ING Group Headquarters

Posted by aaxan (Tokyo, Japan) on 11 May 2007 in Architecture.

by Meyer & Van Schooten Architecten 2002

This building is for the ING (banking) Group and is used as their headquarters. As a headquarters building, it is required to represent the ideals of the company, which are fast moving, transparency, innovation, eco-friendliness, and openness.

Meyer & Van Schooten Architecten were awarded the project after a competition that ING Group organized. A number of young Dutch architects were invited by ING Group to participate in the competition.

The main portion of the building is elevated off the ground by stilts that range in height between 9 to 12.5 meters. Due to the proximity to the A10 ring road (the main highway in Amsterdam), people traveling along it have a good view of the building. Also with elevated height the offices' view will not be obstructed the elevated A10 ring road.

The combination of the tilting stilts on the bottom and the overall shape of the building, it makes it look as if the building is in motion.

The shape of the building has earned a few nicknames for it - "shoe", "space ship", and it even has a resemblance to walking city in Archigram. No matter what the nickname, the building has definitely become one of the landmarks for the city.

Source : Galinsky

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