can be used as additional lettable space for larger
events requiring outdoor space.
While Salazar Square is currently used as on-
grade parking, there is development all around it.
It is hoped that the square will eventually become
a contained public square, lined with activity. As
such, a glass connection in the ground floor halls
and a balcony in the upper halls offers the chance
to link to this space.
The space between the hospital and the CTICC 2
is the main service access to the halls. Work in this
area is incomplete and will be undertaken as a
second phase of construction.
Architectural Features
The halls are wrapped in a sandstone cladding.
The main concourse features a performance glass
façade and is covered by a flat roof. Solar control is
dealt with by slatted canopies and timber balconies
on the glass façade. A large sawtooth roof provides
natural light to the public concourse. Extensive
use of steel in the concourse façade allows the
structure to be expressed as light and clean.
Challenges
The main challenge on this site was to fit the
required brief into the limited site. The requirement
60
for minimal columns in the halls necessitated very
large spans, further complicated by the loading
requirements which are higher than normal due
to the nature of possible exhibitions.
A double basement below the building required
detailed engineering including dewatering,
significant retaining structures and access in a
tight site.
The tunnel which provides a service connection
between the old and new buildings had to be
inserted below a huge storm water culvert which
is in the middle of the Heerengracht.
The sheer scale of the building – both levels of
hall are the size of a rugby field and at least 7,5m
high - meant that services were highly complex.
In order to ensure minimal direct solar pene-
tration through the sawtooth roof, the sawtooth
structure was rotated through 45º relative to
the buildings’ structural grid. This was both an
engineering and architectural challenge.
Materials
Structurally, the building is a composite of
reinforced concrete and steel. Natural materials
were used as far as possible, but were limited
by anticipated maintenance, fire requirements
and, of course, costs. All finishes and fixtures
CTICC 2