AMBITIONS WITHOUT BORDERS
At the start of 2018, it was announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) was looking for a new home after Brexit. The EU agency evaluates medicines for humans and animals, and monitors their quality. An important task that requires a working environment where people can work together in peace and quiet, and consult at the highest level.
MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY
As promised, the 81-metre-high EMA building was constructed within 18 months. It includes 1,300 work spaces for 900 employees from nearly 30 different countries. Dura Vermeer and partners worked around the clock to deliver the project on time.
High-quality, durable materials and maximum flexibility in furniture and layout ensure an optimal working environment.Every year, the EMA welcomes around 36,000 visitors and hosts up to 600 international meetings. It makes for an iconic building, and a workplace that employees as well as visitors enjoy.
Features
• 40,000 m2 • 19 storeys • Green wall with 52,000 plants • Sky and coffee lounge and roof garden • Integrated landscape ribbon • BREEAM Excellent certification • Meets BENG requirements • Design-build-maintain
photo rights: Corné Bastiaansen
Central Government Real Estate Agency architect Fokke van Dijk
We made a bold promise to the EU to construct a large building for the EMA within two years. Central Government Real Estate Agency architect Fokke van Dijk explains in this interview how that was achieved and which choices he made in the design.
Smart construction by splitting
Dura Vermeer and Heijmans have pulled out all the stops to ensure fast construction. To be able to start construction early, the preliminary design was cut up into logical building sections (core, façade and finishing/interiors). By subdividing the design phase, it was possible to overlap different phases. This meant that piles were already being driven into the ground while the definitive design in other areas was still being worked on. A number of time-saving choices were made based on proven construction techniques. For example, a sliding formwork was used to create the concrete core. For the finishing touches of the installations and construction, prefabrication was used as much as possible to save time.
Teamwork a key success factor
Other key success factors for the fast construction were the team spirit and a sharp focus of Dura Vermeer, Heijmans and their partners, suppliers and subcontractors on meeting deadlines. A fruitful collaboration with the Central Government Real Estate Agency also contributed to the speedy construction, like their immediate incorporation of client feedback into the construction rather than the design. Consultation sessions were held repeatedly in order to incorporate the client’s wishes, and to minimise the risk of changes during the construction. Both parties worked closely together from day one. Mutual openness and the agreement that neither party would surprise the other inspired great confidence.
photo rights: Rob Acket
photo rights: Rob Acket
“I have to say, I am really impressed by the way in which this process has led to a very high-quality result. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a good example of what the Dutch construction industry is capable of.”
Fokke van Dijk, Central Government Real Estate Agency architect
photo rights: Rob Acket
photo rights: Corné Bastiaansen