Kraaiennest Metro Station Shortlisted for 2024 Architecture Today Awards

Kraaiennest Metro Station in Amsterdam has been shortlisted for a 2024 Architecture Today Award for Infrastructure and Public Realm.

The project in Kraaiennest, Amsterdam won an RIBA Award back in 2014 and completed in 2011.

The most important objective was to design a building so simple, clear and functional, that it could last for decades without the need for any change. The existing metro station had suffered both internally and externally from an unclear spatial layout, leading to a socially unsafe environment.  The challenge was to replace this with a station hall that was as simple and socially safe as possible, whilst incorporating a large range of technical requirements such as gates, ticket dispensers, CCTV equipment, lighting and signage.

The metro building’s greatest value over time is its exceptional robustness and its architectural timelessness. The station, with its glowing, jewel-like presence, has proven to be highly durable. The materials and detailing have hardly aged, and the simple layout has anchored the structure and its use, making it feel as though it has never been any different. The timeless design of the decorative pattern and its detailing feel as fresh as when the building was completed 13 years ago.

The over-arching aim of the Architecture Today Awards is to engender a focus on building performance evaluation and shared learning that is essential if we are to bring about the step change in performance the industry so desperately needs. Architecture Today’s Awards Committee shortlisted 31 buildings across ten categories: Education; Healthcare; Hospitality, Sport & Leisure; Individual house; Infrastructure & Public Realm; Mixed use & Retail; Religion & Culture; Residential; Workplace and International.

See all finalists here: https://architecturetoday.co.uk/see-the-finalists-for-the-2024-architecture-today-awards/