The Angle

The Angle

Studio Woodroffe Papa as Architects

In 25 years the new city of Almere has grown from no inhabitants to over 160.000 inhabitants. By 2010 the population is expected to grow to 250.000. This projected growth has required the creation of a new city centre. OMA’s masterplan will provide 1000 new housing units and 2000 parking spaces, together with a number of essential facilities (shops, museum, library and theatre). The new program is spread over 12 new buildings, known as “blocks”, each with their own architectural expression and character.


Block 7+9, known as ‘The Angle’ is a 150 meter long, 4 storey building located in the north-west edge of the plan. The unique site demands an architectural and urban response that defines the north-west corner of the OMA plan, at the same time mediating between opposing urban conditions: old versus new city fabric, the fast west side with its major connecting route for cars versus the slow east side pedestrian based urban spaces, and the lower parking level versus the raised shopping deck. Other functional requirements contribute further to the complexity of the design – the demand for shop fronts orientated to the shopping deck, private balconies orientated to the sun; a protective acoustic sound barrier orientated to the ring road; an open gallery orientated to Almere’s main city square; the dominant use of commercial signage and advertising.


In response Block 7+9 resolves the demanding urban complexity of the urban plan through an elegant architectural solution in the form of subtle nuancing in the program and elevation arcticulation. Like a swiss army knife the building in contrast to it’s neighbours stikes a balance between the necessity to articulate different functional requirements of the location whilst retaining a strong singular identity. Composed of only glass and aluminium panels, striking properties like reflection, transparency, openness, screens and sharp edges create an new form of urban materiality anchoring the building perfectly in it’s location.

Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo
28 Mar 2024 News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo

Global transdisciplinary architecture and design practice Snøhetta has designed a new entranc... More

10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More

Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon
22 Mar 2024 News
Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon

The Eugénie Brazier school project in Lyon, France, undertaken by regional architecture studi... More

Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture
21 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture

Designed by Peter Pichler Architecture, the new Bonfiglioli Headquarters is located in Calderara di... More