Amsterdam is growing, changing and innovating. The Makerstoren is rising in the western district of Sloterdijk: a pioneering project that sets a new standard for the creative sector. With high-quality workspace, flexible studio space and even temporary housing, the Makerstoren offers a future-oriented creative workplace in Amsterdam. We spoke to initiator Ian Gray about his vision for space, visibility and the role of creators in the urban landscape.
Maker visibility
“I’ve always wondered why industrial areas often feel so grey and uninspiring,” says Ian Gray. “In the past, the craftwork of creators was part of the everyday street scene. People saw craftsmanship in action: carpenters, graphic designers, technicians, artists. Nowadays, these creative professions are often banished to anonymous industrial estates on the outskirts of the city.”
According to Gray, this is not only a shame, but also detrimental to the creative ecosystem.“Makers need visibility – not only to showcase their work, but also to connect with others and gain new ideas. That is why the Makerstoren has been designed as a transparent, vibrant workspace where production, presentation and interaction go hand in hand.”
More than just a workspace
The Makerstoren is not just any building. It embodies a vision of how working, living and socialising can merge into a dynamic urban concept. “We didn’t just want to create studio space, but also a liveable environment,” explains Gray. “That’s why we’ve also included temporary accommodation in the concept, specifically for makers and artists who are staying in Amsterdam temporarily or working on projects.”
Also unique is its vertical layout. While creative workspaces are often realised in low-rise or old factory buildings, the Makerstoren deliberately opts for height. "In a city like Amsterdam, where ground-floor space is scarce, we need to be creative. Why should high-rise buildings only be for offices or expensive flats? We are building a tower for creativity - for makers."
Sloterdijk as a breeding ground
That the Makerstoren is in Sloterdijk is no coincidence. Gray calls the area an "incubator for renewal." The former office district is undergoing a major transformation, with space for living, working and relaxing. "Sloterdijk is raw, spacious and has guts. Exactly what the creative sector needs."
The location is also practical: easily accessible by public transport, close to the city centre, but with enough space to think big. "What attracts me most is the energy here. You feel ambition, innovation and positivity here. We also want to radiate that with the Makerstoren."
Read more about developments in Amsterdam Sloterdijk here on the City of Amsterdam’s project page.
Creativity as a collective process
A key premise of the Makerstoren is to encourage collaboration between different disciplines. Gray: "We believe that innovation happens at the interfaces of disciplines. If you put a fashion designer next to a metalworker, or an architect next to a game developer, unexpected ideas and collaborations emerge."
The tower will therefore feature shared workshops, meeting spaces, presentation spaces and a community lounge. "It's about more than just four walls to work in. It's an ecosystem where knowledge, inspiration and networking come together."
Progressive and future-proof
Finally, Gray emphasises that the Makerstoren also aims to set an example in the field of sustainability. “We are building with an eye to the future. That means energy efficiency, circular materials and a healthy working environment. A creative workspace should not only inspire, but also be responsible.”
He sees the Makerstoren as the answer to the question of how the creative sector can continue to develop within an urban context. “We believe in a future in which makers are visible, valued and well supported. The Makerstoren is a place where this becomes possible.”
IAN GRAY / INITIATOR AND CO-FOUNDER