A warm welcome, delicious food, and local art await those who head to Amsterdam Zuidoost. Breathing new life into the city’s Heesterveld neighbourhood, Bar Oma Ietje is constructed from colourful shipping containers and is rejuvenating an entire community with its radiant energy.
Located at a previously overlooked complex in what is well known as a creative community, an incubator, studio apartments, student housing, exhibition space, and café have all been introduced to make the location more accessible and visible as well as bolstering the population. Designed by OPEN architects, the Heesterveld complex not only underwent structural enhancements, it also welcomed a mix of residents and activities, transforming it into a dynamic hub for innovation and social engagement.
The community focal point is the bustling art café, which is located just 50 meters from Bullewijk metro station and is the perfect place to enjoy coffee and cake in one of the city’s most creative locales.
The use of sea containers not only accelerated the project’s execution, it added an element of eco-consciousness; the containers accessible, adaptable and uncomplicated. With its sculptural and colourful, eye-catching design, Oma Ietje has become some what of a prominent spot in Heesterveld, with students, co-workers and friends hanging out to socialise, work and everything in between.
Whether rocking up for a slice of cake or something bigger — like the house speciality the ‘Oma Ietjes meatball with lettuce, mustard and bread’ — with friendly service, like-minded creatives and seriously fun vibes, this once overlooked spot is now a blueprint for how inner-city communities can thrive through creativity.
@omaietje.amsterdam
@openarchitects.nl
Oma Ietje Amsterdam Zuidoost Photpography, Wim Hanenberg / Architectuurfotograaf Rob van Esch.
