FOUNDING STORY
When we walked into IBM's typewriter factory, which had been abandoned for more than a decade, 10 years ago, we had no idea that this place would become what it is today. A desolate concrete block in a sleepy part of town that, according to many Amsterdammers, was out of the way. It is now a leading and vibrant place that attracts people. We didn't know then that we would get thousands of members. That we would become the largest padel club in Amsterdam. And even develop a residential area. The only thing we knew then was that we didn't see square meters, but growth. Growth without an end goal. Unlimited. Organic. A place where ideas and initiatives can flourish and where people will find each other. We have big plans and dreams. But fortunately, we have no idea where we will be in 10 years.
That it's here... we know that for sure.
After its launch in 2014, the second building (B.2) was added to the B. concept in 2016, followed by the third building (B.3) in 2017. We call the buildings B.1, B.2, and B.3. In total, B. now consists of 40,000 m² for offices, workspaces, and events, and 24,000 m² of smart city hub, which has space for logistics companies and urban farming, for example.
We refer to our more than 250 different tenants as members, because we offer more than just a place to work. There are many lounges and common areas where you can bump into other members or meet new people.
Every building is unique and has a different energy and history. An industrial building that's over 50 years old, a failed project from 10 years ago that we've put new energy into, and the third building, with influences from Japan and the fashion industry.
B. Amsterdam was one of the first coworking concepts in the Netherlands. A placemaker for the Riekerpolder as an attractive place to establish a business.
The B refers to the bee or beehive, which is seen worldwide as an indicator of our ecosystem. If bees are doing badly, then our environment is doing badly. It is no coincidence that the B in the logo of IBM, the original owner of the building, was also a bee. This logo was still visible on the building.
The B. stands for 'plan B' instead of 'plan A'; doing things differently than usual. The B. can also stand for 'business' or 'building'. We don't really care which explanation is chosen. B. Amsterdam has become a household name and often serves (also internationally) as an example for building a successful community. And we are proud of that.
MANIFESTO
We knew that immediately when we first stood here. We built B. Amsterdam on that feeling. On ambitions and dreams. On impossible ideas. On ideas that are just beginning, that grow and that change everything.
From startups, scaleups, and corporations. Ideas from founders, employees, and sole traders. From tech pioneers and world improvers. From dancing copywriters and singing cleaners. From those who visited us briefly and those with whom we have grown close. On ideas that grow organically and color outside the lines. That proliferate.
On the idea that being different should be normal. And that this brings like-minded people together. We are built on the idea that people shape places and places shape people. That you should be able to make a place your own. And that when you allow others in, you grow. That you can fall and get back up here, but above all, that you celebrate successes here. And that this success tastes better when you can celebrate it together. On the idea that work is better when it doesn't feel like work. That you feel the space to dream here. That it's going to happen for you here. In the short or long term.
Here, everything is malleable, movable, and breakable. Based on the idea that this place is never finished. That we are never done making this place what it is, because it is always in motion. We are built on the idea that all of this is only possible in this place. On the idea that this piece of Amsterdam is ours. Is for you. This must be the place.
That principle has been woven into B. since day one. "If the building isn't in the city, we have to create a city in a building," said the founders. Ten years later, that is exactly what B. has become: a place where work, relaxation, and community flow effortlessly into one another. From restaurants to sports facilities and everything in between. And once you've discovered all that, it's time to meet your neighbors. Because at B., you'll never run out of things to do.
On the rooftop of B.1, you will find Bureau: a versatile space that you can rent for meetings, drinks, dinners, and other events. Located on the green roof terrace, it has a light, open atmosphere and views over the city. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, Bureau is also the place to be for the B. club community lunch.
Padel is alive and well at B. Amsterdam. With twelve indoor courts, this is the place for sports and energy. Play with colleagues, find a padel buddy via the community app or come in the evening with friends. Members play for free during off-peak hours and non-members are also welcome. B. Padel brings exercise, fun and connection together under one roof.
At the gym, you work on strength and energy your way. Train on your own, take group classes or challenge yourself in a HIIT or boxing class. The gym is open to everyone and B. members exercise at a discount. An inspiring place to exercise, recharge and get back to work sharp.
Golf, but just a little different. In GoGolf's indoor golf bays, practice your swing with the latest TrackMan simulators or play a match with colleagues. A unique sports experience in the middle of B. Amsterdam, where work, relaxation and fun come together effortlessly.
When you enter B.1, you step into the B. bar. An all-day bar for breakfast and good coffee in the morning, lunch appointments and informal meetings in between, and drinks after work or sports. A regular place to take a break, catch up, and then get back to business.
De Huismeesters bring coffee, lunch and conviviality to B. Amsterdam every day. You'll find them in B.2 and B.3 for a quick to-go or a moment in the lounge. They know your name and make every break feel like a little pick-me-up in your workday.
We also had a brand movie made in which, as it should be, the words "inspiring," "community," and "energy" appear. And another 5 to 10 buzzwords that sound good.
What is important? That you never get bored at B. Make sure you do your work, but don't forget that sitting for eight hours straight isn't good for anyone. That a walk, a game of padel, an appointment with the physiotherapist, or coffee with a colleague can sometimes be more inspiring than most meetings.
Renting from B. means you never have to go far to find new inspiration or energy. Whether it's the 100,000 event visitors who pass through here every year, the opportunity to make your calls on the roof terrace, or the personal training session you plan at the end of the day. You decide what works for you.
B. Amsterdam is run by a team of 18 colleagues. These are the facility managers, community managers, event managers, and the finance and creative departments. At our 40,000 m2, spread over three buildings, you can work, attend events, exercise, eat, drink, and visit the physiotherapist, for example.
Together, we ensure that our members, customers, and partners are satisfied. That we build a company together that we can be proud of. Come by for a chat and see if we can build something together!
