The Amsterdamsche Tram, from the repurposing of recycled materials, is transformed into a picturesque and unconventional new urban point of interest in Amsterdam
The Amsterdamsche Tram, from the repurposing of recycled materials, is transformed into a picturesque and unconventional new urban point of interest in Amsterdam

The Amsterdamsche Tram, from the repurposing of recycled materials, is transformed into a picturesque and unconventional new urban point of interest in Amsterdam

"Probably one of the important roles that architecture can play is that of a social mediator. Architecture is in its essence a social process" and cc-studio with the project for the Amsterdam Tram manages to go beyond the limits of individual interests and conventionality

cc-studio was invited, along with two other offices, to participate in a mini-competition held by Town Supervisor Don Murphy (director of VMX Architects). The aim was to find a common ground between the client, the (frustrated) owner of the small food hall located in an old streetcar, the Amsterdamsche Tram, and the municipality, the owner of the land surrounding the Amsterdam-Sloterdijk train station

The Amsterdamsche Tram, from the repurposing of recycled materials, is transformed into a picturesque and unconventional new urban point of interest in Amsterdam

The conditions of the area on which the Amsterdamsche Tram rests are not favorable at the level of attention and the traffic flow of the public that does not stop, does not perceive an intimate and protected environment: a large windswept square surrounded by tall office buildings. In this situation the budget for an improved architectural intervention was extremely low (12,5 K provided by the restaurant owner)

The Amsterdamsche Tram, from the repurposing of recycled materials, is transformed into a picturesque and unconventional new urban point of interest in Amsterdam

cc-studio took up the challenge and with recycled material and some independent craftsmen willing to collaborate, intervened on the space creating that feeling of protection and ease which guarantees its transformation into a point of interest for the public.
With recycled scaffolding and wooden planks, a raised terrace was built in front of the streetcar restaurant, which reaches the level of the floor of the streetcar, facilitating the service of the staff and, from the square's point of view, making it more evident and detectable, as well as a more pleasant and intimate space for customers

The Amsterdamsche Tram, from the repurposing of recycled materials, is transformed into a picturesque and unconventional new urban point of interest in Amsterdam

Alongside the restaurant is always built with the used scaffolding and with recycled wooden boards a covered space of 70sqm made of transparent polycarbonate and closed vertically by perforated nets suitable for growing climbing plants. So a new space, protected from the weather and very welcoming thanks to the greenery, is made available to the restaurant. All at the cost of an average family car

The Amsterdamsche Tram, from the repurposing of recycled materials, is transformed into a picturesque and unconventional new urban point of interest in Amsterdam

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