DESA1002 'Continuous City' Zhaoji Qin

Abstract

I decided that I liked the idea of a leisure centre in Amsterdam, especially considering their rarity in such a supposedly ‘wealthy’ country. From this exercise, I learnt the importance of researching every aspect of the design, as I had picked up hints and tips from the designs and concepts of other leisure centers and the devices they had implemented to induce a sense of spaciousness and relaxation. I had been thinking about the facade of my building for a while and was at odds with myself about whether it should fit in or stand out. On one hand, it is not graceful to ruin the beauty of the existent Dutch architecture. Although it is wrong to think that ‘fitting in’ will attract attention. In this sense, I compromised both sides in that one side of the facade was made of glass, hence reflecting the existing architecture surrounding it, whereas the other side of the building would be wrapped in pre-cast concrete formwork that would give it more of a post-modern look that would allow it to stand out from the mess of brick and glass that exists in Amsterdam. In this sense, the building retains a modern look whilst minimalising the effect on the facade of the river. Amsterdam Fitness, located on the banks of the SINGEL canal, at the heart of a bustling commercial-residential area. An UNCONVENTIONAL building that stands out against the tall and thin gabled brick, a facade of concrete and glass, a geometrically CURVED building that will surely catch one’s attention. Whilst exhibiting a contemporary VIBE, the facade reflects the scenery and architecture of traditional Amsterdam, allowing it to meld into the SCENERY that encapsulates AMSTERDAM.