Background

A visionary infrastructure and urban regeneration project, the Almere–Amsterdam Metro Link aims to connect eastern Amsterdam with Almere through a new 20km metro line — unlocking the development of over 25,000 new homes and establishing a sustainable model for future growth in the Netherlands. Commissioned by the Operating Company Almere Amsterdam (WAA), and developed by an international consortium led by Mott MacDonald Netherlands, with BACA architects as key design partners, the project responds to the pressing need for high-quality,climate-resilient urban expansion. Similar in scale and ambition to London’s Crossrail, the scheme integrates transport, ecology, and architecture to support new waterside communities while preserving the delicate landscape of the IJmeer lake.

Process

BACA architects worked collaboratively with engineers and planners to test the feasibility of the metro connection and develop spatial and architectural concepts for the emerging districts at Almere Pampus and the new Pampus Island. The consortium’s work centred on four guiding principles: enhancing riverside leisure, achieving architectural distinction, protecting ecology, and promoting zero-carbon living. BACA’s contribution focused on designing the sail and ride station — the world’s first transport interchange combining sailing and metro travel — alongside masterplanning for the island and new housing districts. The design process embraced advanced environmental modelling, landscape integration, and material life-cycle assessments, ensuring the project aligned with cradle-to-cradle principles and national sustainability targets. Collaboration with Zwarts and Jansma Architekten provided architectural cohesion across infrastructure and public realm, while landscape ecologists helped shape the project’s biodiverse shoreline environments.

Process

BACA architects worked collaboratively with engineers and planners to test the feasibility of the metro connection and develop spatial and architectural concepts for the emerging districts at Almere Pampus and the new Pampus Island. The consortium’s work centred on four guiding principles: enhancing riverside leisure, achieving architectural distinction, protecting ecology, and promoting zero-carbon living. BACA’s contribution focused on designing the sail and ride station — the world’s first transport interchange combining sailing and metro travel — alongside masterplanning for the island and new housing districts. The design process embraced advanced environmental modelling, landscape integration, and material life-cycle assessments, ensuring the project aligned with cradle-to-cradle principles and national sustainability targets. Collaboration with Zwarts and Jansma Architekten provided architectural cohesion across infrastructure and public realm, while landscape ecologists helped shape the project’s biodiverse shoreline environments.

Ilmeerjin

Background

Process

Process