The assignment for the head offices of what was then the VSB was gained after winning a multiple assignment. For reasons of efficiency and a recognisable image, the VSB had decided to unite the various components of the growing bank, which had merged over the years, in a single head office in Utrecht, opposite the 1970s Amev offices within the same Fortis group. The purpose was to emphasize the solidarity of the group, in a rational optimisation of the working circumstances and a more monumental architecture, in contrast to the pretension of forming a working community and the modest embedding of the existing Amev offices in the landscape. The location on the eastern city outskirts along the ring road also demanded a striking volume with accurate positioning on the site.
These specifications were translated into a composition, dominated by a functional office slice whose main direction corresponds with the entrance axis of the Amev offices. With their entrances opposite one another, the two buildings form an ensemble. The 80 metre high volume gives the concern a striking image in the landscape of urban fragments, motorways and woodland fringes. It is visible from a great distance on the north-south axis as a slim-line tower, and from the east and west as an angular slice of building. A base with service functions, from which a wedge shaped auditorium peeks out, is ‘presented’ together with the slice on a tableau with the parking garage underneath.
The volume composition, the materialisation and details coexist in the field of tension between modern dynamics and stately representation. Whereas the base has a horizontally accentuated curtain wall, the office slice is more stately, thanks to the simple pattern of large windows and white stone. The floor to ceiling window openings have comfortable climate facades and hinged, opening windows. Due to the slim-line shape of the office slice, the central lifts are against the facade, and reflect the traffic movements of the motorway. The large glass surfaces near the lifts, the management lobby and the commissioners' room give the volume its striking face. The spaciousness is formed around a set of symmetrical axes which bring a sense of tranquillity to the otherwise diverse composition and dynamic use of the building. The interior particularly emphasises the own identity of the collective areas within the building.
The whole is an example of both powerful, functional architecture and a pleasant and humane working environment. It was nominated for the Rietveld prize and was discussed by Het Utrechts Nieuwsblad under the heading: Office personnel fall in love with VSB building.
