Podium by LEVS architecten

Situated at the dynamic intersection between Amsterdam’s growing urban fabric and the tranquil lake Sloterplas, Podium is a thoughtfully designed residential building by LEVS. Positioned along the central axis of Schipluidenlaan, the project masterfully balances strong densification with generous greenery, creating a lively yet peaceful urban environment.

The building’s clear horizontal articulation, light ceramic materials, and expansive windows ensure abundant daylight floods all homes, enhancing comfort and wellbeing. Podium’s location adjacent to the auditorium of a former school building is ingeniously addressed by a recessed corner that creates a welcoming passage connecting two green spaces on the north side. Inside, spacious entrance halls open into an inner garden featuring open ground planting and a half-sunken bicycle shed, emphasizing sustainable, bicycle-friendly living. This project primarily serves mid-priced rental starters who rely heavily on cycling and public transport, reflecting the neighborhood’s youthful and active demographic.

Respecting a Classic: Integration with the Ben Ingwersen Auditorium

One of Podium’s defining challenges was to fit seamlessly alongside the prominent auditorium of the old Calvijn College, designed by Ben Ingwersen in the late 1960s. Originally planned for demolition before the 2008 crisis, this building has instead been revitalized as a vibrant creative hub including the renowned De Appel art centre. It stands as a cherished example of New Objectivity architecture—rational, optimistic, and timeless.

LEVS’s design pays homage to this architectural heritage by thoughtfully recessing the building at the corner near the auditorium. This creates an inviting entrance and an elegant passageway to the future park, linking the building with its green surroundings and fostering connectivity within the neighborhood.

A Home Filled with Light, Air, and Space

Podium embraces the Amsterdam Expansion Project (AUP) ideals of light, air, and space, ensuring all homes have connections to the outside world. The northern and eastern “in-through” apartments benefit from daylight on two sides, creating bright, airy living environments. On the west, loggias link living rooms directly to terraces, providing seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.

Ground floor living rooms are slightly elevated above street level, creating a subtle but clear boundary between private spaces and the public realm. Sturdy planters emerging from the facade reinforce this transition, adding greenery and texture. The inclusion of a small local supermarket on the street adds vitality, encouraging social interaction and daily convenience.

A Warm Welcome through Art and Landscape

A unique feature of Podium is the facade artwork at the corner adjacent to the auditorium, initiated by LEVS in collaboration with the Teenage Curators of De Appel art centre, artist Narges Mohammadi, and spoken word artist Zeinab El Bouni. The mural honors the memories and stories of young people growing up in Nieuw-West, enriching the neighborhood with emotional depth and a sense of belonging.

All corners of the building feature thoughtfully designed entrances to the bicycle storage, which curves around the inner garden in a semi-sunken configuration. This design allows natural light to flood the space, enhancing safety and ease of use. The open ground surrounding the bicycle shed invites a rich landscape design with mature trees and plants that climb the facades, blending nature into daily urban life.

Sustainability at the Core

Podium’s design integrates several sustainability strategies that promote energy efficiency and nature inclusiveness. The building is connected to district heating and includes a large water buffer beneath the inner garden to manage rainfall. Natural ventilation is provided in the bicycle storage area, enhancing air quality without mechanical energy use.

The fully open inner garden supports mature plant growth, creating a green oasis that improves biodiversity and residents’ quality of life. These eco-conscious features reflect Podium’s commitment to creating a resilient and healthy urban home for its community.

Podium exemplifies how modern residential architecture can reconcile urban density with nature, heritage, and community spirit—offering a vibrant, welcoming home for Amsterdam’s next generation.

Photography: LEVS architecten