ARCHITECTUURGIDS.NL / ARCHITECTUREGUIDE.NL
NEDERLAND > AMSTERDAM
Polymerencentrum / Polymer Centre ( M.E. Zwarts )
© 1996 Rook & Nagelkerke
POLYMER CENTRE
M.E. ZWARTS, 1972-1975
Badhuisweg 3, Amsterdam

ARCHITECT(URAL OFFICE):
Moshé Zwarts

:
Hans van Zanten

BUILDING TYPE:
Industrial and public-utility buildings

STATE:
demolished in 2003

PUBLICATIONS:
Bouw 1976 p. 685; Architectuur/Bouwen 1995-4

RELATED BUILDINGS:
Office Building Shell Amsterdam (Overhoeks)

The design for this laboratory complex proceeds from a high degree of flexibility in its spatial subdivision and facilities. It comprises a U-shaped laboratory block with a double-height central zone and a four-level block of smaller laboratories. lts loadbearing structure is built up of double concrete piers on the outer face with air shafts in-between, and steel honeycomb joists in the roof. The exterior consists of interchangeable panels between aluminium posts. When the facade was renovated after twenty years Zwarts's own renewed design of up-to-date silkscreened glass panels, paradoxically enough. was passed over in favour of reconstructing the original exterior.
The building is demolished in 2006.