VenhoevenCS Architecture + Urbanism

IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking

IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking 

VenhoevenCS

IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode

ARCHITECTS
VenhoevenCS

CATEGORY
Parking

LOCATION
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

AREA
4270 M²

YEAR
2023

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Danny Esselman, Max Fleer

MANUFACTURES
Hunter Douglas Architectural (Europe)

BUILDING PHYSIC
Buro Bouwfysica

LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Ds Landschapsarchitecten

MEP
Homij Technische Installaties

MAIN CONTRACTOR
Van Hattum En Blankevoort

WOOD
Solid Wood Grill Ceilings & Walls

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Volkerwessels Infra Competence Centre

STREET LAYOUT
Gemeente Amsterdam

WAYFINDING
Royal Haskoning Dhv

IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode

A design team led by VenhoevenCS architecture+urbanism - with Van Hattum en Blankevoort and DS Landscape architects - has created IJboulevard, a new underwater bike parking facility in the heart of Amsterdam.

Opening to the public on 22 February 2023, the innovative project makes a significant contribution to the city, transforming the area to create a unique experience for cyclists whilst providing new public space and improving the city’s infrastructure.

IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode

Sited in a complex urban location next to Amsterdam Central Station - where trains, trams, buses, taxis, pedestrians, and cyclists converge - and the river IJ, the underwater facility has space for over 4,000 bicycles.

PRIORITY FOR BICYCLES AND PEDESTRIANS

IJboulevard offers more public space for pedestrians around the busiest transportation hub in the city.

IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode
IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode

The design includes 6,000 m2 of new public space above ground, created by storing bicycles underwater.

The roof of the parking facility forms the new boulevard along the river IJ, creating a vibrant new walkway and gathering space for residents and visitors, with seating areas and views of the river IJ.

IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode
IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode

STRUCTURAL AND VISUAL CONNECTION

The interior of IJboulevard features a design characterized by flowing lines and detailed rounded shapes, creating a warm and inviting aesthetic.

The use of wooden walls, subtle lighting, and a calm color palette aid in clarity and orientation.

IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode
IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode

The entrances are finished with the same dark gray natural stone as the boulevard, providing a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces.

The stairwells with large glass surfaces allow natural daylight in and provide a view of the parking facility from the pedestrian boulevard.

IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode
IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode

The well-lit, column-free design, long sightlines, and prominent position of the manager's office will contribute to a sense of safety for users.

SUSTAINABLE AND NATURE INCLUSIVE

IJboulevard is a sustainable and eco-friendly design that integrates low-energy consumption, sustainable materials, and features that promote biodiversity.

IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode
IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode

It also incorporates features that mimic natural habitats to promote biodiversity and support aquatic life.

The design includes elements such as bio huts, wood, coconut mats, and porous concrete between the underwater pile supports to provide shelter and surfaces for aquatic plants to grow, with the aim of improving the overall health of the river.

IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode


IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode
IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode
IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode
IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode
IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode
IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
© Ossip van Duivenbode


IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
Plan


IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
Diagram


IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking
Diagram

VenhoevenCS Architecture + Urbanism
T +31 20 6228210
VenhoevenCS Architecture + Urbanism
Hoogte Kadijk 143F15, 1018 BH Amsterdam, Netherlands