly situated, because you can zip straight onto the motorway.”

Tabas van den Boomen “I travel to Zuidas twice a week by public transport. The access is fine, but the NS could do better. Often, trains don’t run on time or don’t show up at all. Luckily, I work from home a lot, so that helps.”

Simon Boonenberg “If I have a job in Zuidas, I practically always take the car. Looking around, the infrastructure seems well organized. There are several parking facilities for both cars and bikes. We’re here to replace the paving stones near the bike shed, because the street gets slippery when the weather is wet and people skid on their bicycles.”

Text: Sophia Etmans • Photography: Caily Bobbie Jo

19

Zuidas Home Tour

ZUIDAS HOME TOUR

“From the ground up” From the ground up, Daan has not only watched Zuidas grow, but contributed to it himself. Having moved to this booming part of Amsterdam four years ago, after two years he decided to take the plunge and start his own interior design company. He and his business partner transformed Daan’s apartment into a beautiful showroom and office: a space where creativity, craftsmanship and innovation come together.

20

Zuidas Home Tour

Name

Daan van Huffel

Age

28

Lives in The Gustav What’s your favourite spot in Zuidas?

Had you always wanted

“Right now, the gym is my favourite spot.

to live in this area?

Wednesdays and Sundays are the only

“No, actually. I came across a notice in the

days I don’t go to Clubsportive. And

newspaper one day about apartments that

Pizzabakkers is great, too!”

were going up. I registered and eventually was lucky enough to be invited for a

Favourite spot at home

viewing. So that’s when I started looking

“The sofa is my space to relax. When I’m

into possibilities for buying a place, and in

lying there, I know I’ve done my best that

Zuidas no less. That was four years ago now

day and can unwind. And I have a lovely

and I’ve been living here ever since. I have

view from my sofa, because I look out on

really seen Zuidas grow. What’s brilliant is

Valley. I enjoy that gorgeous view every day,

that my cousin lives three floors down from

looking down at Gustav Mahlerlaan, and

me and a friend of mine two floors up.”

hearing another snazzy car tear by. It feels like there’s always stuff happening.”

If there was one thing in Zuidas you could change, what would it be?

Hobbies

“A McDonald’s was supposed to move into a

“My job really is my hobby. I run my own

vacant premises at the base of the building

interior design company. We do bespoke

below my flat at one point, but fortunately

kitchens, built-in storage, floors and

that fell through. I would like it if something

window dressing. Basically, we design a

else moved in though. A cinema, maybe? I

complete concept and then work with

do love that George opened on Zuidplein.

partners to make it. We’ve also done

And of course Nela, in Valley. Apart from the

apartments here in Zuidas, as it happens. In

fact that it looks fabulous, it’s just across

fact, we started out right here, using my flat

from my place.”

as a showroom and office.” .

Text: Sophia Etmans • Photography: Davide Gallery

21

EARTH A collective landscape

Exhibition Open from 16.09.2023

In EARTH – A collective landscape the AkzoNobel Art Foundation brings together artworks that focus on our natural surroundings.

With artworks by Michelle Piergoelam Jan Robert Leegte Kyra Sacks Lin de Mol Chan Chiao Chun Mirte van Laarhoven Ingo Mittelstaedt Sjoerd Knibbeler Sam Samiee Keith Edmier Robert Zandvliet and many more

Free entrance Artfoundation.akzonobel.com

Monday – Friday 09:00 - 18:00

Christian Neefestraat 2 1077 WW Amsterdam

Food for Thought

CODE NOIR DINNER FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Joana Velu connected diners by having them share cassava with each other while narrating how the ingredient ties in with her roots. Bassist James Oesi filled the room with tuneful music. Yassine Ben Abdallah’s machetes made of sugar

Hello Zuidas and Black Achievement Month (BAM) joined forces for the second year

illustrated issues around heritage and

to co-host the Code Noir dinner at NautaDutilh on 19 October. The international

cultural identity. The passionate catering

law firm opened the doors of their Zuidas office for the affair, for which Chef Lelani

team laid a splendid table, which was

Lewis put together a menu going back to the roots of world cuisine. A diverse group

later transformed into a buffet with beer

of guests gathered for this vibrant event combining a carefully curated dinner with a

and chocolate ganache. All in all, it was

captivating programme.

an evening filled with surprises and many extraordinary interconnections.

October was Black Achievement Month.

referencing the legacy of slavery. The event

The BAM team organized several events

opened with a visual performance at the

Dignity

throughout the month, of which the Code

head of the long table by spoken word

The theme of this year’s Black Achievement

Noir dinner was one.

artist, writer and poet Rachel Rumai Diaz.

Month is ‘Dignity’. John Leerdam, BAM

Her powerful words had a profound impact

artistic director: “The theme coincides with

on many of the guests.

this commemorative year remembering

For this edition, BAM invited food stylist,

and celebrating the abolition of

chef and culinary activist Lelani Lewis. In addition to her culinary talents, Lewis is the

The rest of the dinner also went far

Transatlantic slavery. Dignity is described

author of Code Noir, a cookbook exploring

beyond food. Above all, it was an evening

as ‘a person’s right to be valued and

the history of Caribbean cuisines. She

with a message. The seventh floor at

respected for themselves and to be treated

treated invited guests to a culinary world

NautaDutilh, overlooking the twinkling

ethically’. Dignity plays an important part

tour, from a cassava chip with papaya

lights of Zuidas, provided a splendid

in morality, ethics, law and politics as an

salsa to roasted plantain served with a

setting for the selection of artists who

extension of the Enlightenment concepts of

ginger beer/rum drink, with a sugar cube

both stirred and inspired the guests.

inherent, inalienable rights.”

Text: Gordana Todorovic & Céline Boute • Photography: Roxanne Wilm

23

Business in The Spotlight

BNP Paribas Real Estate has its sights set on the future. While the changing property market presents challenges, the company also sees opportunities. CEO Rick Niemeijer explains how BNP Paribas Real Estate is responding.

Rick Niemeijer

24

Business in The Spotlight

BNP PARIBAS REAL ESTATE going for growth

The CubeHouse is also pioneering on the sustainability front, which is something more and more companies are addressing, as Niemeijer notes. “Companies want to ensure their economic impact goes hand-in-hand

In 2023, property market transactions were

Office of the future

with a positive social and environmental

so far down seventy percent compared

Another development directly linked

contribution. BNP Paribas advises

to a year earlier. Though significant, this

with BNP Paribas Real Estate’s growth

companies on how to plan and act on this.”

is hardly surprising, says BNP Paribas

ambition, is the sale of The CubeHouse

Real Estate CEO Rick Niemeijer, given the

to a.s.r. real estate. BNP Paribas will stay

Mobility as a service

transfer tax increase and higher interest

connected with the property, however,

“Besides a future proof building, we want

rates. “Still, there is a knock-on effect on the

which is slated to become the new joint

to ensure we use the building sustainably.

whole market, from investors to property

head office of BNP Paribas Nederland

Part of sustainable use is mobility. Within

developers to real estate advisors like us.”

and Arcadis. The revamped headquarters

BNP Paribas, Arval will be responsible for

will be aligned to recent changes in

the exploitation of Mobilty as a service.

Based in Zuidas, BNP Paribas Real Estate is

office use. “The Covid pandemic, rising

Integrating various forms of transport

a specialist in property investment advice,

energy costs and the need to work from

into an on demand service which provide

management and valuation. Niemeijer:

home – or not – have led to shifts in how

employees flexibility and BNP Paribas as

“For a long time, real estate was the holy

we are using offices.” Niemeijer observes

Employer insight in the data which can be

grail for investors, but this has changed.

that the office itself is becoming more

used for the ESG reporting.”

Investors are having a harder time selling

important to employees: “People have

their properties, or are finding themselves

become more critical of where they

Undiminished growth ambition

forced to refinance their portfolios.” This

end up working. They want not only a

Despite ongoing negative market

was also the impetus for setting up BNP

workspace, but also areas for informal

sentiment, owing particularly to the decline

Paribas’ new Debt Advisory division, which

meetings and additional amenities such

in property transactions, BNP Paribas Real

provides custom services for clients facing

as a bar or gym. Fewer companies want

Estate is forging plans for further growth.

property financing issues.

to set all this up in-house, however, so it’s

“Investing in new staff is something we are

enough if those amenities are

doing precisely now in order to ensure we’ll

available nearby.”

have the knowledge and skills we need

Streamlined collaboration

when the market picks up”,

BNP Paribas Real Estate also helps

Niemeijer explains.

prospective tenants find properties to

First hybrid office in Zuidas

lease. Characteristic of BNP Paribas Real

The CubeHouse is the first hybrid office

Estate’s approach, is their streamlined

building at the Zuidas. “Given the scarcity

With offices in 23 countries, BNP Paribas

collaboration across various departments,

of space and housing in Amsterdam,

has a strong presence both globally and

each with its own specialism. “For example,

it’s vital to use space as efficiently and

regionally. In the European Union, it is the

we have an in-house technical inspectors

functionally as possible”, he continues.

largest real estate advisory player. “We have

who keeps track of energy costs and an

“The ground floor of The CubeHouse

a relatively young team who are incredibly

investment experts who does background

will be open to to public and is operated

motivated to take the business forward.

research about future owners”, explains

by third party. It’s a place where people

The vast European territory, network and

Niemeijer. “Bringing different specialisms

from the neighbourhood and students

its financial knowledge of BNP Paribas at

together in one department this way

can get together and hang out. During

our disposal are helping us to do that.”

allows us to cooperate more effectively. In

weekends, the building will also cater to

addition, we do day-to-day management

the neighbourhood, with spaces available

and our service desk is always on standby

for things like lectures, exhibitions and

to take care of problems.”

comedy shows.”

Text: Romy Lange & Lysanne Wilkens • Photography: Caily Bobbie Jo

BNP Paribas Real Estate Antonio Vivaldistraat 54 1083 HP Amsterdam www.realestate.bnpparibas.nl + 31 (0) 20 305 97 20

25

Agenda

AGENDA

EVENTS Thursday 9 November

ZUIDAS SUSTAINABILITY AWARD CEREMONY @ AFC Sportpark Green Business Club Zuidas, Hello Zuidas and Amsterdam Zuidas are hosting the Zuidas Sustainability Awards this year, with prizes in several categories. Winners can be anything from a small community effort to a completed building project and from a valuable greening plan to a great partnership with local impact.

Awards will be presented to sustainable initiatives in Zuidas in five different categories. A reception will follow the official ceremony, which will be held at the AFC ‘Goed Genoeg’ sport park.

19-26 November

PAN AMSTERDAM @RAI Amsterdam – www.pan.nl PAN Amsterdam is the year’s premier fine art, antiques and design fair, drawing more than 45,000 art lovers to be dazzled and inspired by thousands of art objects. The fair presents a diverse selection, ranging from classical antiquity and old masters to photography, contemporary art, antiques, furniture and objects. PAN is the ideal place to compare works, get informed and make your own discoveries.

Thursday 23 November, 3.30pm

HELLO ZUIDAS MEMBER MEETING: ZUID STATION MEMBERS ONLY @Novotel Amsterdam During this Member Meeting, the Zuidasdok project organization, NS Stations and GVB will be outlining what’s ahead for you and other members, with plenty of room for questions and suggestions. The event will conclude with drinks. Register via our website!

Thursday 14 December

WINTEREVENT @Gershwinplein www.zuidasmarkt.nl Get into the winter spirit in Zuidas!

Hello Zuidas invites you to join us at a special Zuidas Winter Market on Thursday 14 December on George Gershwinplein.

26 26

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

Agenda

AGENDA

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER Thursday 14 December, 8pm, Grote Zaal

DE BLAUWE VINKJES @Rialto VU – www.rialtofilm.nl In DISCLAIMER, Manon and Kevin take the audience along in a whirlwind sketch show, playing a succession of familiar characters and caricatures. Toying with implications, reflecting on situations, hogging the limelight and throwing down the gauntlet.

All at a lively pace and packed with topical issues and absurd situations. Their satirical performances highlighting different perspectives via imitations, parodies and catchy songs never fail to win over audiences.

Every Thursday, 9am-4pm

ZUIDAS MARKET @Gershwinplein – www.zuidasmarkt.nl Every Thursday is market day in Zuidas, from 9 in the morning till 4 in the afternoon. Market vendors are hardy souls, and you’ll find these steadfast entrepreneurs at their regular spots every week, rain or shine! See you at the market next Thursday?

Tuesday 21 & 28 November, 9.30am-4.30pm

TAALCENTRUM-VU WORKSHOP BUSINESS ENGLISH @ Taalcentrum-VU English fluency is crucial in international business. Would you like to communicate more effectively with your Englishspeaking clients? Taalcentrum-VU’s language experts are here to help! Our Business English workshop will boost your fluency in no time. The workshop covers two full days, from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Register now at: taalcentrum-vu.nl/en/ business-english

27

Agenda

21 November & 19 December

DECIPHERING THE ARTIST’S MIND @ABN – www.art-heritageabnamro.nla ABN AMRO Art Space is a place where the bank presents its collection to a broad audience in regularly changing exhibits, while also offering a platform for emerging art trends and artists in Zuidas. It hosts the ABN AMRO Art Award as well as other exhibitions introducing young, up-and-coming talents.

Thursday 21 September, 6pm

LIVE MUSIC IN ZUIDAS @Manhattan Lounge Bar – www.manhattenbar.nl Come and join us every Thursday for live music at Manhattan Lounge Bar! We offer a wide range of music styles, from contemporary to classic jazz, gypsy music and even Bossa Nova. New musical acts are featured regularly, so be sure to check our website or Facebook event page, where we announce bands approximately one week before each show. Book a table online in advance, or simply drop by and relax at the bar. We look forward to welcoming you to Manhattan Lounge Bar.

November & December

EXPAT CINEMA MEET-UP @Rialto VU rialtofilm.nl/expat-cinema-meetup Rialto VU organises expat meet-ups twice a month. 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. Check our website for upcoming events!

28

Agenda

7-11 December

MASTERS EXPO BUSINESS ENGLISH @RAI Amsterdam Masters Expo is Europe’s leading professional event bringing together more than 40,000 visitors to discover the most exclusive offers in modern luxury and future-proof business. This year’s Masters Expo at RAI Amsterdam on 7-11 December features some 350 pioneering Dutch and international companies that are setting trends and making connections. Masters Expo also offers a wealth of culinary highlights for lunch and dinner as well as live entertainment.

20-22 December

BLAUWE ENGEL CHRISTMAS BASH @De Blauwe Engel Come celebrate Christmas at De Blauwe Engel, with three fun-filled days, featuring various live performances and DJs. We also have a number of different Christmas office party options for companies.

For more info, email: Info@deblauweengel.nl.

November & December

LUNCHTIME CONCERT @De Thomas – www.dethomas.nl De Thomas hosts free lunchtime concerts every fortnight. Classical music is a given, featuring a different musician or ensemble each time.

14 November: Enrique Álvarez 28 November: Livia Stefani, Matthia Elders, Marinha Campos & Marta Jimenez Rodriguez 12 December: Florence van der Does & Jara van Dam.

29

Business in The Spotlight

“A diverse team is very important to get the best solutions and perspectives’’ ‘Miele, Immer Besser’ (Miele, Forever Better) is the widely known slogan for the

gave her empathy for different people,

international manufacturing brand specializing mainly in household appliances. In

views, opinions, backgrounds, and

2020, Miele created their own digital hub, called Miele X, with a focus on setting up a

cultures, which fits well with her job.

diverse team of various experts. Tanja Antonijevic, HR director at Miele X, was in charge

It made her passionate about issues

of setting up the organization’s complete HR landscape and played an important role

involving culture, employee engagement,

in helping the business grow to what it is today: “We did everything from creating

learning and development and leadership.

HR policies, making adjustments and automating HR systems to recruiting people of

She explains: “Our main focus initially was

all different backgrounds and creating a widely international and gender-balanced

recruitment and onboarding as we had

workforce. Having cultural, generational, gender and neurodiverse balance in your

to grow the organization. One of the first

team helps avoid group-thinking and make better-informed decisions.”

things we did was build a recruitment team with a mix of backgrounds to

Diversity and inclusion

have worked together not only to build

support this goal. Now, Miele X employs

Tanja herself became employee number

great tech solutions but also a diverse

people of over 40 different nationalities

twelve in 2020. The organization has

and inclusive Miele X. Tanja, who was born

and backgrounds. We also have a gender-

grown tremendously in the three years

in Amsterdam to Balkan parents, has a

balanced workforce, 51% female and 49%

since then. It is an engaged team that

bicultural and bilingual background that

male. I think working in an organization

30

Business in The Spotlight

with people of diverse backgrounds is very

Walking around the space feels like a

Bias training for both our managers and

important to get the best solutions and

little adventure. They integrated cultural

employees, and staff and health initiatives

perspectives on different topics.” Tanja’s

reminders like a caravan, a tuk-tuk

such as participating in the Zuidas Run

advice for creating a more diverse and

and ski cabins to represent different

and Cup. We will also continue to organize

inclusive workplace starts with leading

Miele markets and nationalities. And

different events to celebrate our diversity

by example and recognizing that not

everything employees could possibly

throughout the year, such as International

everyone thinks, feels and communicates

need has been incorporated into the

Women’s Day and Lunar New Year. And

in the same way. Therefore, you need to

space, including a maternity room, a

we want to strengthen relationships and

build a culture that’s sensitive to different

prayer room, adjustable desks and

demonstrate our commitment to diversity

people’s needs.

a quiet zone. Plus, it’s all wheelchair

and inclusion by volunteering with our

accessible. “And don’t forget our kitchen,”

partner Business Involved and participating

Community Space

Tanja adds, “which is the heart of our

in community events. And as for our daily

While Miele X has been based in Zuidas

community, where we get together the

work, Miele X will continue to enable the

from the start, it rapidly outgrew its first

most. We use it to have meals together,

streamlining, management and scaling of

premises. Their ‘Community Space’ is a

celebrate birthdays and events, and

the Miele eCommerce and Digital Marketing

new workspace in Valley, designed with

meet over business topics.”

activities through optimization of the process infrastructure. All thanks to our

input from the team itself. “We built this Community Space in several sprints. The

Strengthening relationships

space is iterative; we build it to foster all

Tanja says there are many things she is

the different needs of our employees.

looking forward to in Miele X’s future and its

This is part of an agile approach and

surrounding community in Zuidas. “We have

aligns with how our organization works.”

many things planned, like an Unconscious

Text: Céline Boute • Photography: Caily Bobbie Jo & Miele X

amazing team of experts.”

Miele X Beethovenstraat 517 1083 HK Amsterdam hello@miele-x.com www.miele-x.com

31

Cultural

DE BOELELAAN 1111 PROUDLY PRESENTING CULTURE FOR EVERYONE! VU Amsterdam’s extensive on-campus cultural programming – spanning film,

theatres. Our top tip for November is

theatre, courses and visual arts – isn’t just for VU students and staff. It’s for

Het Smelt/When it Melts, based on the

everyone. Including you!

best-selling novel by Lize Spit. Looking for great documentaries? IDFA (International

The VU Griffioen theatre stages a wide

offering the perfect family entertainment

Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)

variety of productions ranging from

for all ages! For those looking to get

will be returning to Rialto VU this year from

cabaret and stand-up comedy to concerts,

creative, we have a wide range of over

Wednesday 8 to Sunday 19 November.

plays and dance performances. Alongside

70 creative courses in music, dance,

such familiar names as Najib Amhali and

mindfulness, drama, writing, photography

From 17 November 2023 to 29 March 2024,

Pieter Derks, we also love showcasing

and lots more.

the VU ART SCIENCE gallery presents its new exhibition Life of Plants. Zooming

fresh talent. In the 25-26 November weekend (afternoons and evenings) we’ll

Feel like watching a film?

in on our relationship with plants, their

welcome Cézanne Tegelberg and her

Catch all the best films seven days a

unique biological characteristics, beauty

magical puppet show ‘Yuto en de Boom’,

week in Rialto VU cinema’s four modern

and value, this exhibition features work by

32

Cultural

artists Arja Hop & Peter Svenson, Elspeth

the university’s main building since

desk? Or rarely have a moment to yourself?

Diederix, Špela Petrič and Oscar Santillan.

1967. Stocking everything from novels to

Three days a week, VU Amsterdam

Scientists will also share their insights

children’s literature, you’re likely to find all

organizes free 15-minute fitness boosts

with the public in a series of ART SCIENCE

the latest titles in your field of interest. As

during your lunch break. All are welcome!

dialogues.

well as books, you’ll also find a complete

Join us every week, no special fitness-outfit

range of gift items. Looking for something

needed. Give yourself a break and come

Before or after catching a show or film, or

to brighten up your interior, a puzzle, a

get your body moving, energy flowing and

visiting the gallery, stop by in the cosy Bar

snazzy laptop cover, that one special brand

have fun with us on the VU Campus!

Boele on De Boelelaan 1111 to unwind and

of notepad or a birthday gift? Look no

grab a drink or delicious bite to eat!

further! The VU Bookstore is open seven

Tai Chi, Salsa & Standing Yoga

days a week and you’re always welcome to

Tuesday and Thursday:

look around!

12.30pm – 15-minute Tai Chi 1.00pm – 15-minute Salsa

Want to see what’s on?

Check out our websites for the

VU Bookstore, De Boelelaan 1105

Wednesday:

latest events and tickets!

(immediately to the left inside the

12.15pm – 15-minute Standing Yoga

griffioen.vu.nl

VU main entrance hall)

rialtofilm.nl

Monday-Friday: 9.00am - 6.30pm

Instructor: William Antersijn

artsciencegallery.nl

Saturday: 11.00am - 5.00pm

Location: In the lobby of the OZW building

Sunday: 12:00pm - 5.00pm

(the red building) De Boelelaan 1109 | from April 1, 2024, outside on the campus

VU Bookstore: where to buy books!

Get a move on during your lunch break!

square. No classes during the Christmas

The VU Bookstore has been based in

Do you put in long workdays seated at your

period from December 28 to January 8.

Photography: Jakob van Vliet & Too van Velzen

33

Mobility Special

MOBILITY SPECIAL Is our mobility system built to last? Or does it urgently need to change?

Cars are a practical and popular form of

According to Marco te Brömmelstroet, academic director of Lab of Thought and

overall. If we were to take a city that is built

board member of the Urban Cycling Institute, Amsterdam is struggling badly to

around bicycling and walking and propose

make real choices about the future of urban mobility. Ambitions are fairly high,

dramatically increasing the number of cars,

he says, mainly because all kinds of external factors are conspiring to make the

up to our current numbers, it would never

mobility system as it is now untenable. Change is the only option. Yet, views are

even make it past a cost-benefit analysis.

divided on what needs to change, and how. Where the political conversation

The idea would seem insane. By definition,

about these goals and values is well underway in other European cities,

a system that depletes all sorts of goods

Amsterdam – and the Netherlands as a whole – takes a deeply technocratic

is not sustainable. Rather than optimizing

approach to mobility policymaking, guided by experts, standards, models and

this system, we should actively seek viable

regulations. This complicates the process. Interestingly, however, the city is

alternatives that can last us another 100,

now cautiously trying out alternative choices.

500 or even 1,000 years.”

34

transport that people very much rely on.

Why it is wise to drastically reduce the number of cars in urban areas and make more space for bicycles, in your view?

“The scientific consensus is that a carbased mobility system, which is a relatively recent approach to urban planning, is not built to last. When you add up all the costs, you see these systems are detrimental to people, the environment and society

Mobility Special

Can the same measures be applied in any city, or do you have to approach mobility on a city by city or even neighbourhood basis?

“Every place is different of course, but science focuses on the general mechanisms and underlying explanatory variables. Here, those are very stable.

There was the decision in the 1920s to start treating roads as efficient pipelines to move people from A to B, and the idea that faster, easier and cheaper travel served the individual and hence the public interest.

This narrative moulded all of our policy and has resulted in a mobility system that is untenable now. What we can do is look for new narratives in all cities and neighbourhoods, through experiments and

Marco te Brömmelstroet

wider social discourse around the question what we actually want from our streets

system as it is now and the resultant public

of a city you want to be. On having a broad

and neighbourhoods. And meanwhile

spaces. We have geared everything around

conversation about that and then looking

keeping sight of the full costs and benefits

commuters, but let’s put these people first

at what values and narratives emerge. You

and inescapable dilemmas. So, is it more

for once and design a mobility vision and a

can use those to then think about how

important that everyone living forty or

city that works for them.”

you want to design public spaces and to what extent mobility and cars factor into

more kilometres from their workplace has the shortest, easiest commute? Or would

The Netherlands and northern Europe

the equation. From the things you listed

we rather that our kids be able to walk to

are often rainy, windy, cold and damp. Is

it sounds more like a technocratic system

school on their own without endangering

this something that should be taken into

issue, but that’s coming at things the wrong

themselves?”

consideration?

way around.”

“When it rains, you get wet. It feels to me How do families with young children,

like hunting for excuses to leave things

What is your mobility lifestyle? Do you

seniors (80+), people with reduced

the way they are. ‘Oh, but it gets so

cycle or take the train every day? Do you

mobility or poor health fit into

cold!’ I’ll say it again: we know that the

ever take the car or airplane, and, if so,

your vision?

current system is untenable. So, however

about how often in a year?

“This isn’t about my vision, but what

comfortable and convenient it is for you,

“I am a part of the system we have created

science says. The groups you cite are

nothing alters that fact.”

for ourselves. I need cars and vans to bring

precisely the people who would benefit

me stuff, and occasionally I need a shared

from streets, neighbourhoods and districts

Many things are changing in and

car to go places I couldn’t get to otherwise.

that are less dominated by cars. Many

around Zuidas, like the motorway going

I use the train and bike on a daily basis, and

seniors and people in poor health cannot

underground, more one-way traffic,

from time to time I have to take a plane. I

or may not drive, yet their care and social

the station expansion and fewer cars.

would like to have to pay the full price for

activities are organized father away

I don’t know how familiar you are with

all of these options, so that my trade-offs

nowadays than they were thirty years ago.

the area, but how would you design

would be more rational, so that I would

Together, these groups make up a majority

Zuidas?

be depleting vital resources less and so

of the Dutch population and they are

“I am not an urban planner, but a scientist,

that the system I live in would not only be

being very poorly served by the mobility

so my focus would mainly be on what kind

sustainable, but also valuable.”

Text: Romy Lange

35

Mobility Special

GVB

KEEPS ZUIDAS ACCESSIBLE

“We have a very diverse mix of passengers using public transport, which means we have to cater to a wide range of demand”

Think public transport, and you think GVB. GVB is the company that runs bus, tram,

for people who live in Zuidas. Buses,

ferry and metro services in Amsterdam and the surrounding area. We talked to CEO

metro and tram services are also vital for

Claudia Zuiderwijk about the challenges of operating in a busy city like Amsterdam.

those who don’t have a bike or for whom bicycling is not an obvious option because

Claudia Zuiderwijk was appointed CEO of

and pushing up demand for transportation.

of their cultural background.”

GVB in 2020, at the height of the Covid-19

“Mobility is a big issue in Zuidas in terms of

pandemic. This was a turbulent time that

keeping this part of Amsterdam accessible”,

Smart combinations

saw a drastic drop in public transport

notes Zuiderwijk. GVB is instrumental

Zuiderwijk understands that public

travel. Even now, passenger numbers

in this and makes every effort to meet

transport is not the answer for everyone.

are still not up to pre-pandemic levels.

travellers’ needs. “We have a very diverse

“Public transport needs to exist alongside

According to Zuiderwijk, “People’s travel

mix of passengers using public transport,

car use. It’s not a question of either/

behaviour has changed. But business

which means we have to cater to a wide

or, but rather of combining the car and

travellers are coming back, and of course

range of demand. For example, business

public transport in smart ways. In central

tourism has also really picked up again in

travellers, who are working hybrid more

Amsterdam, where space is limited and

Amsterdam”.

now, value fast, frequent connections

there are narrow streets and bridges all

between the city centre and Zuidas. GVB

over the place, trams or metros make more

More cross-city journeys

will be increasing the frequency of these

sense than automobile traffic. But you can

Meanwhile, Zuidas continues to grow. This

services in future. Meanwhile, it’s important

drive your car to a P+R and then take public

is resulting in more journeys within the city

that leisure facilities are within easy reach

transportation into town from there.”

36

Mobility Special

A few years ago, the Gelderlandpleinlijn was established through a unique collaboration between GVB and Kroonenberg Groep. This line provides free additional public transportation during the day, seven days a week, for hundreds of daily commuters in the Buitenveldert and Zuidas neighborhoods. Many office workers from the Zuidas area use it to quickly travel to Gelderlandplein for a delicious lunch and then return to their workplaces by bus.

Claudia Zuiderwijk

Towards a sustainable future

movements of its own employees,

converting and reusing energy generated

Needless to say, municipal policy choices

who are encouraged to commute by

when metro trains brake.”

influence how inhabitants get around in the

public transport. “And our bus drivers

city. Access and sustainability are therefore

are trained to drive energy efficiently”,

Added challenges

major factors driving mobility policymaking.

Zuiderwijk continues. “We try to avoid

Zuiderwijk is cautious about predicting

The decision to curb car traffic in Amsterdam,

rapid acceleration and abrupt braking as

what the future holds for GVB. “The energy

for instance, is sure to boost demand for

much as possible, because it consumes

crisis and increasing labour shortage have

public transport options. “The way we travel

more energy. Nor is it comfortable for

created additional challenges for GVB in

constitutes a large share of our CO2 footprint.

passengers.” The biggest development on

recent years.” In the near term, Zuiderwijk

Apart from the municipality, more companies

the sustainability front is GVB’s ambition to

expects this volatility will continue: “The

are also stepping back to think about how

fully electrify its vehicle fleet by 2025. “GVB

Dutch population is ageing, so I don’t

their travel is impacting the climate. Is it

is driving electric more and more, even

foresee the labour shortage letting up. Nor

better to give employees a lease car, a bike

the ferries. Only short distances across the

is another virus like corona inconceivable.

subscription or a public transport pass? This

IJ are not fully electric yet, as there’s not

And what role will climate change play?

is an important question to consider.”

enough time to recharge”, says Zuiderwijk.

Things will continue to be turbulent going

“In addition, we’re always looking out

forward, including for us.”

Technological innovations

for technological innovations we can

GVB has also made a commitment to

implement to further reduce our energy

sustainability. This starts with the travel

consumption. An example is capturing,

Text: Romy Lange • Photography: Caily Bobbie Jo

GVB www.gvb.nl

37

Mobility Special

Wesley van der Wal, Mobility Director BNP Paribas Arval

Mobility is becoming increasingly

ARVAL BNP PARIBAS HELPS COMPANIES NAVIGATE MOBILITY

important at many companies. Arval BNP Paribas helps organizations navigate mobility issues, from giving advice to drawing up and rolling out a mobility policy. Wesley van der Wal is mobility director at Arval and says he’s seeing a growing trend in demand for green and flexible mobility.

38

Mobility Special

“Going forward, I expect shared mobility will keep expanding.”

Future-ready Rush hour still constitutes the main mobility challenge. One that, Van der Wal says, is mostly up to employers to solve.

Arval BNP Paribas started out as a car

their mobility policies. Such as one that

“If a company requires employees to start

leasing company, but has broadened

took effect on 1 January 2024, requiring

work between eight and nine am, there’s

its focus over time to include mobility

companies with 100 or more employees

not much wiggle room. A simple way to

solutions. Wesley van der Wal joined Arval

to report their workforce mobility

reduce rush hour mobility movements is

BNP Paribas in 2009. “A lot has changed

movements, including commuting and

to let employees decide for themselves

in the fifteen years or so that I’ve been at

business trips. “It’s purely about reporting

what time to come in. Arval has already

Arval”, he says. “The company has grown

for now, but in time standards will likely be

successfully done this. We give employees

tremendously, from 180 employees and

imposed as well. For example, putting the

the option to carve up their day so they can

27,000 leased cars to more than 500

onus for carbon emissions on employers.”

spend part of it working at the office and

employees and 100,000 vehicles we’re

Linked with this is the standardization

the other part working from home.”

responsible for on the road.”

of ESG criteria, which is making more companies stop and think about their

The number of people living and working

Mobility partner

impact on the living environment. “You

in Zuidas will continue to grow in years

Arval BNP Paribas is a mobility partner

can’t leave out the mobility piece. If you

to come. To maintain a high quality of

offering a complete range of mobility

put up a sustainable office building in some

life here, Van der Wal says it’s crucial to

options. “From supplying our own

remote area, your employees will only be

look at how we all get around. “Going

vehicles to arranging public transport

able to get there by car, so then it obviously

forward, I expect shared mobility will keep

and shared mobility access”, Van der Wal

defeats the point.”

expanding. With cars becoming more restricted in Amsterdam, and some areas

explains, “Arval has created a dedicated platform to maximize access to shared

Building a mobility policy

even going car-free, we’ll see all sorts of

mobility, and its popularity of that is proof

Arval BNP Paribas is ready to help

other changes, too. Walking, cycling and

of how the mobility transition is

companies build mobility policies that are

public transport will play a bigger role.

taking flight.”

climate-proof and future-ready. The first

That’s reflected in the Zuidas

step, Van der Wal says, is identifying your

mobility plan.”

Flexibility and sustainability

business goals and ambitions. “Next, we

Though corporate needs vary, flexibility

analyse your existing mobility policy and

Custom solutions

and sustainability are leading issues across

assess workforce travel movement data.

Arval BNP Paribas has been voted the best

the mobility board. Van der Wal: “While

Based on that, we come up with a set of

leasing company in the Netherlands 14

parking problems may be the trigger for

recommendations.”

times. Van der Wal attributes this to Arval’s custom solutions: “For us, everything

one company to look for alternatives, others want to switch to electric vehicles

The final step is implementation of the

revolves around customers. We listen to

or make their own fleet shareable. And the

policy itself. Here, too, Arval can smooth the

what customers want and deliver to the

tight labour market has added another

way. “Such as by creating built-in incentives

best of our ability. Living up to agreements

impetus for organizations to tackle

to encourage sustainable travel and

is important to us and we like to go the

mobility, as a well-crafted mobility policy

influence employees’ commuting behaviour.

extra mile. That means, if you run into car

can make employers more attractive to

That could be by reimbursing bike mileage

trouble, not only getting it repaired but

job-seekers.”

or public transport fares. What also helps

also making sure you get where you need

is showing employees the difference in

to go.”

New legislation

emissions between transport options. This

New rules and regulations are another

creates awareness and makes people more

factor forcing companies to scrutinize

inclined to make sustainable choices.”

Text: Romy Lange & Lysanne Wilkens • Photography: Caily Bobbie Jo

Arval – BNP Paribas Group +31 (0)30 602 4444 www.arval.nl

39

Mobility Special

ALWAYS MOBILE

WITH AVIS CAR AND VAN HIRE

40

Mobility Special

Marc Beers

At market leader Avis Budget, you can hire a car or van and be on your way fast. Whether

underlines. “A portion of our huge and

you’ve got a business meeting outside Amsterdam, need a moving van, or simply want

various fleet is electric, but that can be

to get away for a day. The car rental company is ready to serve you 24 hours a day.

tricky for companies in Zuidas, given the shortage of charging stations. For them, a

Avis has about forty locations in the

“Customers can submit a request online,

Netherlands, including five in Amsterdam.

but you can also drop by last-minute”,

hybrid car can be a better choice.”

Avis Budget Amsterdam Zuid is located

Beers explains. “For added convenience,

Drop off anywhere

inside Novotel, near Amsterdam RAI. “Both

business customers can open an account

Another advantage of hiring a car from

our business and private clientèle have

with us. Any time they need a rental car,

Avis is that you can return it at one of their

grown tremendously since we opened this

they only have to present their ID and be on

other locations throughout the country

location in Amsterdam Zuid”, says Marc

their way.”

at no added cost. “That’s great especially for students needing a car to move house

Beers, sales director of Avis Netherlands. “It’s a great base of operations to serve business

Hiring over leasing

from one end of the country to the other.

customers in Zuidas, as well as tourists and

Lately, Beers has been seeing a shift at

All Avis and Budget customers can drop off

people who live in Amsterdam Zuid.”

many companies from car ownership to

their rental at the airport, if they wish, which

car use. Instead of supplying lease cars,

saves on a taxi.” However, Beers advises

Avis serves a diverse range of customers.

there is a growing preference to hire cars

against hiring a car right at Schiphol: “You

“Be it locals who need a car just for the

as and when needed: “A lease car comes

pay an extra fee there. It’s cheaper to hop

day, students hiring a moving van, or hotel

with monthly charges. That’s a waste if it’s

on the train to Amsterdam RAI and collect a

guests at Novotel who want a rental car to

mostly standing idle, so then a rental car is

car from our shop.”

be able get around easily for a few days.”

a smart alternative.”

For more information, visit the avis.nl

Ample range

Sustainability and safety are important

website. Want to hire for your business?

Avis Amsterdam Zuid is open 24 hours a

considerations for companies when

Send an email to sales@avis.nl.

day. Not only are their opening hours more

choosing rental vehicles. Avis recognizes

than ample, so is the range of vehicles on

this. “Our vehicles are on average six to

Want to explore everything

offer. From passenger cars to nine-seater

eight months old, making them the safest

about Avis Business?

vans, delivery vans and lorries for removals.

and cleanest cars on the market”, Beers

Scan the QR!

Text: Romy Lange • Photography: Caily Bobbie Jo

41

De grootste én groenste zakelijke vloot van Amsterdam Bestel via de app OF via whatsapp makkelijk je taxi en je bent binnen 5 minuten onderweg.

 020 777 7777

Boek eenvoudig via Whatsapp

Download de app en boek je rit

Mobility Special

DOPPIO BIKE the efficient and eco-friendly Peter Eiselin

way to get around

Changing mobility laws in Amsterdam inspired Peter Eiselin to come up with a more

is a smart choice for business and private

efficient and eco-friendly way to travel. His idea: doppio bike. As the popularity of fat

use alike.”

bikes continues to grow, doppio bike sees opportunities to expand to more cities.

Expansion Increased crowding and congestion in the

for companies. Bike leasing is becoming

By now, doppio bike is an established

city combined with legislative changes

increasingly popular, notes Eiselin, who

name in Amsterdam. The next step is

shunting scooters onto the roadway first

already supplies bikes to employees at ABN

duplicating that success in other cities.

gave Peter Eiselin the idea to introduce a

AMRO, Baker McKenzie and McKinsey, to

Eiselin: “We are investing in growth, but at

healthy and fun alternative to scooters and

name a few. “Although cars are still sacred

the same time, we want to maintain our

motorbikes. That was how doppio bike

in Zuidas, that is gradually changing. The

high standard of service. We have built up

was born in 2018. The Amsterdam fat bike

number of lease cars is going down. More

a community that is important to us and

manufacturer was one of the first in the

companies are offering mobility budgets

indispensable for our success, because

business. Now, it’s hard to imagine the city

and letting employees decide how they

every satisfied customer generates another

without them. A commitment to quality,

want to travel.”

new customer.” The bike manufacturer is

service and innovation have set doppio

also working to become fully circular. Bikes

bike apart. “We target the high end of the

With the speed limit to be reduced to 30

can be returned, traded in and refurbished.

market”, Eiselin explains. “And we stay out

km/hr in Amsterdam’s urbanized zone,

“doppio bike has been in business five

of the price wars, because in the end that

cars will soon become even less popular.

years now, but a bike can basically last a

just tends to detract from quality.”

Meanwhile, the scarcity and high cost of

hundred years”, Eiselin concludes.

parking already make it unattractive to Business rides

drive into town. “People are switching

Doppio bike focuses mainly on business

from traditional vehicles to more

users, with a special Lease a Bike option

sustainable alternatives, and doppio bike

Text: Romy Lange • Photography: Caily Bobbie Jo

doppio bike Eerste Jan van der Heijdenstraat 115 1072 TN Amsterdam www.doppio.bike +31 (0) 85 200 75 40

43

Mobility Special

D&B THE MOBILITY GROUP PROVIDES PARKING PEACE OF MIND Stephan Hannema, general manager

Whether the problem is overcrowded car parks, underutilized parking spaces or the

accommodate as many cars as possible,

logistics around EV charging stations, D&B The Mobility Group has the answer. They

they introduced block parking. This

help companies face up to these and other challenges. Stephan Hannema, general

involves parking cars front to back in

manager of D&B Mobility Group, explains how they work.

rows instead of in the usual parking bays.

“This gives you space for more cars in the

In a city where space is scarce, efficient use

package, not only providing ideas for the

same-sized space”, Hannema explains.

of parking facilities is especially important.

most suitable solution, but also supporting

“Cars are parked based on date of return.

D&B The Mobility Group offers a range of

companies to put it into place.

And, because we take the car keys, we

solutions to get the most out of available

can move cars if needed.” Block parking

parking space. From ways to maximize a car

Making space

is a proven method at Schiphol

park’s square footage, to selling spaces that

Among D&B The Mobility Group clients is

Airport, but also works well at smaller

would otherwise sit empty. D&B The

Schiphol Airport, where they are in charge

car parks such as Q-Park The Bank

Mobility Group offers clients a complete

of the official valet parking service. To

in Amsterdam.

44

Mobility Special

save costs. “It’s cheaper to charge lease cars on your office premises than at municipal charging points”, Hannema notes. “If you can save 20 to 40 eurocents per kilowatt hour on a fleet of a thousand Profitable parking

companies tackle sustainability issues.

cars, that quickly adds up, also recouping

Where one car park has too little space,

More and more companies have set

what you pay for our services.”

others have more than they can fill.

themselves sustainability targets that

Particularly now with workers no longer

include the ambition to fully electrify their

Besides costs, Charge & Ride also

automatically coming to the office

vehicle fleets by 2025. “This poses practical

reduces employee frustration. “In the

every day, more car parks are being

challenges as many of them don’t have

old situation, the employee who arrived

underutilized. D&B The Mobility Group

enough charging facilities yet for all of

first got to plug their car into the charging

helps their clients fill those empty spaces.

those vehicles”, Hannema says, speaking

station, often leaving it till well into the

“If there are certain times and days of the

from experience. In response, D&B The

afternoon, while other people at the office

week that companies have a lot of unused

Mobility Group came up with Charge &

needed to charge their cars, too. With this

parking space, we can arrange a flexible

Ride. This is a service that takes care of

service, we fix that.”

lease for them”, Hannema continues. “That

switching cars at charging stations as soon

way, they can make the most of the parking

as the batteries are fully recharged. “That

Visit www.themobilitygroup.nl for more

spaces at their disposal. It also curbs costs,

lets companies make the most efficient use

information about Charge & Ride and

making it a profitable proposition

of the facilities they have and can boost

other services.

for companies.”

their charging capacity by as much as 400 per cent.”

Sustainability challenges As well as driver services and valet parking,

Outsourcing the EV charging process to

D&B The Mobility Group also helps

D&B The Mobility Group often also helps

Text: Céline Boute & Lysanne Wilkens • Photography: Roxanne Wilm

D&B The Mobility Group Part of D&B The Facility Group Gondel 1 1186 MJ Amstelveen +31 (0)20 420 06 91 www.db.nl

45

WATTS UP, FOLKS! Rent the full-electric BMW iX at SIXT.

Mobility Special

FLEXIBLE MOBILITY CAN BE MUCH MORE ELECTRIC

SIXT knows how to accelerate the transition to electric driving The switch to electric driving is not

But in the meantime, the demand for

going fast enough, but small ‘nudges’

electric cars, for example in rental, seems

can change that.

to be lagging. If people have the choice, it still too often falls in the direction of fossil

facilitated. Thanks to the collaboration

The transition from fossil fuel to electric

fuel cars. When asked, unease with electric

with Shell Recharge, SIXT users can charge

is an important goal throughout society.

driving and ‘fear of charging’ appear to be

at more than 500.000 charging stations

This certainly applies to mobility, where

important factors that influence this choice.

using one card (and/or an app). Even the

individuals and companies can take major

users of SIXT’s 100% electric shared cars,

steps in reducing their own CO2 emissions.

To change this, SIXT has developed various

who find the charge card on the car key.

SIXT, the provider of high-quality mobility

activities. The first concerns informing

In addition, the users of the rental cars

services, with products such as SIXT

the user: the SIXT website provides clear

can choose not to have to return the car

rent (rental), SIXT share (electric shared

explanations of how to use an electric

charged. That saves time and even money,

cars), SIXT ride (driver services) and SIXT+

car. There as well as in the SIXT app you

because the charging afterwards is done

(car subscriptions) has also focused its

can also find a route planner with all

with a discount on the standard rate.

strategy on this. By 2030, between 70 and

public charging points in Europe. This way

90 percent of SIXT’s European fleet will

you can choose the best route, with the

In short, SIXT continues to respond to

be electrified, as part of the “360-degree

certainty that you can charge on the go.

the demands regarding flexible and

sustainable” program announced last year.

In addition, the charging process itself is

sustainable mobility.

47

Mobility Special

MOBILITY

A VISION FOR ZUIDAS AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

The Zuidflank Mobility Plan for long-term area accessibility (in Dutch: Mobiliteitsplan Zuidflank Duurzaam Bereikbaar) was adopted in July 2023. It outlines a vision for Zuidas and the surrounding area – the southern flank (‘Zuidflank’) of Amsterdam – that includes more space for pedestrians, bicycle and public transport traffic and less for automobiles. Why is this necessary? And how will the plan be implemented? These are some of the questions we put to Rik de Meij, Implementation, Management and Transfer manager in the Amsterdam Zuidas Management Team, and Marise Ent, contractor at the municipal Department of Mobility and Public Space.

Both play a key part in defining needs and wants for projects aimed at improving the current and continuing future functionality of public spaces. “All with the goal to keep Zuidas and the surrounding area liveable and accessible”, as Rik explains.

This is not a new policy, but rather a

number of area users, including workers,

What kinds of measures

package of new measures. Why is

students, residents and visitors, will increase

are we talking about?

this necessary?

by some fifty per cent in the coming years.

“This is about redesigning public areas by

“The Mobility Plan sets out what is needed

The number of public transport users is

thinking about where we can open up more

to keep Zuidas liveable and accessible. How

even expected to double. This means we

space at the street level and how to fix

we define that lines up with the municipal-

need to rethink the area layout. We want to

bottlenecks – such as multiple intersections

wide vision. It will get more crowded as

maximize space for pedestrians, bicyclists

where pedestrian and bicycle crossings

Zuidas and the whole area continue to grow.

and public transportation. The flip side is

need more space. In addition to that, we’re

Changes to the station are also expected

accepting that getting around Zuidas by car

also looking at limiting parking capacity

to bring more visitors. We estimate that the

won’t always be as fast or easy.”

in Zuidas, mainly for office users, so that

48

Mobility Special

Marise Ent

Rik de Meij

people will be less inclined to drive to work,

Working with these groups to look at ways

will become a less attractive transport

thereby reducing gridlock.

to facilitate better distribution is key. There

option. The Mobility Plan ties in with this

have been various initiatives already to

by enlarging parking capacity for bikes

It’s also crucial to look at area user

relieve rush hour congestion, but we need to

and encouraging bike use. Another good

behaviour. What steps can we all take

take it up a notch. The municipality prefers

case in point, is the proposed creation of

together to reduce rush hour traffic and

to partner with big players on this, seeing as

a one-way square for motorized traffic in

so spread out local congestion? Zuidas

we all benefit if Zuidas is pleasant and easy

the central part of Zuidas. That will involve

is a relatively small urban district where

to get around.”

eliminating one direction of traffic on the

lots of people live, work, study and spend

loop around Amsterdam Zuid Station to

time. The final main component is area

What changes can people

leave only the counter-clockwise direction,

development. Here, we assess what sorts

expect in the short term?

so from Strawinskylaan, Parnassusweg,

of new construction and transformation

“We are making a start on developing

Gustav Mahlerlaan and Beethovenstraat

programmes are consistent with this vision

projects for these measures this year. That

back to Strawinskylaan. This would free

of Zuidas as a liveable and accessible mixed

means we’ve come up with solutions, but

up one traffic lane to make more space for

urban district.”

now have to fill in the details and set things

public transport, for a wider pedestrian

up with the stakeholders. Project teams are

zone, additional bike spaces and/or more

starting up now.

planting.”

accomplish that?

With new building developments, we

Read more about the plan, the descriptions

“Limiting rush hour travel is crucial in an

are already taking steps to reduce the

of the map and a timeline of measures on

area with so many office users and students.

number of parking spaces so that cars

www.amsterdam.nl/zuidflank (in Dutch).

Changing people’s behaviour is a must for these plans to succeed, so how do you

Text: Céline Boute • Map: Gemeente Amsterdam Zuidas

49

ONZE LOCATIES

ZUIDAS

AMSTERDAM CS NASSAUKADE SCHIPHOL

Hello You

X ARTZUID On 5 September, Hello Zuidas members enjoyed a private tour by professional guides of the marvellous art objects along the ARTZUID route. Amsterdam street artist Frankey joined as a special guest to talk about his own art work. The lovely late summer afternoon was capped in style with refreshing drinks and fingerlicking barbecue.

Photography: Roxanne Wilm

51

Architecture

ARCHITECTURE

Park Meadows Beethoven Residences

Discover the perfect synergy between vibrant city life and nature. An exceptional project shaping the future of living with vision, style, and sustainability.

Distinctive Floors

Seamless Fusion of

The Amsterdam skyline is going to be

Urban Energy and Nature

graced by two remarkable towers, each

Park Meadows is strategically located in

with its unique character. The east tower,

Amsterdam-South, and adjacent to the

featuring 19 floors, offers top-tier rental

Beatrixpark. Henk Brouwer (CEO Breevast)

apartments, while the west tower, with

explains, “Here, we bridge the gap between

17 floors, houses a variety of luxurious

the vibrant city of Amsterdam, its business

condominiums. The towers are connected

district at the Zuidas and the tranquil

through an open space encompassing a

nature of the Beatrixpark. Spaces like

restaurant, wellness amenities, and inviting

the lively restaurant and contemporary

work and meeting areas. In total, there

lounge embody the urban energy, while

are 213 apartments distributed across

the pool, wellness facilities, and verdant

both towers, catering to diverse housing

surroundings of the buildings embrace

needs, including purchase and mid-rent

the park’s ambiance.” Henk Brouwer adds,

apartments, as well as free-market options.

“The design of the residential towers was

52

Architecture

crafted by the internationally renowned

spaces for the future are our top priorities.”

Park Meadows

architect Ben van Berkel, founder of the

Henk Brouwer: “We are going to build

Beethoven Recidences

Dutch UNStudio. We are very proud to have

regardless, unlike many other developers

The name “Park Meadows” evokes

entered into this collaboration.”

who often require 70% of the project

a perfect blend of city and nature,

to be pre-sold. We are very proud of

symbolizing an ideal residential project

Sustainability and Well-being

that. Preparatory work has already

for those seeking a tranquil, green

In Park Meadows, innovation and

been completed, and we will commence

environment. It conjures visions of lush,

sustainability go hand in hand. Ben van

construction in January 2024. The delivery

natural landscapes, aligning seamlessly

Berkel expresses his delight with this

of the first apartments is scheduled for the

with the project’s goal of integrating

project: “An extensive and impressive

end of 2026.”

nature into its design. Meadows also brings to mind peace and serenity,

project like this, in one of the most beautiful locations in Amsterdam, is truly exceptional.

Breevast BouwApp

harmonizing with the aspiration to

We wholeheartedly embraced the ‘biophilic

We have developed a special Breevast

create a calm oasis amidst the bustling

design’ concept, seamlessly integrating

BouwApp for residents and those

life of Amsterdam. The combination of

natural beauty into the architectural

interested in the construction activities.

‘Park’ and ‘Meadows’ underscore the

framework. This approach not only

This app will provide you with all the

project’s aim to unite urban energy

enhances well-being but also reduces CO2

relevant construction information and

and natural beauty in perfect harmony.

emissions. It also paves the way for future

send push notifications for any moments

Beethoven Residences as subtitle,

reuse, thanks to the use of sustainable

of potential inconvenience. We consider

refers to the excellent location

and aesthetically pleasing materials. At

it vital to involve the community. Hence,

in Amsterdam.

UNStudio we are committed to designs that

we’ve created this app, and we will

promote healthier living, have a minimal

also regularly visit residents and other

impact on the planet, yet leave a lasting

stakeholders to inform them and address

impact on our cities and people, and Park

any questions they may have.

Meadows fits in perfectly with that.”

Interested?

For those interested in one of these

How it works

great apartments, please visit:

Henk Brouwer, expresses: “At Breevast,

Download the Breevast BouwApp for free

www.park-meadows.nl and sign up there.

our mission is to reimagine real estate for

(Google, Apple, or Windows) by simply

Once the sale begins, you will be informed.

the communities of tomorrow. This vision

scanning the QR code. Select

The affiliated real estate agency is Eefje

comes to life in Park Meadows, where

the ‘Park Meadows’ project.

Voogd, and interested parties can also

sustainability, connectivity, and creating

Click on ‘Add to favorites’.

contact them.

53

Autotaalglas Amsterdam Centrum West Gratis vervangend vervoer bij ruitenvervanging 24/7 service Sterreparatie zonder afspraak Scan de QR-code voor een afspraak:

Adres:

Contactweg 30g 1014 AN, Amsterdam Tel: 020-6816558

Hello You

X BLACK ACHIEVEMENT MONTH X NAUTADUTILH A beautiful immersive experience took place at NautaDutilh the evening of October 19th. Code Noir Dinner by chef Lelani Lewis and her team. People from different backgrounds had the opportunity to connect through a trip of history represented with carefully curated dishes, music & artist performances including interactive elements.

Photography: Roxanne Wilm

55

Sustainability

56

Sustainability

SUSTAINABILITY

WHO WILL WIN THE 2023 ZUIDAS SUSTAINABILITY AWARD?

Submissions for the 2023 Zuidas Sustainability Award are in! On Thursday 9 November, from 3pm to 5pm, Hello Zuidas, Green Business Club Zuidas and the Amsterdam Zuidas district office will be announcing the winners of the second edition of this special award. The ceremony will be held at the sustainable clubhouse of AFC, one of last year’s winners, overlooking Valley.

You are cordially invited to attend! A guided tour of the AFC building will be offered before the ceremony (optional). Afterwards, there will be an informal reception with drinks and nibbles.

We have an exciting programme lined up, with a talk by TU Delft Sustainability Lead and CSR manager of the year 2023 Andy van den Dobbelsteen. Architect of the sustainable AFC clubhouse Paul de Ruiter will be there to give a speech. Additionally, expect the presentation of the Audience Award, inspiring cases and a whole lot more.

Text: Gordana Todorovic • Photography: Marcel Steinbach

57

Property

PROPERTY

LOCAL ACCESS KEY TO PROPERTY VALUE

Good local access and connections can boost property values. Wouter van ‘t Grunewold, a data analyst at real estate consultancy Savills, has mapped the accessibility of office properties in the Netherlands and its effect on the value of local real estate. His finding?

Amsterdam Zuidas scores are high.

58

Property

“A thoughtfully designed mobility system can contribute to a more sustainable future”

Access in the Randstad The Randstad area (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht region) scores best nationally on access and connections, with Zuidas even coming out on top. “That’s thanks to all the

Van ‘t Grunewold collected information

different modalities converging here: bus,

on the accessibility of postal code areas

tram, metro, train and motorway”, Van ‘t

in the Netherlands using spatial data

Grunewold explains. “Zuidas also scores

analysis to assess the impact on property

well on local access to amenities. There

values. “What matters”, according to Van ‘t

are cafés, restaurants, child day care and of

Grunewold, “is having a variety of transport

course a wealth of job opportunities. That’s

options in the area, on the one hand, and

all reflected in higher office rents.”

a range of amenities in the immediate vicinity, on the other”. To keep the data

Data-driven

as clean as possible, his analysis also

Savills is known for its data-driven

accounted for other factors influencing

approach. The geographic information

the valuation of office properties, such as

systems Van ‘t Grunewold used for

year of construction and energy rating. “By

his research can also give companies

excluding those factors, you get a better

valuable insights on things such as

picture of the role that accessibility plays.”

cutting CO2 emissions. “We can provide

contribute to a more sustainable future.

insights on total commuting distances

“The best solution for reducing your CO2

Alongside this data analysis, he also

and locations where employees live,

footprint, is to limit travel movements to

surveyed workers across the Netherlands

which employers can then use to choose

an absolute minimum. You can promote

to find out what aspects they feel to be

an optimal office location – one that

that by offering plenty of facilities in the

essential for office accessibility. Both

results in the shortest possible journeys

immediate vicinity. Having local amenities

rail and road connections turn out to be

for staff”, Van ‘t Grunewold adds. “It can

close to hand is every bit as important

important to many workers, though there

even help companies judge whether to

now, with all the works underway in

are some notable differences per age

open new premises, or expand an existing

Zuidas, to limit disruptions for local

group. Whereas respondents over 50 rely

one. Along with that, we can also show

residents as much as possible.”

heavily on their cars, younger generations

what the potential CO2 or time savings

tend to use swap bikes or shared mobility

would be. These are fun questions to

Van ‘t Grunewold hopes his research

more. “The takeaway is that when looking

unravel using data.”

will provide an impetus for national

for a suitable office location, it’s important

Wouter van ‘t Grunewold

and local authorities to improve area

to consider your workforce demographics”,

With the number of people living and

mobility. “Good access pays off. You see

Van ‘t Grunewold advises. “A business park

working in Zuidas continuing to grow,

it in the value of local real estate. Getting

that can only be reached by car will be less

area access is an important issue.

municipalities and national government to

attractive to young people and that can

And, as Van ‘t Grunewold points out, a

recognize this, would create an incentive

affect your competitive position.”

thoughtfully designed mobility system can

to invest in areas.”

Text: Romy Lange • Photography: Roxanne Wilm

59

For Sale Keizersgracht 810A € 1.398.000 k.k.

Beautiful apartment of 130 m2 located in a national monument on the Keizersgracht with luxurious finishes and phenomenal views! This charming apartment offers a kitchen/diner in the basement, a spacious living room on the first floor with a fireplace, and two bedrooms with two luxurious bathrooms. Steel doors, herringbone parquet floors and high ceilings enhance the character.

Possibly with private parking nearby. Enjoy the heart of Amsterdam between Utrechtsestraat and the Amstel, with all amenities within walking distance. A unique combination of classic elegance and modern comfort. A great opportunity in a monumental building!

W W W.K EIZ ER S GR AC H T810A .NL INF O@LUN S H O F.NL 020 – 575 5 505

Business in The Spotlight

INCLUSIVITY ’23 A RESOUNDING SUCCESS! Zuidas joins forces for inclusive labour market

commitment to making Zuidas an integral

Inclusivity ’23 was organized at the invitation of Vebego in mid-September. The

an inclusive working environment. This

event rallied participants to take responsibility and show their commitment to

is Vebego’s dream, Ploum said – a dream

making Amsterdam Zuidas more inclusive to hire people with a distance to the

now shared by 100 other major companies

labour market.

active in Zuidas. “Our objective for the

part of the city and so transforming it into

coming year? To help at least 100 people Some 200 participants representing 100

Representing the municipality of

with a disadvantage to the labour market

different companies came together to

Amsterdam was Alderman Rutger Groot

to find work. One per company. We should

tackle the all-important issue, of labour

Wassink (Work and Social Affairs). He

be able to manage that.”

market inclusivity. Among the speakers was

was delighted with the turnout and

Sven Bloem, Manager Growth and Strategy

shared enthusiasm: “In the coming

Scan the QR code

at Vebego. He explained that he will be

years Amsterdam is making additional

to see the aftermovie!

helping companies that are struggling

investments to support more people to

with this issue or that lack key knowledge

find work. Everyone who is able and willing

to achieve their goals. “There is no such

to work should have that opportunity, after

thing as disadvantaged workers”, Bloem

all, and an inclusive Zuidas is part of that.”

explained. “These are go-getters.”

Vebego director Roy Ploum expressed his

Photography: Davide Gallery

Vebego Strawinskylaan 375 1077 XX Amsterdam www.vebego.com +31 (0) 45 562 83 33

61

Legal

LEGAL

DUTCH SENATE REJECTS BILL FOR THE WORK WHEREVER YOU WANT ACT On 26 September 2023, the Dutch Senate rejected the bill for the Work Wherever You Want Act (Wet werken waar je wilt). The bill aimed to make it easier for employees and employers to arrange for remote working. Nevertheless, employers can certainly draw lessons from the parliamentary debate on the bill. This bill came in the wake of the Covid pandemic, which has changed people’s views on remote working. The Work Wherever You Want Act aimed to assist employees to work from different locations and facilitate hybrid working.

The debate in the Dutch Senate showed that most parties found the bill sympathetic but unnecessary. Employers and employees usually manage to “work things out” and today’s practices have not caused any major legal cases. The Dutch Senate voted against the bill by a small majority.

FOSTERING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES The most important change in the Work Wherever You Want Act was the legal test. An employer would only be allowed to reject an employee’s request to change their work location based on reasonableness and fairness, and would be expected to properly balance all interests and weigh all circumstances of the case.

Even without this legal test, it is important to consistently find the balance between the employee’s wishes and the employer’s interests in workplace discussions. This balancing of interests also enables employers to require employees to come to the office for any particular reason. For example, this may be due to induction training, team building or clients.

62

Legal

During the Dutch Senate debate, the costs

consider this request and discuss it with

and other drawbacks of remote working

the employee (duty to consider). After that,

for employers, co-workers’ opinions and

the employer is free to reject the request

requirements, the nature of the work and

for any reason, but will have to give sound

social cohesion, as well as other aspects,

arguments for their decision.

were cited as interests to be weighed.

The request must be sent in writing at least In addition, employers and employees

two months before the proposed start date.

should discuss what would be a suitable

The employer, in turn, must respond to this

work location. This could be the employee’s

request in a timely fashion, but no later

home address or a multi-tenant commercial

than one month before the start date. If the

building. As an employer, you want to

employer misses this deadline, the work

ensure that employees who work at a

location will be changed in line with the

different location do so under safe working

employee’s wishes. To avoid long response

conditions. Employees should also have

times, it is important for employers to

access to company information, workplace

have a policy on handling such employee

communications and documents, which

requests at the organisation.

Naomi Dempsey

would have to be transferred between different work locations.

CONCLUSION Employees should give proper thought to

NO AMENDMENT TO CURRENT

the reasons for and implications of their

LEGISLATION

request. And employers should seriously

The current Flexible Working Act (Wet

consider these requests – there are valid

flexibel werken) allows employees to

reasons why employees are asking to work

request to change their work location,

remotely. The parliamentary history of the

provided that they have been working for

bill for the Work Wherever You Want Act

at least six months at a company with ten

provides some guidance in the discussions

employees or more. The employer must

on remote working.

Source: www.houthoff.com • Photography: Naomi Dempsey & Anneke Verbeek (Houthoff)

Anneke Verbeek

63

New store in Amsterdam Friandries Chocolates has its own locally based store, close to the Zuidas, you can find us at Beethovenstraat 40 in Amsterdam.

End of year gifts We specialize in end of year gifting, with customized branded packaging options and quick delivery times.

Also seen at: De Bokkedoorns**, Marriott, Senses, Pulitzer Amsterdam, Kimpton de Witt

HUNGRY FOR TASTE Friandries erases boundaries and can therefore give room to imagination. Because of that, new ideas, new forms and new tastes arise. And that’s how we can keep surprising.

We want to make eating an imaginary, tantalizing experience, which is accessible to everyone.

Interested in the possibilities? Visit our store or contact us! contact@friandries.nl / friandries.nl / 013 - 300 40 41

New Members

NEW MEMBERS

Hello Zuidas welcomes the following new members NINO’S FOOD

SELVA

Sector: Hospitality

Sector: Hospitality (restaurant)

Number of employees: 4

Number of employees: 35

Link with Zuidas: Located at Gustav Mahlerlaan 149. Reason

Link with Zuidas: Selva is located on the 24th floor of nhow

for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: Connecting is all about

Amsterdam RAI, in the Zuidas area. Reason for becoming a Hello

sharing, and there is nothing better than sharing a wonderful meal

Zuidas member: Selva and Sonora are keen to join Hello Zuidas

together. Nino’s brings you the ultimate food experience: takeaway,

because we are dedicated to supporting the ongoing improvement

delivered or catered. Our goal is to unite Zuidas through our unique

and development of this part of Amsterdam to ensure its success as

Surinamese flavours and to connect people through a shared

a vibrant and sustainable district.

passion for the best food.

BACK Sector: Healthy takeaway, delivery and catering Number of employees: 6 (in Zuidas) Link with Zuidas: Located at Gustav Mahlerlaan 151 and founded by former employees of ABN AMRO. Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: To acquaint everyone with our healthy catering range. BACK is all about freshly prepared meals that you can put together yourself using our build-your-own menu.

At its core are protein-rich ingredients, essential for an active lifestyle as they not

UNGA B.V.

only fuel muscle recovery after a workout, but also provide a much-needed boost

Sector: Marketing (retail loyalty)

after a long day at the office (or for a long

Number of employees: 50

night ahead).

Link with Zuidas: UNGA’s headquarters occupy the full first floor of NoMa House (sublet space available!). Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: As a creative company in Zuidas with employees of 20 nationalities, it’s important for us to be more embedded in the Zuidas area and community. We already feel at home and look forward to meeting other members!

65

New Members

SONORA Sector: Hospitality (cocktail bar) Number of employees: 11 Link with Zuidas: Sonora is located on the 24th floor of nhow Amsterdam RAI, in the Zuidas area. Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: Selva and Sonora are keen to join Hello Zuidas because we are dedicated to supporting the ongoing improvement and development of this part of Amsterdam to ensure its success as a vibrant and sustainable district.

ADHOC HORECAMAKELAARS Sector: Hospitality & real estate Number of employees: 10 Link with Zuidas: We do a lot of work for hospitality and real estate clients in Zuidas.

Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: We lease and sell food services real estate and sell food service companies in Zuidas. Adhoc is where hospitality and real estate meet.

LE GRAND GEORGE Sector: Hospitality (restaurant) Link with Zuidas: Zuidas is booming, emerging as a diverse, cosmopolitan hotspot where life never ceases. George has opened the doors of its newest restaurant, Le Grand George, here on the iconic Gustav Mahlerplein. Reason for becoming a Hello Zuidas member: Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a respite from the busy city, we provide a sanctuary filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses – the perfect spot to sink into one of our comfy booths and escape daily cares. It’s time to discover Zuidas, starting at Le Grand George.

67

Finance

FINANCE

CANCER IN THE WORKPLACE TIPS FOR EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND CARE PROFESSIONALS

By Amber Daniëlle Zegers, fifth-year PhD candidate studying ‘Cancer and Work’ at Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Department of Public and Occupational Health, in collaboration with members of the Amsterdam UMC Cancer and Work research group.

Each year, around 124,000 people are newly diagnosed with cancer

not renewed, those who wind up in conflict situations with their

in the Netherlands (source: IKNL). Studies show that almost half

employer, and those who are deemed partially incapacitated

of individuals with cancer are of working age at the time of their

for work. Reintegration is usually a unique and complex process.

diagnosis. Of the people in this group, approximately 65 per cent go

Employees may be confronted with any number of consequences

back to work after some time.

of their illness and treatment. These can be visible consequence (such as changes in their body or appearance), but also invisible

What ‘going back to work’ looks like for members of this 65 per

and often prolonged consequences (such as pain, mild to severe

cent varies widely. We tend to assume people will resume the job

fatigue, cognitive problems, anxiety and grief). Fortunately, many

they did before their diagnosis. And, in many cases, they do. But

individuals are able to go back to work either on their own or with

there are also those who go back to a different or modified job at

support from a occupational physician, manager/supervisor and/

the same - or a different - employer, those whose job contract is

or colleagues. But rather frequently, we also hear distressing

68

Finance

stories and calls for help. Stories from employees who encounter distressing problems during their reintegration. Stories from employers who don’t know how to adequately help their sick employees. Stories from care professionals who don’t know who to refer to when patients come to them with work-related questions.

Below are some tips that can help.

Tips for employees diagnosed with cancer Have a look at this page on kanker.nl.Take a look at this page on kanker.nl which provides up-to-date information, a flowchart with useful tips per illness and reintegration phase, and a Q&A forum.

Amber Daniëlle Zegers

Inform yourself in good time about relevant laws and regulations,

Tips for employers

so you know your rights and obligations during your sick leave and

If an employee falls ill with cancer, it can have a huge impact on

reintegration. For example: Wet Verbetering Poortwachter (Eligibility

you as their employer and on their colleagues. You want to do the

for Permanent Incapacity Benefit (Restrictions) Act; WvP) and

right thing and so may be inclined to give them all the time and

Wet Werk en Inkomen naar Arbeidsvermogen (Work and Income

space they need. This intention is good, but may be stressful for

(Capacity for Work) Act; WIA). Find out what to expect regarding your

the employee. They may feel forgotten and wonder if their old job

salary: how long will you receive 100% of your salary?

will still be waiting for them on their return. It’s a good idea to talk about when and how you’ll stay in touch during each stage. For

Inform yourself in good time about how the

specific tips for employers, scan the QR code to listen or read.

occupational physician works and consider getting additional advice from an occupational physician specialized in oncology (in Dutch: bedrijfsarts consulent oncologie, or BACO).

Don’t underestimate how tough reintegration may

Tips for care professionals

be. Find out where you can go for various kinds of

When patients have questions relating to their employment, it’s

support, including after you are back on the job.

hard for them to know who can answer them. You may want to

For example scan the QR code.

refer them to someone, but who? Take a look at the first and third QR code for employees. Examples include occupational therapy,

Keep in contact with your employer, for instance your

medical social work, reintegration consultancies specialized in

manager/supervisor and some of your colleagues. This

cancer and return to work, and possibly multidisciplinary medical

will ease your transition back to work. Scan the QR

rehabilitation programmes.

code to listen for some tips.

There are various channels where you can learn Consider taking part in a research study, such as STEPS (for workers

more, such as the cancer and work e-learning

with cancer), or PLACES (for job-seekers during and after cancer).

module for nursing professionals.

Comments and questions are welcome at: a.zegers@amsterdamumc.nl

Text: Amber Daniëlle Zegers • Photography (portret): Delphine Low Chia Mei

69

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...

PIRATE MONK Last spring, deciding that it was time for a radical change in his life, Elia de Matteis embarked on an experiment with the gift economy. He gave away all of his money and possessions and quit his job in England to live with no profession or money, relying solely on human kindness and calling himself the Pirate Monk. “My inspiration came from when I lived in a temple community in Japan for a year. The founder of that community has lived most of his life without any money at all, surviving through the gift economy in a very practical way, by trusting in the bigger system of life that gives back in the form of generosity and sharing”, Elia explains. He joined economist Joris Tieleman to talk about why the gift economy should have a bigger platform and how it enriches life.

Starting off in England, Elia soon found that the gift economy, operating on a basis of trust and generosity, worked quite well for him. He wanted to push the boundaries by travelling through Europe and helping out with various projects abroad. “I hitchhiked around Europe, visiting various places and being part of different projects, such as working in a community or for a company, but always for free. Just for the joy of it. Then, a couple of months ago, I got a message from a YouTuber who had heard about what I was doing and wanted to do a documentary series with me. He gifted me a flight and we travelled across the United States together.”

While Elia enjoyed the adventure and underlines that he is very 70

Meet The...

grateful, not every day comes easy: “I have an impact on the people I meet, so if my mood is not the best or my energy is low, others may also be less interested in engaging with me. Living like this takes a lot of trust.”

Trust The core principle of the gift economy, Elia explains, is that it only seems to work when there is a solid basis of trust. When there isn’t, everything shifts towards trade.

He doesn’t claim to be an expert, and his viewings are based purely on his own motivations and ideas: “I am experimenting with trust. So, how can I live or be in a way where it is easy to live by trust? There are

Elia de Matteis & Joris Tieleman

options enough for everybody, but if we trust each other, then it is easier to share.”

and control, commerce, and direct gift.

“of a provisioning system that is all about

When Joris Tieleman heard about how

“The economy is basically how we all take

meeting people’s needs”.

Elia was living through the gift economy,

care of each other and our needs. But we

his own beliefs shifted. As a proponent of

only talk about the financial transactions

Free hugs

broad economics education that looks

– the cash flows. In my opinion, if we

Besides living through the gift-based

at the gift economy as well, Joris says, “I

continue to educate our economists and

economy, Elia also tries to embody the

think many more people want to be in the

managers in a way where that other part

kind of world he would like to see. His own

giving and less in the calculating exchange

of the economy isn’t visible, we’ll miss

guiding principle is that he wants people

mode. But to do it 100% is very special.

out on good leadership down the line.”

to give only what is a joy for them to give,

For me, coming from my upbringing and

While it wouldn’t be possible to exist in

which is also more effective and sustainable.

my professional research that is geared

a completely gift-based economy, “the

And he only wishes to receive from people

towards exchange and market pricing,

value of gift-based economic activity is

who truly want to share. “In cities, it can

the idea that it would be possible to fulfil

higher than market-based. If it comes

feel quite hard to find things to help people

nearly all your needs on a gift basis was a

from the heart, with enthusiasm, then it

with because people are always very

paradigm shift.”

probably works better, particularly if it’s

preoccupied. So then, how can I be useful?

also interpersonal”. Elia says that the way

What’s often lacking in cities is emotional

The bigger picture

Joris defines this economy is inspiring to

well-being, so if I can give individuals in

Joris explains that you have economic

him, as he had never heard it described this

these places something uplifting in their day,

systems of market exchange, command

way before. “It fits in with my view”, he says,

I think that is precious work.”

Text: Céline Boute • Photography: Caily Bobbie Jo

71

Memo Board

MEMO BOARD Corporate Housing Factory

The Maxxton system now enables Corporate Housing Factory (CHF) to offer comprehensive information about apartments and surrounding areas directly to guests, through a progressive web app (PWA). This PWA introduces new functionalities and a modern brand design, eliminating the need for guests to download a separate app. Users can access the PWA via a web link on their mobile, desktop or tablet for pre-, during and poststay information on CHF properties. Within the PWA, tenants can explore property details, local attractions, discounts, Dutch recipes and sustainability info. The app also lets users easily communicate with CHF.

ZUIDAS BUSINESSRIDE

The Zuidas Businessride was back for a new edition this past September, getting weekends off to an athletic start! Now in its sixth year, the racing cycle tour was this time organized

by WereldOuders, Compass Group, Kras Sport and Reessjurts, with the start and finish in Amsterdam Zuidas. CBRE was the event’s main sponsor and proceeds from this year’s Zuidas Businessride will go to fund healthy meals for families in Latin America.

PLAN YOUR END-OF-YEAR PARTY AT OX & BUCKS Champagne, bitterballen, vlammetjes! Haven’t pinned a date yet for your company’s New Year’s or Christmas party? Don’t wait any longer! Ox & Bucks will make your office do a sizzling success! More info: bedrijfsleider@oxxbucks.amsterdam Strawinskylaan 11 (WTC Amsterdam).

72

Memo Board

FROM OFFICE TO ORCHESTRAL HALL After hours every Friday, the otherwise deserted atrium in EDGE Stadium transforms into a rehearsal space for the 80-piece Symfonieorkest De Philharmonie.

During a recent open rehearsal, the local community got to enjoy a unique experience and alsof got to meet their neighbours and learn more about them.

Symfonieorkest De Philharmonie is the first of many orchestras to be using EDGE Stadium as their new rehearsal space, though not all rehearsals will be open to the public.

Rory’s Rolling Cafe In September, Zuidas was

introduced to Rory’s Rolling Cafe.

The coffee cart was parked in front of the new George restaurant in Zuidas all month and served up frothy cappuccinos, strong espressos and everything in between. Keep an eye on the Hello Zuidas Instagram page to see when Rory’s Rolling Cafe returns to Zuidplein!

HELLO ZUIDAS & BLACK ACHIEVEMENT MONTH PRESENT CODE NOIR DINNER BY LELANI In honour of Black Achievement Month, Chef Lelani Lewis hosted the ‘Code Noir Dinner’ on 19 October. Presented in partnership by Hello Zuidas and Black Achievement Month, the dinner was accompanied by music, performances and interactive elements in a beautifully curated experience taking guests on a journey through the past. It was a lavish way to show that we are all connected, regardless of cultural differences. Code Noir also tells the story of colonial history and offers a moment for reflection during this Slavery Memorial Year.

73

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MEMBERS 01. ABN AMRO 02. Accendium 03. Accenture 04. À Deauville 05. Adhoc Horecamakelaars 06. Acre 07. AFC 08. AkzoNobel 09. Albert Heijn 10. Alpha Security 11. amsterdam inbusiness 12. Amsterdam UMC 13. Amsterdamse Bos 14. Arcadis 15. Arnold & Siedsma 16. Art Zuid 17. Asito 18. Asunaro Holland Interplan 19. Avenue Services 20. Avis Budget Autoverhuur 21. AXECO 22. BACK FOOD 23. Bagels & Beans 24. Baker McKenzie 25. Bar Boele 26. Bar Valdi 27. Being Development 28. Betaalvereniging Nederland 29. Bolenius 30. Boontje Advocaten 31. Bouwens& 32. Boyden Global Executive Search 33. BPD 34. Breevast 35. BREIKERS 36. Broersma Nieuwbouw 37. Caffè Belmondo 38. Cboe Clear Europe N.V. 39. CBRE B.V. 40. Che Buono 41. Cinema The Pulse 42. Clean Center 43. Clubsportive 44. CMS 45. Coffee & Coconuts 46. Cognito 47. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (EU) 48. Confius Executive Search 49. Cora Delicatessen 50. Corporate Housing Factory 51. Cosmo Hairstyling 52. Crossover (AM) 53. Crowne Plaza A’dam South 54. Customized Media 55. Cyrille van Hoof Presentatiecoach 56. D&B The Facility Group 57. De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek 58. De Hypotheker

DECEMBER 2023

59. Deloitte 117. Hotel & Wellness Zuiver 60. De Kredieter 118. Houthoff 61. De Pizzabakkers | Zuidas 119. Hotel TWENTY EIGHT 62. De Uitsmijter 120. House of Sports 63. Dentons 121. Htel Serviced Apartments 64. Ditt Officemakers 122. HVO Querido 65. Doctor Feelgood 123. IEF Real Estate 66. Donkey Republic 124. IMA 67. Doppio Espresso Amsterdam Zuidas 125. InAmsterdam 68. Eden McCallum 126. Infusion Clinics 69. Edge Technologies 127. Innside by Melia 70. Eefje Voogd Makelaardij 128. ISX Beveiliging 71. Element Amsterdam 129. Jeroen 020 Training/Coaching 72. Enterprise Netherlands 130. Karhoo 73. EQUANS 131. KNAP Makelaardij 74. EMA (European Medicines Agency) 132. König + Neurath (Nederland) A.G. 75. Expat Center 133. Kraft Heinz 76. EY 134. KRNWTR+ 77. Fam. Advocaten 135. Lebkov & Sons 78. Ferilli’s Specialità UpTown 136. Le Grand George 79. Financial Offices 137. Lexence 80. Flexform Amsterdam 138. Lieven de Key 81. FLOW Real Estate 139. Limon 82. Food & i 140. Loyens & Loeff 83. Fornet International B.V. 141. Luke Recruitment 84. Frans Otten Stadion 142. Lunshof Makelaardij 85. Freelancers United 143. Lyon Office Support 86. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 144. Maarsen Groep Beheer B.V. 87. Fris Makelaars 145. Macquarie Capital (Europe) 88. Frits Friday 146. Magazine-Masters.nl 89. FSB Beveiliging 147. MaMa Kelly 90. FYEO 148. Market 33 91. Gelderlandplein 149. Mastercard 92. Gen25 150. MBO College Zuid 93. G&S& 151. Mech Make & Take 94. Gerrit Rietveld Academie 152. Miele X 95. Goede Doelen Loterijen 153. Molteni&C|Dada 96. Grand Café Mahler Amsterdam Flagship Store 97. Grand Prix Copyrette Printing & Design 154. MOST 98. Greenberg Nielsen 155. Multicopy Amsterdam Centrum 99. Greenberg Traurig 156. NACH 100. Green Business Club Zuidas 157. NatWest Markets 101. GREEN Gastrobar 158. NDI ICT Solutions 102. GreenMobility 159. Nederlandse Ver. van Banken 103. Greenwheels 160. Nedstede Real Estate 104. Gustavino 161. NewGround Law 105. GVB 162. NH Amsterdam Zuid 106. HAB Int. Accountants & Consultants 163. nhow Amsterdam RAI 107. Happyhappyjoyjoy Zuidas 164. Nicolaas Lyceum 108. Hasta La Vista Baby 165. Niezink Finance 109. Heeneman & Partners 166. Nineyards Law 110. Heidrick & Struggles 167. Nino’s Surinam Food 111. Hestia Kinderopvang 168. Norton Rose Fulbright 112. Het Zwarte Fietsenplan 169. Novotel Amsterdam City 113. Hielkema & co 170. NS 114. HOFF Amsterdam 171. Oliver’s 115. Hogan Lovells International LLP 172. Olympic Gym 116. HOPPTER 173. Olympisch Stadion

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.

174. ONE-Dyas B.V. 175. Onemeeting.com 176. Openbare Bibliotheek 177. ORAM 178. Oranje Energie 179. Ox & Bucks 180. Palo Alto 181. PAN Amsterdam 182. Pancakes Amsterdam 183. Papa’s Loft House 184. Pathé 185. Personality 186. Pleo 187. Poké Perfect 188. Premier Suites Plus Amsterdam 189. Projectorganisatie Zuidasdok 190. Property NL B.V. 191. Protiviti 192. Provast 193. Q-Park Nederland 194. Rabobank A’dam Markt Zuid 195. RAI Amsterdam 196. Regus 197. Renessence 198. RGA International Reinsurance 199. Rialto 200. Rivers 201. Rob Peetoom 202. Robert Clinics 203. Robert Walters 204. Roland Berger 205. Ronald McDonaldhuis VUmc 206. Rosarium 207. Russell Reynolds Associates 208. Savills Amsterdam 209. Salsa Shop 210. Salsa Zuidas 211. Season-Flowers 212. Securitas 213. Selva 214. Shinyu Body & Mind 215. Simmons & Simmons LLP 216. Sixt 217. Smartphone Citywalk Zuidas 218. Sonora 219. Specialists in Security 220. SThree 221. Stibbe 222. Stichting Open The Doors 223. Strand Zuid 224. Student Experience 225. Summertime 226. Sushito Zuidas 227. SV RAP 228. Symphony’s 229. Taalcentrum - VU 230. Tandartsenpraktijk Van de Veer 231. Tandartspraktijk Noordermeer

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.

Editor-in-chief Romy Lange Adjunct Editor Céline Boute & Sales Editor Sophia Etmans Art Director Nikki van der Pijll - de Voogd 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, Gordana Todorovic, Sophia Etmans & Roos van Dalen Photography Caily Bobbie Jo, Roxanne Wilm & Davide Gallery Editorial advisory board Olivier Otten, Angela Ham, Elisa Schouten, Gordana Todorovic & Jos Moerkamp

232. Taylor Wessing 233. Tax Consultants International 234. Taxicentrale Amsterdam (TCA) 235. The Bank of New York Mellon 236. The Basket 237. The Breakfast Club 238. The Office Operators 239. The Upside Down Amsterdam 240. Thomaskerk Amsterdam 241. Tierra 242. Topsport Amsterdam 243. TPEX 244. Trainmore 245. TREC 246. Tribes 247. UNGA 248. Urban Gym Group 249. Urban Salad 250. Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas 251. Van Dijk & Ten Cate 252. Van Gool Elburg 253. Van Lanschot Kempen 254. VanLoman 255. Vascobelo 256. VEBEGO 257. Vermaat Groep 258. Vesteda 259. Vet Digital 260. Victory Real Estate 261. Von Poll Real Estate 262. VondelGym 263. VORM Ontwikkeling 264. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam 265. VU | Griffioen 266. Vuurzee Bar 267. Wagamama 268. Watersportvereniging De Koenen 269. Welcome Home 270. WeWork 271. Wild & The Moon 272. Wineboutique & Spirits 273. WYNE Strategy & Innovation 274. Wintertaling 275. WTC Amsterdam 276. WTC A’dam Business Club 277. WTCafé De Blauwe Engel 278. WuSH 279. XO Optics 280. X2X Worldwide Express 281. Your Assistant 282. Zone2Source 283. Zuidas Apotheek 284. Zuidas Art Projects 285. Zuidas gemeente Amsterdam 286. Zuidas Markt 287. Zuidas Publishers 288. Zuidas Today 289. ZuidasTravel.nl

Magazine Hello Zuidas is issued by Thanks to Joris Bijdendijk (RIJKS restaurant), Zuidas (Gemeente Amsterdam), Savills, Kroonenberg Groep, Gelderlandplein, Roos van Dalen, Stephan Hannema (D&B Mobility), Wouter van ‘t Grunewold, Sixt, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Marco te Brömmelstroet, GVB, Claudia Zuiderwijk, Rick Niemeijer (BNP Paribas Real Estate), Wesley van der Wal (Arval), Peter Eiselin, doppio bike, Marc Beers, Avis, Marise Ent, Rik de Meij, Renessence, Vebego, Breevast, Crowne Plaza – Amsterdam South, Daan van Huffel, Naomi Dempsey, Anneke Verbeek, Amber Daniëlle Zegers, Miele X, Enterprise Netherlands, Elia de Matteis, Joris Tieleman, Taalcentrum-VU, Van Poelgeest, Taylor Wessing, RSM, AkzoNobel, Black Achievement Month, Taxi TCA, Héman, Autotaalglas, Lunshoff, Friandries & De Hypotheker.

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