Mecanoo participates in From Model to Metropolis exhibition at Arcam

Mecanoo is participating in From Model to Metropolis: Amsterdam’s Urban Story 1986–2026, the major new exhibition at Arcam that explores forty years of urban development in Amsterdam through a collection of architectural models, plans, and future visions. Bringing together realised and unbuilt projects from across the city, the exhibition traces Amsterdam’s evolution from compact post-war capital to internationally recognised metropolis. 

At the centre of the exhibition are architectural models: tangible representations of ambitions, negotiations, and ideas that have shaped the city over the past four decades. Organised around five key phases of urban development, the exhibition reflects on changing attitudes towards housing, public space, density, sustainability, and social inclusion. Alongside iconic realised buildings, the exhibition also presents projects currently under development, offering a glimpse into Amsterdam’s future.

Mecanoo’s contribution includes the models for Brink Tower and De Nederlandsche Bank, two projects that represent different yet connected ambitions for Amsterdam’s future.

Brink Tower explores high-density urban living through a mixed-use vertical community, while the transformation of De Nederlandsche Bank reopens a formerly closed institution to the city through new public spaces, cultural programming, and sustainable renovation strategies.

Together, the projects demonstrate how architecture can contribute to a more open, inclusive, and sustainable urban environment.

From Model to Metropolis: Amsterdam’s Urban Story 1986–2026 is on view at Arcam in Amsterdam until 27 September 2026.

More information, here.