RAI Amsterdam has a new front on the Wielingenstraat side of its complex in Amsterdam. Hall 5, which is connected to the Europa Hall, is a modern, multifunctional exhibition and conference space for visitors with a glass facade. Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), the largest trade exhibition in the field of audio-visual technology, is the first event to be using the renovated hall.
Over the coming years RAI Amsterdam hopes to further improve its reputation by providing high-quality facilities with an international appeal.
Back to the architectural source
The renovated Hall 5 is a design by Benthem Crouwel Architects, previously responsible for designing three modern additions to the RAI – the Elicium & Amtrium buildings and the new parking garage – while fully respecting the original work by RAI architect Alexander Bodon. The renewed hall shows the characteristic features of Bodon’s functional architecture, including curtain walls, lots of glass, a high level of spaciousness and visible roof constructions. Contractor Aan de Stegge Twello was commissioned to build the new hall extension following a successful collaboration with RAI Amsterdam on the parking building.
Friendlier appearance
The main entrance of Hall 5 has been moved to the side of the Amtrium, ensuring a quieter life for neighbourhood residents during events. The expansion of the 4,000 m² hall can easily be linked to the adjacent Europa Hall: visitors feel no distinction between the current hall and new wing which looks and feels like a single consistent space. The rebuild has reduced the size of the parking area on that side of the hall, resulting in less traffic and a new green strip. The latter will be completed by the end of the summer, creating a soft transition and pleasant ambiance.
Logistic improvements
The parking area (P9) in front of Hall 5 has become smaller. Although still serving as an access road for cargo transport, the traffic intensity will be significantly reduced as the RAI recently started using a 15,000 m² buffer zone in Amsterdam Westpoort. The way that traffic is directed via this buffer will be further rolled out over the coming years. In addition, the RAI is working on a new routing via the south side of the RAI which will again reduce traffic to the P9 parking area.
ISE
ISE stands for Integrated Systems Europe. It is the largest trade event in the field of audio-visual technology and attracts visitors from over 180 countries. The 2020 exhibition takes place from Tuesday 11 February to Friday 14 February. The ongoing and significant increase in exhibitor numbers to ISE means that this will be the last time that Amsterdam hosts the event, and the organisers have been very appreciative of the fact that the RAI ensured the larger Hall 5 was available in time for ISE 2020.