Brutalist architecture meets practical parking at Europarking. This parking garage on Marnixstraat is quite the sight. Did you know it is more than just a place to leave your car?
Europarking has become an integral part of Amsterdam’s urban landscape since 1971. Piet Zanstra, a Dutch architect, designed it. He gave Amsterdam a unique parking solution.
The building has seven stories. It offers space for 700 vehicles. Its spiral-shaped ramps have earned it a funny nickname. Locals sometimes call it “de billen van Zanstra”. That translates to “Zanstra’s buttocks”. The design is popular with skaters. They enjoy the challenge of its slopes.
Hendrik Tabak commissioned Europarking. He was an Amsterdam garage owner. He also dealt in real estate. Tabak sought inspiration in Paris. He wanted to bring innovative parking solutions to Amsterdam.
Initially, the plan was smaller. It would only have five floors. It would only hold 300 cars. However, the final structure is much larger. The construction faced some opposition. It required demolishing a residential block. The costs totaled 6.4 million guilders.
The opening wasn’t a grand celebration. No city council members attended. Han Lammers likely disapproved of Tabak’s business practices.
Europarking faced financial difficulties early on. Its occupancy dropped to a mere 2%. Tabak even asked for a parking ban in the area. He also wanted a car wash permit.
The location was chosen for a reason. Amsterdam’s original metro plan included a station here. It was to be the Rozengracht station. It would be on the west branch of the Oost/Westlijn.
In 2007, the American artist Spencer Tunick staged a photo shoot here. Over 2,000 naked people posed in the garage. It was part of the Dream Amsterdam art event.
During Pride Amsterdam 2022, the “billen” got a colorful makeover. The ramps were adorned with the colors of the rainbow flag.
Below Europarking, you’ll find other interesting spots. Since 2002, the Stoelenproject has offered night shelter for the homeless in containers. Since 2014, café Waterkant has been located under the ramps. It is named after the waterfront in Paramaribo.
Europarking is more than just concrete. It’s a place where art, social initiatives, and urban life meet. So, next time you park here, remember its story. It is a story of architecture, controversy, and Amsterdam’s vibrant spirit.