IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking by VenhoevenCS – A Landmark of Sustainable Urban Mobility in Amsterdam

In February 2023, VenhoevenCS architecture+urbanism, together with Van Hattum en Blankevoort and DS Landschapsarchitecten, unveiled one of Amsterdam’s most innovative infrastructure projects — the IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking. Strategically located next to Amsterdam Central Station, this pioneering facility redefines urban mobility by combining sustainable transport solutions, public space creation, and nature-inclusive design.

A Smart Urban Mobility Solution

The IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking provides secure space for more than 4,000 bicycles, directly addressing the high demand for cycling infrastructure in one of Europe’s busiest transportation hubs. By relocating bicycle parking below water level, the project freed up over 6,000 m² of public space above ground, creating a new pedestrian-friendly boulevard that reconnects the city to the river IJ. This approach not only organizes chaotic urban flows of trains, trams, buses, taxis, and cyclists but also enhances the experience of both commuters and visitors.

A New Public Boulevard

The roof of the parking structure forms a vibrant new urban promenade along the waterfront. The IJboulevard features spacious walkways, seating areas, and panoramic river views, creating an inviting gathering space for residents and tourists alike. This transformation highlights Amsterdam’s commitment to prioritizing pedestrian comfort and sustainable transportation, while simultaneously enhancing the city’s waterfront identity.

Seamless Interior and Exterior Design

Inside, the bike parking facility offers a bright, safe, and user-friendly environment. The design embraces fluid lines and rounded architectural forms, softened with wooden wall finishes, warm lighting, and a calming palette that ensures intuitive wayfinding. The entrances, clad in dark gray natural stone, create a visual and material connection with the boulevard above. Large glass stairwells invite natural daylight into the interior, maintaining transparency and a sense of safety. Column-free spaces, clear sightlines, and a prominently located manager’s office contribute further to a secure and welcoming atmosphere for cyclists.

Sustainability and Nature-Inclusive Design

Beyond mobility, the IJboulevard is a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure design. The facility uses low-energy systems, durable materials, and innovative ecological strategies that extend into the surrounding water. Features such as bio huts, coconut mats, porous concrete, and wooden structures around underwater pile supports provide habitats for fish and aquatic plants, actively encouraging biodiversity within the river ecosystem. By integrating these nature-inclusive solutions, the project not only supports cycling culture but also contributes to the ecological health of the IJ River.

A Model for Future Cities

With its 4270 m² of built area, the IJboulevard Underwater Bike Parking demonstrates how urban infrastructure can go beyond utility to become public space, ecological intervention, and cultural landmark. By uniting mobility, sustainability, and placemaking, VenhoevenCS and their partners have set a new standard for climate-resilient and people-oriented city design.

All Photographs are works of Ossip van Duivenbode