Haarlemmerplein 2
Arthur Staal's bankbuilding on Haarlemmerplein is a landmark and municipal monument. Architect Ana Rocha created a plan for the future that does justice to its past.
The former ABN Amro building on the corner of Haarlemmerdijk and Haarlemmerplein in Amsterdam is being restored and redeveloped. When completed, the building will contain a commercial space and housing.
The striking corner building was designed and realized by Amsterdam architect Arthur Staal in the 1970s. It is an exceptional example of his architectural work, constructed of brick, natural stone and lots of glass. The walls are massive, but the building does not look lead-heavy. This is due to the choice of materials, but also to the interplay of vertical and horizontal lines and striking elements such as the vitrine-like windows. This particular style is the trademark of architect Arthur Staal.
The design team is led by Ana Rocha and Pelle Poiesz. Their goal is to realize a restoration and repurposing that harmonizes Arthur Staal’s original architectural language with current functional and building physics requirements. To achieve this goal, the team conducted extensive research into the essential characteristics of the architect’s work. The special plasticity and composition of the facades and the rich use of materials and detailing that characterize Arthur Staal’s work were their starting points.
