A'DAM Toren, Amsterdam

A'DAM Toren is the tall tower beside the IJ, reaching about 100 metres into the Amsterdam skyline. Arthur Staal designed it in 1966 for Shell, and it was known for many years as the Shell tower. Look at the building’s strong diagonal relationship with its base: that arrangement explains its earlier name, Toren Overhoeks.

After a renovation lasting two years, the building reopened in 2016 as A'DAM Toren. It now combines offices with restaurants, a hotel, nightlife, and the A'DAM Lookout observation deck. The tower’s transformation included a new façade with gold-coated glazing.

At the summit, the lookout has swings that carry visitors beyond the edge; they are described as the highest in Europe. The building was designed by Arthur Staal, while its later redesign was carried out by Claus en Kaan Architecten together with OeverZaaijer.