Case Study #4: The Whale

Architect: Frits van Dongen, de Architekten Cie.
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Year: 1998–2000
Status: Completed
Program: 150 social housing, 64 private housing to rent, 1,100 business accommodation, 179 parking spaces
Client: Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij New Deal bv, Amsterdam
Size: 35,800 m²

Designed by Frits van Dongen of de Architekten Cie. and built in 2000, the project is located in Borneo-Sporenburg, a former harbor area in Amsterdam redeveloped to include 2500 low-rise dwelling units, with a density of 100 units per hectare.

One of the three immense sculptural blocks that interrupts the vast expanse of houses, it includes 214 apartments (150 social housing and 64 private housing for rent), 1,100 m² for business areas, and 179 underground parking spaces. Its design generates unique views and a great diversity of housing types, particularly in the lower and upper edges of the building.

With two sides of the building elevated, the lower floors receive sunlight coming in from under the building. Light and space have free access into the heart of the building, redefining the typology of the closed block: the inner area transforms the traditionally private domain into an almost public city garden.