The process of renovating the Noordam cultural center in Amstelveen started with sky-high ambitions; columns had to go, the skylight became a diamond-shaped museum construction and the stage tower had to be of the Carré caliber. Obviously a challenge for us as engineers, but during the consultation with the client (the municipality of Amstelveen) it soon became clear that we had to be more careful with the available budget. And that usually means choosing. Fortunately, the architect was also convinced, so that we could focus all our attention on the new building. With reference to the old school that once stood on that site, two pointed roofs emerged from the design, with a facade that would open further and further. Large spans and little space for construction.
We have indicated the options with a number of sketches. And the solution always is: if it becomes constructively difficult; then turn the span direction. In this way we were able to absorb a lot with a few heavy constructions, including stability. And the facade could be constructed very finely against the existing theater with very slender steel portals. A lot still had to be done for the new sustainable technology (heat pumps, etc.), but no visitor will see that construction in the design. That is indeed the invisible force.