Diamond Exchange, Capital C Amsterdam

The Diamond Exchange in Amsterdam, built in 1911, has been transformed into Capital C Amsterdam. To fully restore the original qualities of the monument, the building underwent a major renovation to be largely returned to the original Gerrit van Arkel design. The renovation included restoration of monumental features and adaptation of the interior for use as a modern, flexible office environment, besides the addition of a glass and steel dome named the High Light. The faceted diamond like form of the dome is reminiscent of the monument’s history.

The dome of the High Light is a part of the state-of-the- art architecture: it is a gridshell, which means that the structural strength is provided by the double curvature of the elements. A principle that allows large spans without columns. Parametric design principles were employed to create a light and transparent dome, with no part exactly the same as the other. The dome is distinctive in how it is iconic and self-aware, and yet the structure is so light, transparent and open that it remains deferential to the historic monument.