At the time, several Dutch cities were nominated for made of perforated copper plates, and inner facades the accommodation of a science centre. For instance, the made of glass. A brick plinth connects the tunnel's state committee which was set up to tackle this question construction with the building. The application of came up with Rotterdam as the best location. However, the final decision proved to be in favour of the head of the IJ Tunnel at Amsterdam's Oosterdok. From a civil engineering point of view, the chosen site is probably the most complex and demanding of all options. The project's complexity also renders it a challenging and spectacular one. IMPULS will be opened in the spring of 1997.

The visitors of IMPULS will be presented in various ways with contemporary and future developments in the fields of science, technology and industry. The building's floor space amounts to 11,600 square meters. The number of visitors is estimated at 600,000 to 800,000 per year. IMPULS was financed by public-private cooperation. The whole project is costed at 86 million Dutch guilders.

During the 1970s the dock industry worldwide underwent serious changes, and in many river cities the awareness grew that the mostly historic waterfront was in need of a new function and destination. Many cities think of waterfront renewal as a stimulus for economic renewal favouring the nearby city centre.

Amsterdam's waterfront, the IJ Banks, is also subject to considerable change. As shipping activities have left or have been transferred to areas west of the city centre, various obsolete dock areas along the IJ can now be redeveloped as residential and working areas. The urban planning for the Oosterdok area resulted in a destination of 'museological waterpark'.

Between the city centre and the IJ are a number of islands connected via a railway dyke. The situation of the railway dyke is seen as an almost insurmountable barrier, and seems to hinder a renewed union of city centre and IJ Banks. In this respect, the Oosterdok can and should play an important role: IMPULS will be a vital link between the city centre and the IJ. IMPULS is expected to prove a catalyst for other projects in the area. The projects around the IJ Tunnel Pier, the new Langedoksbrug (Long Dock Bridge), the Nautical Quarter, and IMPULS, will turn Oosterdok into a new route between the city and the IJ along the IJ Tunnel.

The design for IMPULS was made by the Italian architect Renzo Piano. The building has slanted outer facades made of perforated copper plates, and inner facades made of glass. A brick plinth connects the tunnel's construction with the building. The application of materials fits in with that of the older buildings in Amsterdam's city centre.

In the future, the roof of IMPULS will provide its visitors with a spectacular view of the Oosterdok, the historic city and the IJ. From the tunnel pier it is possible to walk onto the building via the sloping roof or lift.