Lightning bolt

With the completion of De Kameleon, one of the last run-down areas of the Bijlmer has been dealt with. The original Bijlmer was criticized because of the separation of functions and lack of use of the public space. De Kameleon makes it clear that a new direction has now been taken.

The shops are situated on a street where shoppers and traffic mix. Above the shops is a two-storey car park, on top of which are 222 dwellings. The high-rise, which was not part of the original master plan, has been added in order to make the shopping centre recognizable from a distance. Sitting in the metro, the complex can be clearly seen and a large window in the end elevation gives the outside world a glimpse of the block‘s interior.

The creased elevations and balconies on the more than 150 metre long side create a vibrant and changing exterior and break, as it were, the long line. On the third level, where the dwellings begin, is a large, enclosed inner courtyard garden. Centrally situated in the garden is a water feature in the shape of a lightning bolt. Some of the dwellings are situated with their front door directly in this sheltered interior world, where there are also picnic tables and play apparatus. The large window creates the illusion that you can step into the metro from the garden. (ARCAM/PR)