In 2002, Bob Pinedo knew he needed a place where cancer researchers would come together. They were doing very well, but everyone was working independently from each other without much contact with one another. Pinedo figured, if I put everyone together in one building, they will start communicating and have an even better research output. He knew there was no space for such a building on the VUmc campus, but determined to move forward with his plan, he inquired whether the building could not be perched over the water.
Getting his way
“Can we go have a look now?” asked Pinedo as he called up the contactor. Looking at the body of water, the contractor, a tall man, walked from beginning to end “180 steps, so it should be possible”. Only his wife and former personal assistant Joke knew about the plan. So, in secret, he requested the quote to have the building built over the water. The original plans were to use 12 meter deep supporting beams, but as the ground proved too weak, beams had to be expanded to 25 meters deep. Now they had the space, the quote, a 5 year permit, now they needed the money. First 5 million, later 10, and even that was made possible.
The move
In 2006, the CCA building was finally completed. From this point, they had a 5 year permit for the building, after this, it was to be removed. Now, nearly 20 years later, the time has actually come. The researchers who were once housed in the CCA building have mostly all moved to the new Research and Diagnostic Center Adore. When the building will be removed exactly is to be determined.
Bob, wife Rita and former personal assistant Joke in RDC Adore
Final words
Bob Pinedo expressed his gratitude to everyone leading Cancer Center Amsterdam currently, and explicitly his successor Geert Kazemier, for saving the statue that was revealed during the opening of the CCA building. At the time the minister of health Hans Hoogervorst, and Dries van de Beek, former board member of CCA Foundation, revealed the statue made to honor Bob Pinedo. “A complete surprise” agreed Bob and his former personal assistant Joke van Diemen.
The statue will moved to the new Research and Diagnostic Center Adore