Rust-colored steel plates create an illusion. It seems like the 150 KV PLANT SCIENCE PARK Architecture is rising from the ground. This structure stands at the edge of Amsterdam’s Science Park. It is near the Middenweg and Flevopark. This 150 kV-station is a creation of Architectenbureau Schutter ETH.
The Science Park is evolving. KCAP architects and planners designed its urban layout. Research institutes and companies thrive here. They focus on science, math, IT, biotech and the internet. Construction continues around them.
The 150 KV PLANT SCIENCE PARK is vital to Amsterdam. This station helps guarantee the city’s power supply. It is one of 35 such stations. High-voltage cables bring 150 kilovolts into the station. The station converts it for consumer use. It becomes 10000 and 220 volts.
This building often appears deserted. Electrical cables surround it. The architect turned it into a sculpture. It mainly houses transformers. The skin consists of thin Corten steel plates. These plates are mounted on the substructure. This gives the building a Ruhr-area factory vibe.
The facade features a playful depth. The front undulates and the sides zigzag. Doors are cleverly concealed. Safety is a priority here. Three power distributors sit in concrete compartments. The tops are open to regulate heat. Galvanized steel scales cover the rest of the roof. You can see them from the A10 and nearby high-rises.
The Amsterdam Science Park fosters collaboration. It links education and business. The park houses science, math, computer science, biotech and life science companies.
Karres en Brands and KCAP developed a master plan in 2003. This plan guides the Science Park’s development. It distinguishes between built and unbuilt areas. East-west construction strips run parallel to the polder structure. Green corridors separate them. This preserves scenic views. These corridors accommodate logistics. They handle loading, pipelines and water. A network of paths intersects the structure.
The plan sets rules for buildings and public spaces. These rules adapt to changing conditions. They allow architectural freedom. Materials are pure with natural colors. This maintains urban context.
Karres en Brands also designed the public space. It features subtly mixed pavement. This indicates bicycle and pedestrian routes. Wide paths are free of dividers. Karres en Brands oversees landscape development. They also manage the integration of new faculty buildings.