Ben van Verkel and his firm UNStudio have won one of the largest urban projects in Western Europe: the redevelopment of Amsterdam’s Oosterdokseiland island.

The 225,000sq m (2.4 million sq ft) scheme, located to the east of the city’s main station, will see the practice create a social hub designed to “encourage encounters” between the public and workers in the district. In total, 72,500sq m (780,300sq ft) of space will be allocated for public facilities.

“The design for this fully integrated new urban campus is envisioned as a highly multifunctional living and working environment, enriched with special amenity and public programmes,” said van Berkel. “The urban gesture of the building weaves together with the existing streets, while the east side of the building will become a recognisable emblem for Oosterdok.”

The development of the island began over fifteen years ago, but gradually slowed following the global recession. Planning is now underway for the last two lots, and it is hoped the area will be in use by the end of 2020.

"In recent years Oosterdokseiland has become a dynamic place to come to and every day hundreds of people to work, live and go out here,” said Jeroen Galle, a representative of developer BDP. “It has become a modern part of the city of Amsterdam. The sub-plan designed by UNStudio will be the finishing touch to the development of this area.”