Aldo van Eyck’s Tripolis Park Revived: Sustainable Innovation by MVRDV

Tripolis Park highlights the enduring legacy of Aldo van Eyck, one of the most celebrated Dutch modernist architects. Known for his contributions to the Structuralist movement, Van Eyck’s works, such as the Amsterdam Orphanage, were revolutionary in redefining architectural spaces, focusing on human-centered design and communal environments. Completed in 1960, the orphanage was a masterpiece that merged functionality with a deep respect for its users, embodying the core principles of Structuralism. However, by the 1980s, this iconic structure faced the threat of demolition. It was saved through a successful international campaign, and as part of the resolution, the adjacent land was offered for development, provided that Van Eyck and his wife, Hannie, would design a new office complex.

MVRDV’s Intervention: Balancing Restoration and Innovation

Completed in 1994, Tripolis became the orphanage’s symbolic and physical protector, ensuring its preservation in the face of urban expansion. Despite its architectural significance, Tripolis did not flourish commercially and stood vacant for years, vulnerable to the ever-encroaching urban fabric of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district. Now, under the innovative direction of MVRDV, the complex has undergone a transformative renovation that not only revives its original spirit but also brings it into the future of sustainable office design.

MVRDV’s approach to the Tripolis Park renovation is a masterclass in architectural sensitivity, balancing the need to preserve the essence of Van Eyck’s design while adapting it for contemporary use. Rather than merely restoring the buildings to their original state, MVRDV took the opportunity to realize Van Eyck’s true vision by incorporating materials that had been compromised in the original construction due to budget constraints. For instance, the façades, once a combination of wood and granite, are now fully clad in wood, staying true to Van Eyck’s initial design intent.

Key elements such as the multi-colored window frames—a hallmark of Van Eyck’s playful approach to modernism—are carefully preserved, ensuring that the buildings’ visual identity remains intact. Internally, MVRDV maintained characteristic features like the sculptural staircases and natural stone floors but reimagined the layout to reflect the evolving nature of office spaces. Today’s work environments prioritize openness and collaboration, and the previous compartmentalized design of Tripolis was adapted by removing dividing walls, creating flexible, open spaces.

Sustainability was also a central consideration. Green roofs and solar panels were introduced, allowing the development to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification, a highly regarded sustainability standard. These interventions ensure that Tripolis Park is relevant in today’s market and aligned with environmental expectations for future developments.

The “Landscraper” and New Additions: Protecting and Enhancing the Complex

Perhaps the most striking new element of Tripolis Park is the 12-story “landscraper,” aptly named “The Window.” This massive structure sits along the edge of the site, strategically positioned to shield the heritage buildings from the noise and pollution of the adjacent A10 highway. The concept of a “landscraper,” an elongated building instead of a high-rise, allows for a more thoughtful integration into the urban landscape, particularly in this business district dominated by taller structures.

The landscaper’s south façade features a large rectangular window, offering a framed view of the original Tripolis complex, emphasizing the dialogue between the old and the new. On the north side, MVRDV created an undulating façade that mimics the complex geometric shapes of Van Eyck’s original design, adding a playful touch that respects the heritage without copying it.

Bridges overhead connect the old Tripolis buildings with the new structure, creating a unique spatial experience in the in-between zones—spaces that Aldo van Eyck famously championed as “sources of beauty” in architecture. These spaces foster user interaction, enhancing the complex’s sense of community.

A New Chapter in Heritage Preservation

The renovation of Tripolis Park is a case study of how heritage architecture can be preserved while meeting contemporary demands. MVRDV’s intervention secures the future of one of Aldo van Eyck’s final works and sets a precedent for how modernist buildings, often overlooked in preservation efforts, can be revitalized for new uses. In a business district where demolition would have been the easier option, MVRDV has chosen a more complex path, proving that heritage protection can go hand-in-hand with new development.

The successful integration of Tripolis Park into the office rental market, with tenants like Uber and De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, further demonstrates the commercial viability of these spaces when handled with care. The project, which continues to develop with ongoing work on the third building and the greening of the site, will create a park-like campus accessible via cycling and walking paths.

Tripolis Park Renovation Plans

Tripolis Park Renovation Image Gallery

About MVRDV

MVRDV, founded in 1993 by Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs, and Nathalie de Vries, is an internationally acclaimed architecture and urban design firm based in Rotterdam. Known for its innovative and often provocative designs, MVRDV combines bold experimentation with sustainability, transforming urban environments through projects like the Markthal in Rotterdam and the Valley in Amsterdam. Their work spans a wide range of scales, from public buildings and housing to large-scale urban planning, constantly pushing the boundaries of contemporary architecture.

About Aldo Van Eyck

Aldo van Eyck (1918–1999) was a pioneering Dutch architect and a leading figure in the Structuralist movement. Known for his emphasis on human-centered design, Van Eyck sought to create architecture that fosters community and interaction. Iconic works such as the Amsterdam Orphanage (1960) exemplify his belief in the importance of in-between spaces. His designs often challenged traditional architectural forms, integrating playful elements and complex geometries to create environments that promote social engagement and a sense of belonging.

Notes & Additional Credits

1. Founding Partner in charge: Winy Maas
2. Director: Gideon Maasland
3. Associate Design Director: Gijs Rikken
4. Project Leaders: Rik Lambers, Bob de Rijk
5. Design Team: Steven Anton, Roxana Aron, Guido Boeters, Teodora Cirjan, Joao Viaro Correa, Guillermo Corella Dekker, Karolina Duda, Cas Esbach, Valentina Fantini, Rico van de Gevel, Piotr Janus, Nika Koraca, Urszula Kuczma, Claudia Mainardi, Sanne van Manen, Rugile Ropolaite, Irgen Salianji, Maxime Sauce, Claudia Storelli, Karolina Szóstkiewicz, Laurens Veth, Olesya Vodenicharska, Mark van Wasbeek, Mariya Badeva, Rebecca Fiorentino, Nefeli Stamatari, Michele Tavola, Aleksandra Wypiór
6. Visualisations: Antonio Luca Coco, Luca Piattelli, Kirill Emelianov, Pavlos Ventouris, Francesco Vitale
7. Co-architect: Powered by EGM
8. Contractor: G&S Bouw
9. Project coordination: Toussaint Project Management
10. Landscape architect: Deltavormgroep
11. Structural engineer: Van Rossum Raadgevende Ingenieurs
12. Installations consultancy: Arcadis
13. MEP: Bosman Bedrijven
14. Cost calculation: BBN
15. Building Physics & Environmental Advisor: DGMR
16. Interior architect: Concrete
17. Sustainability certification: BREEAM-NL-Outstanding
18. Client: Flow Development