The Overhoeks Tower on the banks of the Ey River was built for Shell in the 1960s by Arthur Staal; after its opening in 1971, it quickly became a prominent landmark in Amsterdam. After Shell left its building in 2009, it was reconstructed for a new function, and today it is called A’DAM - Amsterdam Dance And Music. It is home to clubs and representative offices of the music industry, which is now joined by Sony Music.
Space Encounters architects placed utility and technical rooms closer to the elevator and staircase, emphasizing the concrete of the perimeter walls and the views from the windows in the remaining free space. LED lamps sit on top of a grated ceiling and illuminate a layer of white acoustic spray above it: as a result, the light is very diffused, without any shadows.
Although business and fun are often confused in the music industry, the authors of the project decided to physically separate them so that you can really immerse yourself in work or indulge in entertainment. This division is clearly reflected in the coloration - gray or green, without any transitions. However, there are still dual-use areas, at least in appearance: the central hub resembles the inside of a speaker, the bar also serves as a staircase, and the vinyl-upholstered meeting table serves as a DJ stand.
