Where in Zuidas
The new Academic Centre for Dentistry in Amsterdam (ACTA) building was designed to accommodate a wide range of functions: space for education, healthcare, research, and more general activities. The building consists of a lower and higher section, with each sub-area designed for a specific purpose. Huge span structures have been used, making it possible for large floor areas to be divided up flexibly.
A large atrium reaches out from the central foyer to cover the full height of the lower building and enables daylight to penetrate deep into the building. This central area serves as a point of orientation around which all of the building’s functions are grouped. They are connected visually and physically and accessed via footbridges and escalators. This automatically encourages social interaction between different groups of users (students, staff and patients). The restaurant is another key meeting place and is located on the transparent mezzanine floor between the lower and higher buildings, offering views across the city.
The building was constructed within a curtain wall, with semi-structural glazing affixed to it. A black-and-white screen-print pattern on the windows mimics an X-ray photograph. In the interior, the detailing is clear and functional, with a focus on the specific ergonomic aspects of dental treatments. The colour palette is primarily white, with some colour accents in the atrium, the lecture hall, and the restaurant.
At a glance
- Completed: 2010
- Start of construction: 2007
- Neighbourhood: Innovation District
- Size: 23,150 sq. m.: areas for education, healthcare, research, and general activities
- Commissioned by: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
- Architect: Benthem Crouwel Architecten
- Contractor: Aanneming Maatschappij J.P. van Eesteren
Source: www.gebouwdin.amsterdam.nl
