Amsterdam

Matrix One features an innovative demountable design, meaning it can be easily dismantled and over 90% of its building materials reused

Architecture

Over 90% of this energy-efficient office can be dismantled and reused

MVRDV has completed its energy-efficient Matrix One laboratory and office. The project showcases a forward-thinking design that focuses on flexibility, and has a demountable structure that allows over 90% of its building materials to be reused.

A new study suggests that vegan moms can breastfeed without concerns over their milk's nutritional content

Health & Wellbeing

Vegan breast milk rich in key nutrients, says study

Even though vegan diets consistently emerge as a healthy way to eat, there are certain nutrients that are difficult to get without consuming animal products. Research has now found that two of them are produced by nursing vegan mothers, regardless.

On-street bicycle racks are being removed to free up space and make the area around the Amsterdam Central Station more pleasant for pedestrians, so if you want to park your bike you're going to need to head u

Bicycles

City of Amsterdam takes bicycle parking underground, and under water

Folks in the Netherlands love to get from A to B by bike, which can lead to issues when it's time to park. Underground parking garages are one way to go, and a huge project has just opened in Amsterdam that puts thousands of parking spots under water.

Sluishuis takes the form of a ship's bow, when viewed from the lake

Architecture

Energy efficient waterfront city block has its own harbor inside

Back in 2016, BIG revealed plans for an ambitious mixed-use residential building that resembles the bow of a ship. The project, named Sluishuis, is now finally complete and provides an idyllic and energy efficient community on the waterfront.

Project Harbour Club involved transforming three industrial wine silos into unique rooftop residences

Architecture

Disused wine silos transformed into novel rooftop homes

Project Harbour Club is an interesting new development that involved renovating and extending a 1901 shipping terminal. Most notably, the project transformed three former industry-sized wine silos into novel rooftop homes.

Researchers have deployed a full-scale version of the autonomous Roboat on the canals of Amsterdam for the first time

Marine

MIT deploys first full-scale autonomous Roboat on canals of Amsterdam

MIT's Roboats have undergone a number of redesigns in the years since they were introduced in 2016, and the creators have now landed on their final version, a full-scale, self-navigating watercraft they say is ready to be put to work.

Amsterdam is set to become the second European capital to welcome an electric fire truck into its fleet

Automotive

Electric fire truck to hit the streets of Amsterdam

As part of a vision for clearer air in the city center, Amsterdam’s fire department is moving ahead with testing of an electric fire truck, with a diesel-powered generator also on board should operators need to call on extra firepower.

The bubbles create a barrier to help trap plastic waste

Environment

How simple air bubbles could help tackle ocean plastic waste

Take a walk along the canal in Amsterdam’s Westerdok district, and you may see an unsightly mess of waste gathered at the edge of the canal. What you’re seeing is the work of a new bubble barrier, designed to stop plastic waste flowing out to sea.

MIT researchers say their Roboats now have the ability to shapeshift, that is, to autonomously latch onto and let go of one another to build different types of floating structures

Marine

MIT's Roboats become shapeshifting floating platforms

MIT’s Roboats have now been demonstrated arranging themselves into shapes that could one day form floating bridges and stages.

Construction of Matrix 1 is due to start in 2020 and it's expected to open in early 2022

Architecture

Research lab puts sustainability under the microscope

High-profile Dutch firm MVRDV has been commissioned to design a new office and laboratory in Amsterdam named Matrix 1. The building will boast significant sustainable features, including solar power and a partially green roof.

MIT researchers have given their fleet of autonomous “roboats” the ability to automatically target and clasp onto each other – and keep trying if they fail

Marine

MIT developing autonomous self-docking Roboats to reinvigorate Amsterdam canals

MIT has unveiled the latest version of the robotic boats it is developing for Amsterdam that are intended to help move passengers and goods along the city's 165 canals in the near future. The new iteration of these "Roboats" has been given the ability to locate and dock with one another.

Inside the Sweets Hotel, a guesthouse perched atop a bridge over an Amsterdam canal

Holiday Destinations

Converted bridge control stations take tiny living to Amsterdam's canals

The canals of Amsterdam are an iconic part of the city’s landscape, and the transformed stations once used to control their traffic are now serving as an intimate way to experience them, offering unique waterfront accommodation with a historical flavor.