Community Campus Amsterdam

Karres en Brands worked with Greystar and the Municipality of Amsterdam to develop OurDomain Amsterdam South East: one of the four locations in the Netherlands where Greystar has created a community campus for young people to live independently. OurDomain South East (Odase) is the largest of its kind, comprising 1549 apartments, with nearly two-thirds dedicated to students alone. Odase is the first step in the urban transformation of a mono-functional business and office district into a dynamic new mixed-use urban quarter in Amsterdam. The scheme represents a landmark stage of this transition, underpinned by the communal landscape that Karres en Brands has designed. 

At the heart of the development is a sheltered, green oasis, which the buildings and public services open up to. This informal character offers a fascinating contrast with the more formal outdoor space around the campus. The amenities around the shared landscape are tailored to its young residents, as well as users in the surrounding urban area. In addition to open spaces for events and activities, there’s room for barbecues, hammocks, basketball courts, other sports nets, and a climbing wall. The informal landscape is an ideal place to meet, work out, garden, and relax – residents even have space for their own communal garden. 

The landscape consists largely of two roofscapes built on underlying cellars. Gentle hills in the landscape offer a variety of places with grassland, playing fields, trees, and banks for hiking and recreation. A network of winding paths and a waterway connect the area to its surroundings... perfect for locals and nearby workers to go for a walk, spend their lunch break, or get some exercise. The landscape therefore enriches the palette of public spaces in the city. 

Two ample bridges have been designed to provide a seamless continuation of the winding paths, and residents can enjoy waterside living with views of the surrounding area. Karres en Brands provided the design and supported the implementation and execution until delivery.