cell complex and drug rehabilitation centre Flierbosdreef

Just like in the Zuidwest police cell complex, the paradox of invisibility and visibility plays a main role here. The complex is in a prominent location in the Amsterdam Bijlmermeer neighbourhood, where the city district centre, the H neighbourhood and the Bijlmerpark all meet. The location is none too spacious, alongside a fire station and between the raised Flierbosdreef and the park, in two separate plots on either side of an access road to the lane, which leads to a slow traffic route. The cell complex has been raised three levels in order to offer space for the other functions and at the same time to free the vulnerable ground level from this largely closed building. And so the elongated block is given a position between the flats and the fire station, perpendicular to the Flierbosdreef. The block is hidden behind a screen of light blue-grey grilles, whose colour, the various positions of the lamellae, and the pattern of the grilles allow the raised volume to blend in with the sky, depending on the weather. The building plays a double act of shrouding and showing itself.
The two buildings under the cell complex, with their sloping parking bays and access road, were designed as a landscaped pedestal in brown brick. Just like the cell complex disappearing into the air, these building volumes are incorporated into the bank of the raised lane. They form an articulated transition between the lane and the bordering park, and offer a pleasant background for the passers-by and the activities at ground level.
The front office functions (reception, bus trap, interrogation rooms, offices and personnel areas) are located on the lane side. The integrated drug rehabilitation centre of the GG&GD is situated on a waterway next to the park. This volume has been given its own character and recognisable features, thanks to the rounded end and extended window framework.
The interiors are bright in character, regardless of their problematic functions. In the cell complex, a selection has been made within the colour scheme mainly determined by the client, while in the drug rehabilitation centre, the partially glass ‘kiosks’ and the contrasting use of colours and materials give an articulated environment.
And so the architecture of the building, both in its context and in relation to the world inside, plays a game with sensitive mediation and firm confrontation, thus reflecting the simultaneously tough yet extremely fragile identity of its clients.
The project is care related, due to the combination of medical and accommodation functions, though it is also rendered relevant because of the emphasis on logistics, hygiene, safety and attention for the clients. The GGD is a well known player in the health care sector of course. The drug rehabilitation centre was commissioned by the GGD Amsterdam, and contains functions and rooms for the GGD itself, along with Jellinek, Social Services, SSCW, comprising user rooms, supply desk, activities rooms, sick bay, first aid centre, examination rooms, medication safe, porter's lodge, interview rooms and offices. The plans for bedrooms for night care (HOV) were discontinued during the construction process.