Amazon Sets Up Shop in Former Dutch Prison

Well, isn't this ironic? Amazon Web Services just debuted slick new offices...inside a former prison! 

The Netherlands' now-closed 19th-century slammer Prison de Koepel has gotten an office space makeover. Out with dingy cells, in with open floorplans.

But some vestiges of the lockup remain. Meeting rooms are ex-cells still bearing their numbers—and panopticon architecture for 360-degree surveillance.  

Of course, the prison vibes sparked lots of snarky comments about Amazon's questionable labour practices.

Between Ring home cams, Alexa eavesdropping, and overworked warehouse staff, Amazon is known for its surveillance and control. Is the pot calling the kettle black?

Still, de Koepel's managers tout the innovative campus they're building by mingling startups, students, and cultural activities, not just a corporate chain gang.

Sure, the prison connection's eyebrow-raising. But Amazon's new Dutch digs could end up fostering creativity instead of doing hard times.