Clay pavers add colour to Amsterdam's Noordplein

Playful square design combines vibrant clay pavers with greenery, water and functionality.

A lively and inviting city square has been created at the Noord metro station in Amsterdam, which not only functions as a transport hub but also as an attractive place to spend time. Designed by Simon Sprietsma and commissioned by the municipality of Amsterdam, this square forms an important part of the north-south metro line's terminus and the nearby district office.

What immediately catches the eye when you approach the square is the unique paving. SeptimA DF Amarant and Vanilla clay pavers were chosen, laid in an original chequerboard pattern and placed in an elbow pattern. ‘The biggest design challenge was to create a single square and not give each zone a different colour or pattern,’ emphasises Simon Sprietsma. These choices and the execution have been very successful. The colourful carpet creates a friendly and playful character, exactly as the design intended. The vibrant colour and unsanded texture of these pavers not only give the square a warm appearance, but also ensure a lasting, well-maintained look, even with intensive use.

The central part of the square is decorated with green areas in elliptical patterns, equipped with natural stone seating edges and a fountain, which together form an organic interplay of lines. Around the square, there are restaurants, a supermarket and a spacious bicycle parking facility. Under the viaduct, there is space for taxis and short-term parking, combining functionality with aesthetics.

The choice of Vande Moortel clay pavers was not only motivated by their durability and colour fastness, but also by their aesthetic added value. In combination with the other materials, they form a harmonious whole. The elements at the intersections of the roll layers are made of granite, the seating edges and kerbstones are made of natural stone, and round sawn wood was also used for the round tree benches.

The planting – in particular the plane trees and perennial borders designed by green expert Climmy Schneider – contributes to a green, urban oasis feeling in a busy transport hub.

With this project, Amsterdam proves that even infrastructural spaces can be transformed into high-quality, inviting places to stay thanks to a playful use of form and materials.

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