De Ontmoeting

De Ontmoeting is a church building in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, designed by architect Piet Zanstra during Slotermeer’s postwar expansion. Its brick walls support distinctive concrete vaults.

Zanstra planned the complex for worship, education and community life. The main church hall occupies the upper floor, above a multifunctional ground level.

White concrete columns stand against the brick exterior, while the column-free interior creates an open hall. A large glass section connects the upper façade with the street.

The roof vaults follow the street axis and form a clear landmark within Slotermeer’s low-rise landscape. The building once carried the name De Hoeksteen before becoming De Ontmoeting.

Dick Elffers added several artworks, including a green concrete sculpture above the entrance. The sculpture represents six-winged seraphim, although its forms can also suggest fish or birds.

Colourful glass appliqué works line the church hall’s side aisles. Elffers depicted the rivers of paradise on the west side and the resurrection of Christ on the east.

De Ontmoeting became a municipal monument together with its artworks in 2018. The building connects Zanstra’s architecture with Slotermeer’s social history and community needs.