The Nieuwendammerdijk has a very special new air quality measurement station. Residents can see at a glance how clean (or dirty) the air is in their neighborhood. This is the first station in Amsterdam where you can read the air quality directly from outside.
A lamp on the roof changes color – from blue (good) to purple (very bad) – showing the status of air quality. There are also large dials indicating how much fine dust, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone are currently in the air.
What are we actually breathing in?
Amsterdam residents breathe in about 10,000 liters of air every day. If the air is unhealthy, we often do not notice it immediately – but it does have consequences. The life expectancy of Amsterdam residents is on average one year shorter due to poor air quality. Especially children, the elderly, and people with vulnerable health are at risk.
That is why this station, like 10 others in the city, continuously measures air quality. It is part of the network of the GGD Amsterdam. The measurement data can also be found on luchtmeetnet.nl, but only at the Nieuwendammerdijk can you read the measurement data directly from the building.
Architectural marvel
The air quality measurement station is not only functional but also a striking appearance. The design is inspired by the Temple of the Winds in Athens and the wooden dike houses of the Nieuwendammerdijk. The building is entirely made of natural, sustainable materials and is named after the Greek wind gods: the Anemoi.
This design was made possible by a financial contribution from the Cultural Fund/Fonds ONB for Architecture and Building, the GGD, and the municipality of Amsterdam.
Working together for clean air
The air quality measurement station fits within the broader policy of the municipality of Amsterdam to make the air cleaner and the city healthier. Amsterdam is actively working for cleaner air with measures such as emission-free zones for polluting vehicles and boats, stricter environmental zones, promoting electric transport, and addressing wood burning.