RAI Amsterdam in Holland opened the doors to its new multi-purpose exhibition and convention center on June 2. Mayor of Amsterdam Eberhard van der Laan carried out the ceremonial opening of the Amtrium, a third-generation structure that unites exhibition, convention and office functions.
The Amtrium – a combination of Amsterdam and atrium – is the first convention building in Europe to receive the BREEAM-NL Excellent label from DGBC. It also features two restaurants and a special greenhouse for urban farming.
Giving the RAI a new face on the side of the complex closest to the city center, Mayor van der Laan expressed his pride over this extension and his conviction that the Amtrium will strengthen the position of Amsterdam as a convention city in Europe.
For RAI Amsterdam CEO Hans Bakker, the opening is a milestone.
“The Amtrium shows our faith in the future,” Bakker commented. “Combining functionalities will enable the RAI to attract even more international multiday events to Amsterdam. This is crucial for the RAI itself, and for business tourism in the greater Amsterdam area in general.”
BREEAM-NL Excellent label
The most eye-catching element of the Amtrium is its five-story vertical greenhouse. This unique urban farm will produce vegetables and herbs for the RAI’s own restaurants as well as the restaurant The Roast Room. The urban farm is an example of RAI Amsterdam’s progressive sustainability policy. Designed by Benthem Crouwel Architects, it is the first convention building in Europe with the BREEAM-NL Excellent label.
Prior to the opening ceremony, Hans Bakker received the certificate from Daan van Vliet, who will become chairman of the Dutch Green Building Council on July 1.
“This certification is a testament to RAI Amsterdam’s dedication to enhancing the sustainability of the built environment,” Van Vliet said. “Continuing to develop this part of Amsterdam in a sustainable manner – including construction of the largest sustainable hotel in the Benelux – will ensure that the RAI maintains its leading role.”
Heritage logo
The official opening was symbolized by the cutting of a red ribbon, which revealed the iconic red RAI logo surrounded by a new house style.
“Today we celebrate the past, present and future of RAI Amsterdam,” said Bakker. “The advertising mast ‘het Signaal’ has always been a symbol of the RAI. We chose to restore this icon to its former importance and once again use it as our official logo.”
International
Over the last decade, RAI Amsterdam has invested more than €180 million in high-quality modern facilities for major international multiday events. These investments have a significant economic value for the city of Amsterdam. The Amtrium is the first building to result from the Spatial Future Vision agreement, drawn up jointly by RAI Amsterdam and the municipality of Amsterdam.
For more information, visit rai.nl
