With the opening of the Artis square in September 2014 a new milestone was reached in the large-scale renewal of Artis, the zoo in Amsterdam. In the south-western corner of the Zoo the Artis Plaza, a new public space, was created.

The former aviary with Dutch birds has been extensively enlarged and redesigned with a typical ‘polder’ meadow with a row of just as typical pruned willows. The necessary indoor area is designed as a contemporary version of a Dutch polder barn. Alongside the aviary is a 62 meter long and 2 meter wide water table made of granite. This is a delightfully and very divers playful element for visitors and small children of the neighborhood.

The plaza itself is open and spacious to give room for a variety of activities under a canopy of trees, as happened in the nineteenth century. A ‘carpet’ of brick in two colours and divers patterns enlivens this space. Festoon lighting reinforces the festive character of Artis Plaza.

Client
Artis Zoo

In collaboration with
Royal Artis Zoo

Erik de Jong
Art historian

Francien van Kempen
Technician

Photography
Emilio Troncoso Larrain