KOST

Amsterdam aims to grow within its existing boundaries and has designated the De Schinkel area as a future mixed-use urban district. Industrial heritage continues to define its character. With the design for the transformation of KOST, we provide answers to questions such as: How do we preserve industrial functions and manufacturing for the neighbourhood? How do you create a pleasant living environment whilst retaining the industrial character? How does the heritage relate to the new buildings?

A neighbourhood comes to life through a mix of functions and users. KOST drives this dynamism with workspaces of varying sizes in the former garage hall. And with ‘Maker Spaces’ visible through ‘shop windows’ on the Pilotenstraat side. Running straight through the block is Makers Alley; a secondary, informal route, partly indoors, partly outdoors and open to visitors. Between the ‘alley’ and the street lie offices, with continuous skylights providing ample natural light. The additional storey above offers space for meeting and office areas.

The design for KOST did not emerge out of thin air; it builds on what already exists and on visions that have been formed previously. Firstly, the client, Jamestown Development, is a pioneer in ‘adaptive re-use’ and knows better than anyone what the key factors for success are in redevelopment. Furthermore, the City of Amsterdam has laid down clear guidelines through an (award-winning) urban development plan and visual quality plan. We embarked on this experiment by, rather than imposing a rigid design vision, taking on the role of curator of design and process. Listening carefully, asking probing questions and analysing, and only then synthesising and designing. The search for shared values and interests became part of the design. The result is a distinctive complex, full of contrasts yet clear, building on the existing heritage and the character of the area.

Another design challenge: dealing with the layers of time that make KOST what it is. The starting point was to preserve the physical building, as this is the most sustainable approach. But also to preserve the raw character and the varied appearance created by the series of extensions to the garage. An additional layer has been added to this. All new interventions are recognisable as such by their distinctly colourful character. ‘Character’ and ‘rawness’ are difficult to capture in a 3D model or a 1:5 detail. So, to strike a balance between renewal and leaving things as they are, many design decisions (for the finishing works) were taken on site, together with the team. This approach characterises the project. Through collaboration, an open-minded approach, respect for the existing structure and perseverance, KOST has realised a unique project that acts as a catalyst for the entire Schinkel District