The building known as the Silver
Tower is part of a project by the architectural
practice of Benthem Crouwel. It involved
two adjacent buildings: a tower, originally
known as the Wagons Lits Office (presumably for
the Wagons Lits company) and an Ibis
Hotel.
The architects explain
that, "...Their position on the
square fronting the railway station
(Stationsplein) was influential on this
design for offices and a hotel. One of
the two principal masses (the office
tower) has rounded ends that point the
building in every direction so that you
get a view of the city from it on all
sides. A layered composition of
balconies, sunbreaks and clear glass
render this building transparent. Its
main structure is a combination of steel
and concrete, with facades of
silver-grey aluminium panels and steel
parts that persistently lend it the
colour of the sky."
The office block acquired
the name Zilveren Toren for obvious
reasons. When I took these images in
March of 2015 the tower was home to the
"Regardz Meeting Centre". It describes
itself as, "... a meeting location
with unique views." Adding
that, "The hip, industrial decor is
the work of Swiss artist Heinz Julen.
The location is ideal for a variety of
events: from short discussion,
brainstorming or flex workplace to
Congress. The location provides all your
meeting needs: free wifi and good coffee
to skilled employees and culinary
surprises at Level Eleven. Welcome to
the Silver Tower!"