Project Overview
Located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Apollolaan 171 is a five-story office building designed by OMA and completed in 2023. The project replaces a former JP Morgan bank building and features a contemporary design that integrates with the surrounding historical architecture. The building's form references the original bank's footprint while employing contrasting materials: a transparent glass façade along the Apollolaan marks the contemporary office’s inviting character; a brick façade facing the Titiaanstraat integrates it with the neighborhood’s historical architecture. (Source: Archdaily)
- TypologyCommercialBrownfield
- LocationAmsterdam, The Netherlands
- CreatorOMA
- Area9,345 m² (100,588 ft²)
- Year2023
1. Documenting the existing building
The site topography and the existing building's site plan were imported into Snaptrude. The footprint of the existing building was then drawn to establish the existing context for the project.
2. High level massing study
The storeys were copied up and spatial edits were made to achieve the interlocking volume design- resembling a scaled 3D Japanese jigsaw puzzle. Shadow studies were done along with saving key views for further reference.
3. Detailing a floor plan
The floor was split into smaller spaces as per the programmatic requirements. Smart labels were assigned to each space for automating properties and project areas. Live updates to floor areas were tracked, allowing for real-time adjustments based on project requirements.
4. Detailed massing study
Refined spatial edits were made to each storey to achieve the desired level of detail for the massing model. Areas were continuously analyzed to ensure compliance with project requirements and design intent.
5. Automating massing to BIM
Snaptrude’s Create Building tool was used to automate the conversion of the massing model into a Building Information Model (BIM). Brick and glazed wall types were defined to represent the building's materiality- with a transparent glass façade along the Apollolaan and a brick façade facing the Titiaanstraat.
6. Detailing the facades
Solar shading fins were strategically added to the facade for optimal sun control. Curtain wall mullions were incorporated, and the placement and editing of staggered windows allowed for the creation of the building's unique facade design.
7. Presentation renders
High-quality views were set up and exported from within the model to showcase the key aspects of the design. Additionally, a 3D Render was created using Snaptrude’s built-in Render feature to provide a realistic visualization of the final design.