Where in Zuidas
The new building was topped out last May. With the last panes of glass fitted just before the holidays, the building is now windtight and watertight. That means that work on the inside of the building can now start, and also that the protective structure for cyclists and pedestrians along the side of the building (in De Boelelaan) is no longer needed. It will be removed between 27 December and 6 January, with a possible extension of one week.
Removal of canopy
The canopy was placed over the pedestrian and bicycle path at the end of 2020 to protect cyclists and pedestrians against any falling construction materials. The safety nets will be dismantled and the roof plates and piles removed between 27 December and 6 January. The pedestrian and cycle paths running along the side of the building on De Boelelaan will need to be closed for this. This is why the work has been scheduled during the Christmas holidays when there is much less traffic. Depending on which way they are travelling, cyclists and pedestrians will be diverted along the other side of De Boelelaan or Gustav Mahlerlaan. Signs will be put in place for this purpose.
No vibrations
The new VU Research Building is expected to be completed in the summer of 2020. The building for teaching and research in Human Health & Life Sciences will consist of two parts: a vibration-free lower section on the first six storeys that can be used for very sensitive scientific research, and a twelve-storey upper section which will be used for teaching. Together with the O|2 Lab Building and the New University Building, this new research building will replace the outdated Mathematics & Physics building on the university campus. With its vibration-free sections and facilities for medical gases, the building differs from a regular residential or office building in some important ways. Quite a few technical installations are also required to ensure that the building meets modern requirements for a research and education institute.
Still on schedule
Despite all this additional complexity and the continuously changing (market) conditions, construction is progressing on schedule. By using prefabricated materials for the sprinkler systems, for example, transport movements and assembly time have been significantly reduced. That means that the next milestone is already in sight. Work on fitting the laboratories will begin as planned in February 2023, after which attention will turn to the twelfth and highest floor of the building. As the building nears completion, the City of Amsterdam should be able to start work on creating the public space around it in the summer of 2023. The building will then be complete by the end of January 2024 and should be in use by the summer of 2024.
Kenniskwartier
In the years ahead, we are working with VU and Amsterdam UMC to transform the Kenniskwartier (Knowledge District) in Zuidas into a leading area for innovation, with a unique mix of housing, knowledge-related businesses, education, research, care and (sports) facilities. In this neighbourhood (on the south side of the A10, between Parnassusweg/Buitenveldertselaan, A.J. Ernststraat and Amstelveenseweg), there will be around 2,700 homes alongside space for education and knowledge-related business, healthcare, culture, shops and hospitality. Boasting Stepstone, the new ADORE Research and Diagnostic Centre, Rialto VU cinema, The Pulse of Amsterdam and the new VU Research Building the Kenniskwartier is set to become a place where housing, interaction, inspiration and knowledge-sharing come together.
Give your opinion