In a bold move, Amazon Web Services has opened a new office space in Haarlem, Netherlands in 2022. What makes this new office unique is the fact that it is housed within the walls of a former prison, known as De Koepel, or “The Haarlem Dome Prison.” The prison, which followed a panopticon design, was in operation from 1901 to 2016 and has since seen a variety of temporary uses, including sheltering Syrian migrants. Now, the third floor of the former prison has been converted into office spaces for Amazon, with communal desks available for individuals.
A recent viral TikTok video, posted an Amazon employee, showcased the innovative use of the former prison cells as meeting rooms, complete with office furniture and Amazon branding. The video has sparked discussions online about Amazon’s controversial working conditions and surveillance practices, with the irony of operating within a former prison not lost on social media users.
The panopticon-style design of the De Koepel prison, intended to keep prisoners unaware of whether or not they were being watched, has drawn attention due to Amazon’s history of surveillance controversies, including privacy violations and reports of Ring camera workers spying on customers. The former prison houses not only Amazon’s office space but also banking and investment companies, as well as cultural activities and study spaces for students.
Valerie Vallenduuk, the Director of Operations for Cupola XS, which manages the new office spaces, highlighted the diverse activities taking place within the former prison, from tech campus development to cultural events. Representatives for Amazon and de Koepel have not yet commented on the unconventional office location.
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