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MVRDV www.mvrdv.nl

The Couch

By 08-12-2015

IJburg is a new district to the east of Amsterdam. On six artificial islands, 18,000 homes will be be built for 45,000 residents. There are many initiatives to attract people to the area, such as the beach at Blijburg aan Zee and the newly formed IJburg Tennis Club.

MVRDV’s design – nicknamed ‘The Couch’ – is a functional building that combines a viewing platform and a club house overlooking the water. The aim of the club is to be as accessible as possible, meaning that it is open to the public, free of charge, 365 days a year. It is a meeting place where you can grab a coffee and a healthy snack, or meet with friends, or even just check your emails.

MVRDV’s challenge was to create a building that works as a central gathering place for the park. A living room for IJburg, with the building being a part of the community like piece of street furniture.

Winy Maas (MVRDV): “With The Couch, we have integrated sport into society. By turning the roof of the clubhouse into a tribune, a center court is created. Here we celebrate the talent of amateur players who are challenged to excel in front of the public.”

Photos: Daria Scagliola & Stijn Brakkee