Drawing the Ground - Landscape Urbanism Today : the Work of Palmbout Urban Landscapes 9783034612074, 3034612079

Table of contents :
Frontmatter --
Contents --
The New Land: THE WORK OF PALMBOUT URBAN LANDSCAPES --
Drawing the ground, layering time --
PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE THE LANDSCAPE. REGIONAL SCALE --
FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH. URBAN EXPANSIONS --
CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY. NEW RESIDENTIAL AREAS --
DIGGING THE FUTURE. INTERVENTIONS IN THE EXISTING CITY --
REDRAWING UTOPIA. POSTWAR AREAS --
EMBEDDING MOBILITY. INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SPACE --
APPENDIX.

Citation preview

DRAWING THE GROUND – LANDSCAPE URBANISM TODAY

DRAWING THE GROUND – LANDSCAPE URBANISM TODAY THE WORK OF PALMBOUT URBAN LANDSCAPES

Birkhäuser Basel

Translation from Dutch into English: Don Mader, Rotterdam Design: Muriel Comby, Basel Editing: Frits Palmboom, Sabien Thomaes, Joeke Stoeckart, Charley Kieboom, Judith van Puffelen Library of Congress Control Number: 2010926998 Bibliographic information published by the German National Library The German National Library lists this publication in the Deutsche Nationalbibliografie; detailed bibliographic data are available on the Internet at http://dnb.d-nb.de.

This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, re-use of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in other ways, and storage in databases. For any kind of use, permission of the copyright owner must be obtained.

© 2010 Birkhäuser GmbH Basel P.O. Box 133, CH-4010 Basel, Switzerland Printed on acid-free paper produced from chlorine-free pulp. TCF∞ Printed in Spain ISBN: 978-3-0346-0263-1 987654321 www.birkhauser-architecture.com

29

115

THE NEW LAND:

DIGGING THE FUTURE

The Work of PALMBOUT Urban Landscapes

Interventions in the existing city Buizengat, Vlaardingen 118 Belvédère, Maastricht 128 Parkstad, Rotterdam South 138 Nieuw-Zurenborg, Antwerp 144

by Aaron Betsky

33

DRAWING THE GROUND, LAYERING TIME 151

by Frits Palmboom

REDRAWING UTOPIA 45

Postwar areas Lijnbaan Quarter and Courts, Rotterdam Staalmanpleinbuurt, Amsterdam 162

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE Regional scale Zuidplaspolder 48 Wieringerrandmeer 56

171

EMBEDDING MOBILITY 63

Infrastructure and public space Railway Zone, Ede East 174 Station District, Middelburg 180 Beach Boulevard, Zandvoort 188

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH Urban Expansions IJburg, Amsterdam 66 Ypenburg, The Hague 80

195

APPENDIX

91

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY New residential areas Parkwijk Leidsche Rijn, Utrecht Saksen Weimar, Arnhem 102 Zevenaar East 108

94

List of Projects 196 Bibliography and Exhibitions About the Authors 207 List of Staff 207 Illustration Credits 208

203

154

IJBURG, AMSTERDAM

6

IJBURG, AMSTERDAM

7

STADSWERVEN, DORDRECHT

8

WAALSPRONG, NIJMEGEN

9

RAILWAY ZONE EDE EAST, EDE

10

WESTFLANK HAARLEMMERMEER

11

WESTFLANK HAARLEMMERMEER

12

WESTFLANK HAARLEMMERMEER

13

RAILWAY TUNNEL STUDY, DELFT

14

AMBY SOUTH-EAST, MAASTRICHT

15

BUITENHOF, GRONINGEN

16

BUIZENGAT, VLAARDINGEN

17

AMBY SOUTH-EAST, MAASTRICHT

18

IJBURG, AMSTERDAM

19

ROERDELTA, ROERMOND

20

STADSWERVEN, DORDRECHT

21

STUDY FOR STACKED DWELLINGS

22

BELVEDERE, MAASTRICHT

23

STADSWERVEN, DORDRECHT

24

RAILWAY TRACKS STUDY, ABCOUDE

25

BUIZENGAT, VLAARDINGEN

26

BROAD SCHOOL, BREDENE

27

ZANDWETERING, DEVENTER

28

The New Land: THE WORK OF PALMBOUT URBAN LANDSCAPES BY AARON BETSKY

In the centre of Ypenburg, a new exurban commun-

hood stands in the water. Small remnants of what

whose carefully calibrated geometries and low-

ity of 11,000 homes to the east of the Netherlands’

used to be there – trees, farms, an old road – thread

slung forms do form the basis for a particular form of

administrative capitol, The Hague, a long canal runs

through all the new construction.

all-over urbanism. Instead of cities and hinterlands,

past block after block of row houses. Powerful as a

Ypenburg is a brand-new place that has instant

or even of urban cores and suburbs, there is a pat-

space, it is also an interruption in that rhythm of hab-

character. It has clearly understandable major ele-

tern of polders that over time have become urban-

itations that leads you on to the community’s central

ments, a varied, but clearly related body of buildings,

ised and the resulting grid of streets and potential

areas, where taller apartment blocks greet the boule-

places that create community, and a sense of a con-

building plots that, again over time, become filled

vard arriving from the city centre. There, a large new

nection to the past. In all of these ways, it feels like

with different uses in a process the Dutch call “spa-

pond lets the community reflect itself. Ypenburg

one of the most coherent answers to the facelessness

tial arrangement.” It is an orderly manner of creating

takes its place among the sprawling landscape of the

and incoherence of urban sprawl. It is perhaps the

form that is multi-nodal, mixed in its uses and flex-

Dutch heartland, offering a clear and recognisable

most accomplished project designed according to

ible. It is, in other words, a rationalised form of sprawl.

node.

the principles set out by one of the Netherlands’ best

Those row houses that make up the meat of the

urban design firms, Palmbout Urban Landscapes.

It is in and for this landscape that Palmbout Urban Landscapes designs. They do so by starting

development are not uniform; they splay and split,

For this firm, it all starts with the landscape. That

with what they call nature, which is actually the his-

run up into the air and hug the ground, thus making

is ironic, given that the land in the Netherlands,

torically accreted assembly of land created as much

you understand the nature of such buildings. Though

where all of Palmbout’s built work is located, is as

by technology as by geology. In Palmboom’s 1987

forming a pattern, the designs emphasise now the

much created by humans, as it is a fact of nature.

book, “Rotterdam, verstedelijkt landschap” ( Rotter-

roof, now the wall, and now individual elements. You

Nature, in the most densely populated part of the

dam Urbanized Landscape), he outlines the layering

know where you are and yet understand you are part

Netherlands, is inchoate. It is a mass of water, swamp

of the landscape, which is “resistant,” the street pat-

of a whole. Beyond this neighbourhood, variety in-

and bog that only rises into solid ground in islands

tern that reflects ongoing urbanisation and spatial

creases. One whole district consists of brightly col-

or in the country’s western provinces. “ Water is the

arrangement, and the modern traffic “machine.”

oured individual homes, as if the row houses have

boss,” Frits Palmboom is fond of saying, but this also

Palmboom treats the first of these as happenstance,

been snipped apart and strewn across a block that is

means that the firm’s most basic fact is the very anti-

a kind of chaos that comes from the mixture of kinds

now a mixture of communal and private gardens.

thesis of habitation and urbanisation.

of soil, the presence of both buried and existing wa-

Larger perimeter buildings enclose communal gar-

Somehow, the Dutch have, over almost a millen-

ter systems ( rivers, creeks, ponds and bogs ), and

dens with enveloping gestures. Another neighbour-

nium, managed to create a human-made landscape

the potential always for water to wipe all of this out

29

THE NEW LAND: THE WORK OF PALMBOUT URBAN LANDSCAPES

with one giant flood. The second is a system of con-

trained observer, and it is this skill that has become

that it is a landscape form that they have transformed

trol that floats over, but also is a response to, that in-

one of their greatest contributions to Dutch urban-

or appropriated. It is a useful void that gives coher-

choate form. It is the reality of space as humans inhab-

ism. Other designers, most notably Adriaan Geuze,

ence. Both the backbone and the “ big move” are

it and experience it. The third is a deus ex machina,

have been brilliant at evoking and describing the

direct translations of the landscape in which they

creating the new reality of sprawl around urban

nature of the Dutch landscape and its relation to hu-

work, rather than impositions on that land.

nodes and spreading out into dispersed elements

man habitation, but Palmbout makes that landscape

Occasionally, Palmbout uses a larger void or big

whose alien scale and geometry creates discontinu-

instantly legible. The axonometric drawings let the

space as part of their printing plate. It is, however,

ities within the urban environment. It is up to design-

viewer understand the elements simultaneously, and

usually a remnant of that “resistant nature” and only

ers to find ways to integrate all three aspects of the

turn them into a kit of parts the designers ( and the

rarely central to their scheme. In Leidsche Rijn, an

landscape into an understandable, flexible and liv-

viewer ) can imagine arranging in any number of

archaeological field containing remains that had to

able whole – what the Dutch used to call, before

ways. For Palmbout, the design process starts here,

remain accessible becomes what seems like a cen-

technological determinism acquired a bad reputa-

and this interpretative strategy is fundamental in set-

tral park, except that most of the circulation moves

tion, the “makeable landscape.”

ting the character of the overall project.

around it. The linear canal of the Middelburg scheme

Palmbout has since put this theory into practice.

From this analysis, the designers then deduce a

also turns into a void that serves as a forecourt to the

In doing so, they depend, as Palmboom explains in

series of moves or space-defining elements. By now,

new, monumentally scaled buildings the designers

his essay for this volume, on the layering of four ele-

those have developed into a menu of tools that recur

proposed. In IJburg, the void is the water all around

ments: the frame, the “printplaat,” or printing plate,

in many designs. They include, first, the backbone.

the new islands they designed. It acts as a nature pre-

a three-dimensional version of the plan, the building

This is usually a road ( as in their plan for Zandvoort,

serve and makes the new development more valu-

envelope, and the idiom, which gives character or

where the road is a subtle layering of different paving

able through the views and isolation it provides. In

identity to the place.

patterns that creates both a linear movement and

Maastricht, the void is a hill that lets one contemplate

The first of these tools is the most abstract, and

places for parking or resting, or in Palmboom’s early

the whole area. The big space is a way to understand

consists of the overall geological, technological and

project in Prinsenland ), a canal ( in their plan for the

and know space particular to human habitation.

even social context. For Palmbout it is always a his-

outskirts of Gouda, or in Middelburg, where the water

Beyond such big moves, most of Palmbout’s

torical artifact, as it is the result of the layering of all

is an existing canal they emphasised, rather than

schemes consist of simple, gridded streets, often

these givens into a reality that the designer must first

treating it as a hiatus in the city ), or even a former

defined by perimeter construction and containing

pull apart, analyse and describe. The first act of any

landing strip turned into a combination of both of

internal courtyards. It is the careful inclusion of pre-

plan is exactly that of understanding what the place

these, as in Ypenburg. This is usually their big move,

existing conditions that gives variety and life to this

is, how it got to be there, and what its parameters

the one thing that creates a moment of coherence

geometric abstraction. In fact, the grid is itself usu-

might be. That is an act not only of research, but also

that is not so much visible as a built form, or actually

ally a recall of an existing human artifact, namely the

of drawing. The firm uses their seemingly loose

a fixed point, but is rather a linear datum along which

manner in which the land came into being through

sketches to make the logic and contours of these

one travels or to which one can refer as one moves

the creation of perimeter dykes, drainage ditches and

different existent conditions visible to even an un-

through the whole area. What is most important is

the meadows existing within those mechanisms of

30

THE NEW LAND: THE WORK OF PALMBOUT URBAN LANDSCAPES

water removal. The inconsistencies of development

It is here that I believe one can see the designers’

It is here that urban design and architecture must in-

based on such original parameters create a variety

roots in the period after the revolt against modern-

tersect, and Palmbout is no different than most firms

the designers as often than not clarify at the same

ism that swept over the Netherlands in the 1970s

in its proposals for form. Certainly, it does not sup-

time that they accentuate it, as when Palmboom, in

and led to the nostalgic recreation of old-fashioned

port the sort of open-ended play of possible relation-

the Prinsenland plan, designed a central road rough-

building forms, including tight streets with row hous-

ships Kees Christiaanse of KCAP has made into his

ly parallel to the existing small country lane that had

es, gabled buildings and even the use of brick and

trademark, nor does it offer the computer-generated

once served as the area’s major circulation route.

slate. Palmboom, van den Bout and Ruitenbeek were

complexity of possible volumes MVRDV might pro-

In the firm’s more recent work, in which they have

all educated at the Technical University of Delft by

pose. In contrast to such fellow Rotterdam-based

found themselves operating in the plan develop-

teachers who had come out of this revolution, and

firms, Palmbout is rather definite in its proposals,

ments of the 1950s and 1960s, the grid is of a larger

had enough distance from the debate to be able

though it does start from the same disregard of

and more abstract scale, and it is evident that Palm-

to accept both the critique of modernism and the

programme as a generator (“ Fuck the programme,”

bout is more critical of this framework, while appre-

tradition against which postmodernism revolted.

Christiaanse is wont to say; Palmboom leaves it with

ciating its clarity and open character. In their plans

With teachers such as Max Risselada, who famous-

the “programme as alibi”). In Palmbout’s proposal

for the western suburbs of Amsterdam and for the

ly contrasted and accepted the value of both the plan

for the Lijnbaan in Rotterdam, the new volumes are

Lijnbaan district of Rotterdam, their “printing plate”

libre by Le Corbusier and the more enclosure-based

generic objects they render with blue foam, rising up

consists of the acceptance of this context, which

Raumplan by Adolf Loos, they were the first genera-

dutifully to the north and cutting the towers down in

they then shave, fill in, break up and close down

tion for whom modernism and its precedents were

places to allow sun to penetrate the open courtyards.

where they deem these operations to be appropriate.

both part of a useful landscape. The resulting ability

Palmbout does not stop there, however. It adds a

The result is a version of the landscape they found

to accept all modes of space- and settlement-making

last layer to their design proposals ( when the client

that is smaller in scale and more particulate.

and use them as they see fit sets Palmbout apart

gives them that possibility ): that of “idiom,” by which

Though the partners were trained as modernists,

from most of the other landscape-based urban de-

the designers mean a certain character to the overall

it is clear to me that the firm’s inclination as often as

sign firms that now receive most of the commissions

proposal. As I noted above, these designers have a

not is to follow the original drainage and patterns

for Dutch planning.

predilection for more traditional forms, but rarely do

and other elements that have deeper historic roots,

Beyond the “printing plate,” with all of its formal

they propose the sort of backward-looking elements

and to create something more akin to villages than to

and associative structures, Palmbout then tries to

that might affirm the known over an open-ended fu-

abstract accumulations of apartment blocks. The

set, when they have that option, the outlines of the

ture. Instead, they have recourse to the same tool

creation of enclaves is therefore one of their most

buildings that will fill out their plans. In most tradi-

with which they start their design efforts, namely the

common “printing plate” proposals. In the Lijnbaan,

tional planning exercises, this is the final result. Site

framework. At the end of the process, however, this

they close the blocks and extend existing, low-scale

analysis, the composition of plan elements and the

grid is a very definite and specific one. It is a kind of

structures to create such spaces, while in Zevenaar

weighing of issues such as programmatic density,

scaffolding they hang in front of buildings to create a

and in the Plan Belvédère in Maastricht they delib-

site coverage, views and daylight, all lead to the ab-

layer where public and private meet. In the Belvédère

erately define such inward-turned areas.

stract accumulation of differently disposed volumes.

project in Maastricht, the grid consists of a fairly

31

THE NEW LAND: THE WORK OF PALMBOUT URBAN LANDSCAPES

deep recess containing balconies and entrances. In

It is out of these elements – framework, printing

In the firm’s best work, such as the Ypenburg project,

their proposal for the Staalman Square Neighbour-

plate, building envelope and idiom – that Palmbout

the result is a new community that has a clear

hood in Amsterdam’s western suburbs, the skin

creates what Palmboom calls its “spatial art.” The

character, anchored in the land on which it is being

serves mainly to create a scale that is at once human

contribution it makes in this manner to the discipline

constructed, but open and strong enough to allow

and understandable in terms of the function each of

of urban design is not just the creation of a logical

future generations to develop and fill it in along the

the elements has ( door, window, structure ) and as a

method that can stand as an alternative, on the one

scaffolding Palmbout has erected.

way of making the overall order visible and concrete.

hand, to the abstract allocation of programme and

For now, Palmbout’s contribution is, more than

In some cases, e. g. in the Maastricht plan, Palm-

technological determinism of modernist practices

anything else, methodological. Its evocative sketch-

bout can carry its control even further, proposing

and, on the other hand, to the open-ended, value-

es, which dissect the layers inherent in a landscape

refinements in the way in which public space will be

free games in which some of their more radical com-

so that we can understand them, and then extrapo-

fitted out that serve as a dispersed, but highly tac-

patriots engage. It is also that they are able to create

late those elements into possible future forms, are

tile version of the character-giving framework. There

these real and immediate connections between hu-

among the clearest tools of analytic planning I know.

the transition between different horizontal surfac-

man beings, landscape and society.

Its use of humanistic design principles shorn of over-

es, the benches on which one can sit, the lighting

What Palmbout does above all else is to call urban

ly romantic illusions, and its ability to work within the

standards and the details of every edge all serve to

design back to the land. It is the messy and perhaps

current constellation of more or less free develop-

tie the whole together in a manner that responds to

even chaotic reality of the ground we inhabit and

ment to implement logical proposals to guide con-

the way in which human beings will experience this

on which we erect our human society that interests

struction or reconstruction shows how one can work

space.

them at every level of the design process. It treats

with market forces to produce an outcome that gives

the land not as a romantic fact, but as a historically

form and character to that very impetus. Its under-

begin to recognise a certain expertise in what has

accreted record of natural and human forces that

standing of the central problem of our society, at

traditionally been regarded as the focal point of

create a starting point, a literal and metaphoric ground

least in a physical sense, namely sprawl, and the

It is only when they act at this scale that we might

landscape design, namely the manipulation of vege-

on which and in which to operate. It is not sacrosanct,

menu of options it offers so that we, too, might under-

tative elements and their frameworks in order to cre-

but it also cannot be ignored. It is a potential narra-

stand and do something about that dissolution of

ate spatial differentiation in the natural landscape.

tive that the designers want to bring to life.

human and physical coherence, already has helped

It is in these refinements that Palmbout’s roots

What they end up with is a new and very complex

open a way out of the unplanned growth endemic to

in the humanistic architecture of the 1970s become

version of that same landscape, reconfigured in

most urbanising areas. Finally, its ability to connect

again evident. The aim of their whole design pro-

such a way that its constituent elements are more

such large issues to the eye and the hand through

cess is to bring the large-scale developments down

visible and more usable. The big gestures, the formal

drawing and in the specifics of its plan proposals

to these moments where the human body can under-

manipulations large and small, the collage of differ-

makes all us able to find a place in that alien land of

stand its relationship with both the setting or stage

ent pieces and the relentless drive to a literally

continual transformation.

in which they operate, and the other human beings

graspable reality, all come together to create a new

and the manner in which they act on this stage.

kind of landscape.

32

Drawing the ground, layering time BY FRITS PALMBOOM

Drawing for the city is our profession. We practice it

grees display a relationship with the Dutch delta land-

LANDSCAPE

passionately, and in awe. We are part of a centuries- scape. Over the course of centuries, The Netherlands

What impact does the concept of landscape have on

old tradition which is by definition dynamic and is

has already undergone what is happening there at

drawing the city ?

constantly challenged by new questions. The city

lightning speed today. Transformations have taken

Seen in an historical perspective, the concept of

continuously catalyses our thinking. The city eludes

place layer by layer, usually gradually, but now and

landscape is closely connected with landscape paint-

the pencil and drawing-board.

then in sudden waves. They have influenced the city

ing, the genre within which a rural environment is

Cities become more dense and simultaneously

and landscape in equal degree. The relation be- depicted as a scene, to be surveyed in one glance.

more diffuse, they grow and expand like a carpet over tween land and water plays a key role for both.

The frame of the painting packages it as an entity.

large parts of the earth’s surface. They merge into

In addition, there is the concept of landscape in a

Climate change and the rising sea level place this

complex networks which overrun and transform the

on the agenda with renewed urgency. The connec- geographic sense: a landscape as that part of the

landscape. They form an urbanised landscape that

tions between urbanisation and landscape develop- earth’s surface which displays a coherence on the

is subject to constant transformation. 1

ment are crucial for being able to face up to this task. basis of characteristics that reach far beyond the

A blurring of the boundaries between the disci- It poses new challenges for the practice of urbanism

merely visual. To be sure, landscape architecture

plines of landscape architecture, urbanism and archi- and landscape architecture and increases the rele- has been nourished by the art of painting, but in tecture is the order of the day. Recent arguments for vance of the Dutch experience. landscape urbanism as a new approach are an outgrowth of this. 2

the course of time it has increasingly become orient-

The way of working set forth in this book is close- ed to the landscape as an all-encompassing geoly linked with this situation. Our practice is a labora- graphic fact. It treats the landscape as an entity in

The Netherlands has a long tradition of cross- tory on the interface among urbanism, architecture

which biotic and abiotic processes are expressed,

fertilisation among the disciplines of landscape ar- and landscape architecture. Drawing as a method, and in which processes of occupation, cultivation chitecture, urbanism and architecture. We regard

and the ground as the object of manipulation are

and urbanisation take place. The landscape archi-

ourselves as both heirs and continuing practitioners

central to our work. It is a quest for what landscape

tect influences and guides these processes, and

of this tradition.

urbanism can and must be today. It is an argument

gives shape to them. Both practical demands and

The enormous wave of urbanisation which is sweeping across the world is concentrated in coastal regions and deltas, which to varying de-

33

1. Frits Palmboom, Rotterdam, verstedelijkt landschap, Rotterdam 19 87. 2. Charles Waldheim (ed.), The Landscape Urbanism Reader, New York 2006.

for fostering the architectonic di- aesthetic desires come into play here. This broader mension that lies at the core of an

view of the concept of landscape is a condition for

approach to urbanism through the

being able to enter into a contemporary relationship

landscape.

with urbanism.

DRAWING THE GROUND, LAYERING TIME

A number of qualities of the concept of landscape are

take on fixed forms in landscape

relevant for understanding the contemporary city. structures. It is stubborn because The first quality is its amplitude. The extensive- these solidified structures do no perness of the geographic landscape surpasses the lim- mit themselves to be altered easily, ited and balanced scene within the frame of a paint- and survive their origins. ing. It is hardly surveyable in its entirety; to do so,

Fifth, landscapes are specific

one must be in motion, or travel. The challenge is to

and linked to place. There are a vast

direct the eye to the large scale ( the whole film ) and

number of different kinds of land-

1. G. C. Argan, “The City as a Work of Art”, in: Andreu Arriola, Carme Fiol (eds.) Barcelona, Spaces and Sculptures (1982–1986 ), Barcelona 1987, pp. 29–33: “The historical reality of the city is not catharsis; it is drama.”

To our mind, all these qualities are pre-eminently applicable to the current condition of the city. The city is also a phenomenon of landscape. It can no longer be conceived as an architectonic entity which stands apart from the landscape. In essence, it is an urbanised landscape: extensiv and

not just on the composition of the tableau ( the indi- scapes, which are recognisable as entities and can

fluid, layered, marked by time, unpolished, arising

vidual scene ).

out of a discordant interplay of natural and cultural

be described in typological terms. However, every

A second quality is ambiguity. Countless con- landscape is by definition conjoined to local condi- forces, driven forward by the pragmatism of survival, trasts can exist within a landscape. A landscape is

tions in a specific way. Landscapes are not inter- with occasional flashes of aesthetic aspirations. Eve-

an amalgam of natural and cultural influences. On

changeable or transferable.

the one hand, it is the nursery of the commonplace,

ry intervention has to take its complex layering into

Finally, broadly speaking, landscapes are creat- consideration, to deal with its conflicts and use its

the expression of pragmatism and the art of survival. ed only in part by design. Man is not their source. potential of unexpected combinations and contrasts. He is not the producer of the landscape, but rather

In this perspective, landscape is no longer the in-

that which is beyond comprehension, or overwhelm- a participant in the process by which they come

On the other hand, it is the world of the sublime, of

nocent and idyllic antithesis of the city. Landscape is

ing. That applies not just to the sublime nature of

into being and develop. Even the Dutch landscape, the arena in which natural and cultural forces of all

desert or sea, mountains and primeval forests, but

which is famous as a landscape designed and pro- sorts enter into confrontation. Designers are faced

equally to expressions of human culture: pyramids, duced by human ingenuity par excellence, stands in

with the challenge of intervening in this confronta-

cooling towers or oil refineries, the axes of Versailles

the shadow of the primeval forces of the sea and the

tion and raising it to a visual experience. In it, harmo-

or Washington, Manhattan as a mountain range of

river delta. These are not tamed for ever. They show

ny and conflict will battle for precedence. It is not so

skyscrapers.

a complex and exciting interplay which never comes

much catharsis or reconciliation that commands our

Third, landscape is dynamic, and bears the traces

to a standstill.

attention in this spectacle, but the drama of its historical reality. 1

of time. Landscape is constantly subject to change. It is time, momentarily solidified. Multiple dimensions of

SPACE

time are expressed in it. It is a narrative: it tells stories about its history, about its origins and development.

It is interesting to compare the concept of landscape

Fourth, a landscape is material and stubborn. It

with the vicissitudes of the concept of space, as the

is tangible and physical. It is the result of how land,

latter was invented by the moderns around the turn

water and wind affect one another physically, how

of the previous century. In urban planning, Berlage

they cause and control each other’s movement, and

represented a view in which space was seen as by Different layers of the urbanised landscape simultaneously framed within one view. From: F. Palmboom, Rotterdam, verstedelijkt landschap, 1987.

34

DRAWING THE GROUND, LAYERING TIME

most important spokesman. They opposed the total- Landscape sets the idea of ground and material next ising and equalising pretensions of continuing space

to the idea of space and place. Next to time and oc-

with the personal and time-bound experience of

casion it places the notion of history in the broadest

space. Van Eyck argued that in the mind space was

sense, reaching from geology to today’s news. Land-

perceived and experienced as place, and that in the mind time was perceived and experienced as occasion.3 The point of view shifted from the raFormer dike at IJburg, Amsterdam: man-made and removable construction determines the form of land and water (Diemerzeedijk, 1703 ).

tional and objective to the anthropocentric and personalistic. It opened the windows for cultural and region-

3. V. Ligtelijn and F. Strauven (ed.), Aldo van Eyck, Collected Articles and Other Writings 1947–1998, Amsterdam 2008, p. 471. 4. Alison and Peter Smithson, Urban Structuring, 1960, p. 51.

scape refers to process, to the way in which time, space, material and human activity impact upon one another, how that process solidifies and repeatedly becomes fluid once again. Just as space was the paradigm for modernism from the 1920s to the

definition enclosed and limited. For him, urban space

al diversity, and fixed attention on

exists by the grace of the architecture which enfolds

the particular and specific. Urban design tore itself

it. Architecture is regarded as the coating of urban

free from the utopian-tinted tabula rasa approach. paradigmatic significance for us. It makes it possible

space. He followed the adage of A. E. Brinckmann,

Within Team X, Alison and Peter Smithson went

“Städtebauen heißt: mit dem Hausmaterial Raum

in search of the “great identifying devices” which

gestalten !” (Urbanism is modelling space with hous- could provide a foothold in the design of conteming material).

1

porary metropolises. They found these in the “unique

Van Eesteren, as one of the leading figures among

1950s, and place and event were for

the 1960s and 1970s, landscape has a contemporary to measure up to the complex conditions of today’s city – or rather, today’s urbanised landscape. Landscape is a paradigm which does not exclude previous paradigms, but includes them. There are

configurations of the ground” and “pre-existing struc- traces of multiple paradigms to be found in concrete

the moderns, embraced the idea of space as a contin- tures” such as hills and bays and harbours and forti- cities and landscapes. They influence and transform uum, detached from surroundings or boundaries. In

fications, but also in urban mega-structures such as

his book Space, Time, Architecture, Giedion elevated

4

stadiums, motorways and railway embankments.

one another. Each new design task encounters the remains of old paradigms, however changed or dilut-

this view to the paradigm of the moderns. 2 It made a Their manner of seeing prepared the way for the re- ed they may be. Project by project, designers must strong claim to objectivity and rationality. Its legit- discovery of the aspect of landscape in urban design. choose a position in that field of tension anew, and imacy was strengthened by its connection with polit-

The concept of landscape, as that has been de- reappraise the value of their discipline.

ical aspirations for an egalitarian society in which so- scribed above, goes beyond the moderns’ abstraccial boundaries were also abolished. This claim to universality came under fire in the 1950s and 1960s, internationally from the side of Team X, and in The Netherlands from the Forum group, with Aldo van Eyck as its

35

1. A. E.Brinckmann, Platz und Monument als künstlerisches Formproblem, Berlin 1908. 2. S. Giedion, Space, Time & Architecture: The Growth of a New Tradition, 1941.

tion of continuous space, but also

GROUND

transcends the anthropocentricism

Landscape begins with ground. The ground level in

of Van Eyck and company. It bears

our cities and landscapes is no superficial, two-di-

within itself the dimension of time, mensional given. It has a material depth, determined but time in many layers, beyond the

by the amalgam of its geological layers. It is subject

time of purely personal experience. to the natural dynamic in which land, water and wind

DRAWING THE GROUND, LAYERING TIME

affect one another. It has a three-dimensional relief, pacity. Streets and roads must be even in the apparently flat delta landscape. Dikes and

built, complete with sewers and utili-

dams, embankments, canals and ditches, tunnels, ties. Pumping stations must be built bridges and fortifications have appeared through

1. Bernardo Secchi, Un progetto per l’urbanistica, Turin 1989.

to life and raises consciousness of the ground on which one is standing. It is a way of offering buildings a set-

and put into use. Existing property

human interventions. The ground has been distrib- must be redivided or expropriated. This all implies

pair of steps – brings the landscape

ting, somewhere for them to land and to belong.

uted among owners as a result of inheritance and

the physical and technical necessity for a form of

Preparing the ground is part of a complex and

sale. It has a physical and historical layeredness, an

urban design, entirely apart from ideologies or design

protracted process that precedes building. There

economic value and a cultural significance. The Dutch landscape is a typical landscape of

concepts. It requires planning preceding architec- are many actors involved in this process, who must ture, technical and financial pre-investment, step-by- negotiate with one another; it is process involving

transitions. It is relatively young, and extremely dy- step decision-making, and a political and social con- considerable uncertainty, in which all seems to be sensus in the long term. It planted the seeds for a

fluid. The art is to identify the proper moments for

by nature unstable. It has only taken on its present

planning system that has proven functional outside

things to solidify in such processes. Architectonic

form in a complex interplay between man and nature:

the lowlands as well, in guiding interventions into

notions regarding form and composition are of cru-

namic. The subsoil of the delta and bog landscape is

the process of dike building, reclamation and settle- both the city and the landscape. ment which began in the early Middle Ages and in

cial importance at these moments of solidification.

Our proposition is that the art of preparing the That which becomes fixed takes on form. That which

fact continues down to the present day. The regula- ground has an architectonic dimension of its own, has taken on form can be read in architectonic terms: tion of the relationship between the land and water quite apart from the appearance of physical build- dimensions, material, structure, orientation, proporlaid the foundation for a stable spatial structure.

ings. As far back as the 1980s Bernardo Secchi called

tion, texture, construction, effect, programmatic car-

The unstable substratum brings with it the tech- this “il progetto del suolo”, the design of the ground, rying capacity. It is an extremely rewarding subject nical necessity for preparing the ground, prior to any

the spatial articulation of the site.1 The design of the

form of building or use. For interventions of any size

ground guides the process of preparation for build-

the water system of drains, ditches and canals must

ing. Land and water are given relief through dikes,

be adapted. The surface of the peat soil must be

canals, embankments, etc. The articulation of the

In addition to its architectonic dimension, preparing

raised with sand in order to increase its bearing ca- ground – a beautiful quay wall, the bend in a path, a

the ground also has its own time dimension. Various

for design. TIME

rhythms of change find their expression in the ground, and interventions in the ground can make new rhythms of change possible. The designing disciplines of landscape architecture, urbanism and architecture each handle this temporal dynamic in their own manner. At least as much as the aspect of scale, the factor of time is distinctive for the roles that these different disciplines play. Configurations of the ground, from: A. and P. Smithson, Ordinariness and Light, 1970. Preparation for building, Sloterplas, Amsterdam West, 1948. Three-dimensional printplate, Haveneiland, IJburg, Amsterdam, 2004.

36

DRAWING THE GROUND, LAYERING TIME

Landscape architecture is on the side of slow time,

the viewpoint of physical and cultural sustainability,

the longue durée. Dike building and drainage deter-

this is even a necessity. Architecture also plays with

mine the basic conditions for living in the delta land-

the differences in tempo between façade and inter-

scape for a term counted in centuries. It provides for

ior, between load-bearing constructions, interior di-

the stability of the ground over a very long time. Na-

visions, technical installations and finish.

ture development, forestry and water collection have

The time dimensions within the different disci-

long to very long development times. Dirk Sijmons

plines touch upon and overlap one another. The dis-

et al. call these low-dynamic functions. As opposed

ciplines interpenetrate each other, without entirely Pompeii as an inspiration for the concept of the printplate: the first decimetres of vertical elements along the public spaces; bonding points for buildings to come.

to these they identify what they call high-dynamic functions, such as agricultural areas and business

merging. Certainly in complex assignments coalitions among landscape architects, urbanists and ar-

sites. Interventions in the ground there mainly in-

chitects are necessary. In every project the relations

volve water management and access systems. A banism conditions building. The time span between

among the time rhythms – and design disciplines –

tempo of production linked to the seasons of the year the preparation of the ground and the actual con- must be rediscovered and retuned. and the agrarian market rules here. In landscape de- struction is elastic: it can vary from years to decades. sign the main task is separating functions that frus-

At the same time urbanism must anticipate fu-

trate one another in terms of process dynamics, and

INSTRUMENTATION

ture and yet unpredictable changes in the use of the

Urbanism and landscape architecture, as separate

combining those which stimulate each other.1 Land- city and thus of its buildings, their replacement and

disciplines with their own training programmes and

scape design interventions in the ground often pay

even disappearance. The aim of urban design must

professional organisations, are relatively young. How-

off fully only over the long term. Trees and other be to survive the structures over time. The ground

ever, they have a pre-history that goes much further

plantings have a cycle of growth, flourishing and de- plan both anticipates and survives the actual build- back in time and is part of their body of knowledge. cline which stretch over many decades. A new land- ings. The perspective for urban planning actions The whole history of the shaping of landscapes and scape or park generally does not reach full maturity

stretches out over years and decades, while the per- the development of cities is a part of this tradition.

until decades after it was planted.

spective for thinking stretches from decades into

Urbanism continues to build upon landscape

disciplines are closely interwoven. The development

centuries. Construction itself takes place within a much

structures and processes, but gives them a twist of

In The Netherlands the pre-histories of the two of the landscape (dikes, drainage and reclamation)

its own, for the purpose of making the landscape suit- shorter time horizon. Between conception and deliv- and the shaping of the cities (street plans, canal sysable for new, urban functions. It withdraws ground

ery of buildings there is generally a period of months

from the slow time of nature and agriculture and

to several years. The construction is initiated as a re- tions) and infrastructure (canals, harbours, roads

gives it a place in the faster rhythm of urban life. It

sult of current programmes and investments. Its

that are to be used and built upon. Ur-

37

and railway lines) has for centuries been very deeply

time horizon is influenced by real es- interconnected. There has always been an elite of

creates public spaces that provide for accessibility, and demarcate sites

tems), defensive systems (water defences, fortifica-

1. Dirk Sijmons, Landscape, Amsterdam 2002, p. 18.

tate turnover rates. But a building

more or less specialised professionals involved –

can also survive its programme. From

surveyors, city carpenters, horticulturists, foresters,

DRAWING THE GROUND, LAYERING TIME

military and hydraulic engineers, down through to- They still play together, as in a jam session for which day’s urban planners and landscape architects. The 20 th century witnessed a unique episode in

tion can be built or intensified. They are tested for

urbanism provides the framework and the keynote, their impact on public space, on possible neighbut chance and improvisation play a great role in the

bours (in terms of sun, wind and sightlines) and on

this old alliance of urban and landscape planning. relations among the performing musicians. Build- the possible silhouette (series of high-rise buildings, Under the influence of industrialisation the issue

ings hang above the site like a cloud of possibilities. spatial accents).

of mass housing came to occupy the central place in The ground plan and the buildings of the city are no urban planning. The connections between urban planning and landscape design therefore loosened; those with architecture became tighter. It was in this

longer an indissoluble unity. In order to direct the relationship between ground

Finally, the idiom involves the prevailing tone of the architecture. The a rchitecture is not prescribed or drawn out, but suggested on the basis of ingredi-

plan and buildings we have developed a set of instru- ents such as material use, colour scheme, detailing,

context that Berlage referred to das Hausmaterial as

ments, which can be characterised by the key words

etc. It provides composure and coherence for the ar-

the central building material for the city. This was

framework, printed circuit, envelope and idiom. The

chitectonic ambience of large and complex projects

even more the case during the postwar reconstruc- crucial detail can also be added to these.

and keeps them from disintegrating into a collection

tion period: solving the massive housing shortage

of separate building products. It describes that which

was the heart of the urban planning assignment.

The framework establishes the infrastructure in

three dimensions. It is the most robust in time. It pro- is to be shared in common, before the separate build-

The picture has changed over the past decades. vides for the connections with the surroundings and The necessity for addressing the housing shortage

ing blocks are formulated.

the embedding in the region. The traffic system and

The aim of this set of instruments is to create a

has decreased. The government has yielded its cen- water system are integrated in it. It offers a stable

relaxed synergy in the end result: an urban and land-

tral role in planning residential construction to the

frame to be filled in, which is much more dependent

scape image that is more than the sum total of its

market. At the same time, issues of infrastructure

on economic climate, market, demography, etc.

and water management are again of increasing im-

The printed circuit determines the bonding points

portance. These reach beyond the boundaries of

for the buildings: the first decimetres of the vertical

separate residential areas, and even beyond those of

elements along the public spaces, the quay walls,

the cities as a whole.

thresholds, plinths, walls, fences and hedges that

Thus urban planning has lost a part of its legitim- define the relation between public and private. It is ation, which it had gained from its link with mass

like Pompeii in reverse: rather than relics of a city that

housing. The connections between urbanism and

has disappeared, it is the preconception of a city

architecture are becoming looser. Urban planning

which has not yet arisen.

is becoming less prescriptive, less predictive and

The building envelope is a tested instrument from

more speculative. Urbanism and architecture are to

American building practice. It surrounds the cloud

a certain extent disconnected. They no longer form

of potential typologies that hangs above the printed

a Gesamtkunstwerk; they are no longer a symphony

circuit. The envelopes do not define the form in

scored down to the smallest detail, as with Berlage. which, but rather the margins within which the locaFramework defining urban structure and public space, printplate defining building plinths, envelopes defining silhouette. Lelylaan / A 10 Amsterdam, 2000.

38

DRAWING THE GROUND, LAYERING TIME

constituent pieces. Its intention is to inspire all the

grammatic origins. The programme is its temporary

sessments of the market and the developer’s guesses

designing disciplines, to give them space and to in- legitimacy, the alibi for building. At the same time, about what can be built. The programme is far from volve them with one another – to ”bring them into vis- the programme is the motor that sets everything in

always certain in advance, and must often be discov-

ual resonance”. The way in which this instrumenta- motion. It is the flywheel that powers the develop- ered or crystallise during the design process. In tion takes place will vary considerably from project to

ment or redevelopment of areas or buildings, and the

many cases the design is not purely obedient to the

project. There is no fixed sequence or hierarchy. The

reason to invest in spatial developments.

programme, but plays an investigative and initiatory

levels and moments of solidification must be found for

For a very long time the programme for urban de- role in defining it.

each project. A certain looseness in the interplay cre- velopment was largely dictated by the minimum

That is most strongly the case in the newest con-

ates room for new interpretations and discoveries. subsistence level. Industrialisation and population

cepts in the field of project development.1 In these

Sometimes this approach culminates in what is called the crucial detail. This involves the pivotal

growth compelled the most efficient use of scarce

concepts it is not the individual project or the pre-

resources, in order to provide minimal conditions for scribed programme which is central, but the unique

points in the city or landscape, the places that must

a decent life for the masses. Sharing the shortage

ambience of the project to be developed. The credo

stand out, which register as events and stick in the

was the motto; standardisation and repetition were

is ”location, location, location”. The value of the loca-

memory. These are details where landscape, urban- the methods. In large parts of the world, that is still

tion is the trigger for developing the plan. The spark

ism and architecture join hands and together tell the

the situation. In The Netherlands

story about the larger whole. In the middle of the jam

and other Western countries how-

session they provide for a concentrated ensemble

ever, demographically the society

with the precision of a sonata.

has reached the point of a consoli-

1. In The Netherlands these new concepts are known as gebiedsontwikkeling. They are often realised by forms of public-private partnerships.

dation phase, balancing between PROGRAMME

growth and shrinkage. A shortage of housing for the

plug for the development process is the profile of the uniqueness and authenticity of the area involved. Urban planners and landscape architects have the

rewarding role here of visualising the embedment of

In the designing disciplines the role of the pro- masses is no longer the central concern, but rather the location in its urban, landscape and historical gramme is paradoxical: a programme is the reason

the individual’s demand for quality. Dwellings and

context. Orientation, recognisability and accessibility

for building, but can change and disappear while the

other real estate are regarded as consumer articles

are essential building blocks for image and identity.

structure or urban plan continues to exist. This un- that represent a certain economic value. The empha- The development of an area’s value benefits from its settles the functionalist axiom of ”form follows func- sis has shifted from producing and standardising tion”. The connection between form and function is

to differentiation and facilitation.

continuity over a period which exceeds the depreciation term of the real estate. The design of the ground

dependent on time. At delivery the connection is op-

As a result, the social science survey looses its

timal, but after that form and function often quickly

self-evident authority as the foundation for urban

In order to reach the public – and thus the mar-

diverge.

development programmes. The accent shifts from

ket – it is important to be able to visualise the ambi-

From the point of view of sustainability the design

must provide the material foundation for this.

prognoses to scenarios, from extrapolation to calcu- ence of the location. This atmospheric picture evokes

must be able to outlive the instability of the pro- lating probabilities. The certainty of a scientific pre- the spatial context together with an idea about how gramme. It must be able to break loose from its pro- diction about what must be built is replaced by as- one might spend time or live there: a desire, often

39

DRAWING THE GROUND, LAYERING TIME

expressed in a reference image or Leitbild. One’s own

timespan, so that they become authentic and begin

lots of conventions available, but there are no laws.

front door in the city, the espresso bar on the corner, to belong to the place. Above all they must bear Lots of different images can be associated with one the bay window looking out over the street, a conver- within themselves a fine quality spatial art so that it

word; images can be expressed in words in diverse

sation over the hedge, white wine on the roof terrace, is a pleasure to be in the place and move through it. ways. A satisfactory relation between words and pictures must be worked out on each and every occasion.

the ritual of coming home. These already provide a glimpse of a real estate product, even though it has

DRAWING

not yet been designed entirely. At the beginning of The assignment for a design is generally formulated

A design sketch is made with the intention of responding to what is asked for in the assignment.

the design process detail and architecture already

in words and figures: aims, statistics, revenues, Once it has been drawn it can however also be read

play a role in that suggestion. Thus the mirage that

etc. The answer that is expected from the designer in ways that were not intended. The drawing is rela-

seeks to catch the aura can precede the moment in

avails itself of images: maps, drawings, diagrams, tively autonomous, like a painting. It is more than

the process when the design of the ground solidifies. etc. Compared with words and figures a drawing or purely an illustration of a thought or concept. There In addition to envisioning the context and ambi- map speaks in its own language. A picture is famous- is a composition in it that can be searched for unance – the strength of the location – design also plays

ly worth a thousand words; in a single glance it evokes

thought-of, until now unseen possibilities. The draw-

a role in the visualisation of the programme in a more

a new spatial reality.

ing can be changed or elaborated, by laying down a

The transition from the language of words to the

new layer over it and allowing oneself to once again

programme? How can it be resolved into a number language of visual images is not simple. An extremely

be surprised at the result. The drawing can stimulate

concrete sense. What are the building blocks of the of types or elements? How can these be arranged

complex chemistry takes place in the design process. its maker to a different idea and call up new words

in patterns, grids and flow diagrams? What order It is not a one-waystreet, governed by rules. There are

about the assignment. In this way all sorts of pos-

lies behind them, what degree of differentiation and

sible connections between words and visual images,

exception is demanded? What are the fixed elements,

between assignment and design, can be explored

and what is variable?

experimentally. Ultimately, out of this back-and-forth process, a concept crystallises which links them in

The challenge for the designer is to make the

some satisfactory way.

jump from the programmes to spatial patterns which have a certain logic and obviousness, and therefore

Thus in the design process the drawing does not

can change in use, or in what is built there. In this way

serve purely as a representation, but principally as

they break free from programme. They must have a

a means of exploration. This exploration does not

certain degree of conventionality, so that their use-

take place only on the individual’s drawing pad, but

fulness can be recognised over time. By the same to-

also around conference tables where innumerable

ken however the patterns must be original enough to

parties meet to tackle the design problem. Many of

catch and hold attention. They have to permit them-

the drawings serve to change thinking, or stimulate

selves to be applied to the specific location, to be

new ideas. They are a strategic instrument in a pro-

enrolled among the relics and patterns of a longer

cess that scarcely has a definitive end. The commuHallucinatory manipulation of scale: synagogue Ark becomes Hotel Emperor. Picture and drawing by Saul Steinberg, New York, 1951.

40

DRAWING THE GROUND, LAYERING TIME

nication which takes place within it is of immense

How is a part involved with the whole, a foreground

LANDSCAPE URBANISM

importance. The challenge is to connect the intel- with a background? How is perspective used and

In this essay we champion an approach to urban de-

lectual understanding of the structure with what

what happens when viewpoints change? How do

sign from the point of view of landscape. This re-

the eye sees on the spot, and to make the drawing

landscape characteristics combine, which in reality

sponds to the contemporary condition of the city in

accessible for both professionals and non-profes- are experienced simultaneously but do not literally

the widest sense of the word, as being extensive, lay-

sionals. Our drawings seek to reveal the subtle three-di-

fall within one glance? There is a hallucinatory manipulation of scale

ered and polysemous, dynamic and unruly, tied to its ground and never totally manageable by design. The

mensionality, the latent architecture of the ground. between the reality outside and the surface of the

city has merged into an urbanised landscape. The

At the same time they show the landscape as con- drawing: the globe, a map of a country or a city plan

relation between the ground plan and the urban

struction and the landscape as scene. Cross-section, can be scrunched up onto a single thin sheet of

scene is unstable. Not the buildings, but the ground

perspective and bird’s-eye views are liberally com- paper. The manipulation of scale makes it possible to

is the primary level of intervention. These interven-

bined. This demonstrates how the vertical layered- read a synagogue Ark as a skyscraper, or a city as

tions have an architectonic dimension in themselves.

ness of the ground coheres with the horizontal ex- a landscape and a house as a city. Even as a design The interplay between architecture, urbanism and panse of the landscape. The drawing is an instrument for connecting the

drawing can be read as a painting, a landscape can

landscape architecture can be orchestrated in sub-

be read as architecture – and vice versa. This af- tle ways without it becoming frozen as a closed com-

smallest detail with the most distant horizon. Land- fords unimaginable possibilities for cross-fertilisa- position. The aim is to manipulate time over its whole scape painting, photography, comic strips and cin- tion among urban design, architecture and land- range and to achieve a relaxed synergy in structure ema afford an inexhaustible source of inspiration. scape architecture.

and image in the projects. The design of the ground

In our drawings we also seek to make the opera- plan aims to condition buildings and programmes, tion of time visible. They visualise strategies in which

but also to survive them. In this uncertain environ-

time and uncertainty play a role. We practice the art

ment the drawing is the instrument with which the

of determining things minimally and leaving as much

designer can fulfil his specific role.

as possible open – the art of elimination – to the maximum degree.

This appeal is largely parallel with the argument for landscape urbanism as a new discipline, as it has

Sketching is the most physical form of drawing. been coined in the United States since the second Eye, hand and mind are maximally involved with one

half of the 1990s. In his “Reference Manifesto” (2006)

another. The hand moves and records. Decisions

Charles Waldheim describes landscape urbanism

are often made in a fraction of a second, before the

as a “disciplinary realignment in which landscape re-

mind fully knows it. As with a musician, practice, re- places architecture as the basic building block of petition and internalisation provide a new freedom

contemporary urbanism. Landscape has become

for interpretation and transformation. The finest re- both the lens through which the contemporary city sult is the drawing that is impossible but still works. is represented and the medium through which it is Creative mistake, facilitating the transition from the language of words to the language of images – and vice versa. Self-portrait by Saul Steinberg, New York, 1946.

41

DRAWING THE GROUND, LAYERING TIME

constructed.” 1 In many authors the argument for

etc. The aim of design is not the ordering in space, and for adding new layers to the process which with-

landscape urbanism is coupled with an argument for but the ordering in space and time. It is our strong

out that form could not come about. But it is also the

conviction that within design form-oriented and

moment at which a plan can rise above the concerns

approach. They frequently proceed from the argu- process-oriented approaches can not be driven

that surround its genesis and acquire a new self-evi-

a process-oriented approach above a form-oriented ments of Rem Koolhaas, who defines urbanism as

apart from one another. Form is not purely expres- dence: a beauty for its own sake, a matter-of-factness,

being conditioning, fluid and process-oriented, and

sion of the process lying behind it. The direct identi- as if it had always existed. As a result it can fix itself

architecture as consumerist, fixed and form-orient- fication of form with process and programme leads

in memory and survive time, just as countless plans

to a sort of neo-functionalism, which the history of

from the past have obtained a place in the body of

the emphasis from “compositional design” to “stra- design and architecture criticism has repudiated

knowledge and continue to challenge and inspire

ed. For instance James Corner argues for shifting tegic instrumentality”. He calls for a “focus … on the

since the 1970s. With it, urbanism would be referred

agency of landscape (how it works and what it does)

back to the domain of abstract planning.

rather than upon its simple appearance”. 2

We insist on giving the architectonic dimension –

The emancipation of the process-focused ap- or better, the architectonic moment – within urban proach is essential for the development of the design

design and landscape architecture its proper value.

disciplines. The formulation of the problem for con- The moment at which the architectonic in the protemporary design exceeds the scale of the object, cess solidifies and acquires a certain autonomy is of and commonly flows out of processes that occur in time and only become visible in space in veiled ways, such as urbanisation, climate change,

42

1. Charles Waldheim, The Landscape Urbanism Reader, New York 2006, p. 11. 2. James Corner, “Recovering Landscape as a Critical Cultural Practice”, in James Corner (ed.), Recovering Landscape: Essays in Contemporary Landscape Architecture, 1999, p. 4

vital importance. It is an instrument for provoking succeeding steps in the planning process, or for making them possible,

down to this day.

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE REGIONAL SCALE

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE: REGIONAL SCALE

In the intensively urbanised delta landscape of the Dutch Lowlands design assignments of any size at all very quickly take on a regional dimension. The perpetuation of these landscapes – particularly in the light of climate change – requires interventions that reach across the boundaries of traditional administrative entities. But demographic, economic and social changes also make themselves felt at this scale, whether in the form of growth or shrinkage. Translation of those changes into concrete programmes is often uncertain, especially as the term being planned for becomes longer. The greater the dynamic, the greater the unpredictability. This makes regional planning an uncertain task – all the more so because unambiguous direction is often absent at this scale. In the course of the 20 th century a rational and technocratic planning system emerged in which the government assumed the central role, working hierarchically from the big to the small. This system is increasingly breaking down. In our current pluralistic society it is no longer selfevident that the government is the centre where all lines of policy begin and end. Indeed, today the government itself operates on the basis of the motto, ‘Decentralise all you can; centralise only what must be centralised’. Development and building are increasingly being turned over to market forces. Direction takes place from multiple administrative layers simultaneously. Cooperation and negotiation among dissimilar partners has become unavoidable. There is a difficult yet challenging role for design in this undefined field of responsibilities and programmes. On this scale it makes no sense to fix a final picture. The task is to prepare the landscape for still uncertain future changes, and create points of departure for that in the here and now. The design must offer physical points of anchorage – and catalysts – for these processes of change. It must provide a robust spatial structure that asserts its authority apart from programmatic uncertainties, and remains meaningful over the long term.

46

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE: REGIONAL SCALE

It is essential to exploit the ‘latent talent’ of the landscape: to enlarge upon the physical structure and layeredness of the land, to make use of the temporal dynamic that lies hidden in the landscape, to investigate the ‘maximum carrying capacity’ for new programmes and to reveal and reinforce the latent spatiality of the landscape. The design must afford points of departure for making distinctions with regard to the deployment of time, money and authority. How can one capitalise on the presence of self-generating actors ? How can a good balance be found between top-down planning and bottom-up initiatives ? The projects for the Zuidplaspolder and the Wieringerrandmeer represent two extremes within regional tasks. The Zuidplaspolder is in a central position in the Randstad, and threatens to succumb to the enormous programmatic pressure. The Wieringerrandmeer lies on the periphery of the country and is a victim of economic shrinkage. In both cases what is called for is pre-investment in the landscape, in order to prepare it for new developments.

47

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE: ZUIDPLASPOLDER

Structural design for the transformation of the Zuidplaspolder (2030) Area: 4900 ha Possible programme: 10,000 to 30,000 dwellings, 150 to 350 ha commercial sites, 200 ha greenhouse area Design: 2003–2005 Commissioned by: Projectbureau RZG Zuidplaspolder, province of South-Holland In collaboration with: H+N+S Landschapsarchitecten

48

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE

ZUIDPLASPOLDER The Zuidplaspolder plays an important role in

was carried away by a regular system of drainage

varied system of small islands. Land and water are

the discussion about the future of the southern

ditches. However, the substrata varied from place to

in balance with one another. This area can be

Randstad. It is a barren and worn polder landscape,

place. As the drainage affected increasingly deeper

developed into a landscape park, interesting for eco-

of which about 80 hectare per year is being lost

levels, the soil subsided locally and the polder floor

logical and recreational purposes, in combination

to greenhouses, residential neighbourhoods

began to show significant differentiation in ground

with thin building on the sand ridges.

and businesses, or is being paved over. On top of

levels. In our design the polder is broken up into

that there are large-scale future claims being

three sections, each with its own drainage system.

ture. The road system in the polder was originally

made for residential development, business parks,

The clay soil in the north has remained flat, firm

intended to provide access to agricultural parcels.

greenhouse areas and infrastructure. Creeping

and stable. Here a wide range of programmes

Relations to the surrounding area were of lesser

development is stealthily converting it into a part of

are possible, from an agrarian area supplying the

importance. Much later the rail lines and motorway

the network city that covers the southern Randstad.

southern Randstad, through intensive forms of

to Rotterdam and The Hague were run obliquely

Before programmatic claims of any sort

The second layer is formed by the infrastruc-

urban ground use. The southern section of the

through the area. The system now threatens to grind

can be made on the polder considerable investment

polder is comprised of a spongy layer of peat. This

to a halt. The narrow polder roads must be relieved,

in improving the quality of the landscape must

has by now come to lie so low that still deeper

access to the motorways reorganised, and a coher-

take place. In any case, the polder has to become

drainage – and the further subsidence which this

ent system of regional connections realised.

sufficiently attractive for anyone to want to live,

would cause – is undesirable. This section will

The traffic system builds upon the long lines that

work or visit there. The elements which will be

become a marshy nature park, with only occasional

stretch through the landscape. New local roads are

necessary for this have been set down in a ‘struc-

floating dwellings along the deeper canals. When

grafted into the polder grid, the existing ribbons

tural image’.

the drainage ceases in the southern section,

doubled. The regional roads, on the contrary,

In principle, this structural image is

seepage from the nearby Krimpenerwaard will be

cannot simply be grafted into the geometry of the

approached in terms of its layers. Soil and water

displaced to the middle section of the polder. This

polder. They meander through the polder grid

conditions are definitive for the development of

is an area of ‘cat clay’ (acid sulphate soil) randomly

at some distance from the motorway, and anchor

the area. The same is true for the conditions of the

transected by sand ridges. Here the continuous

the Zuidplaspolder into the network of the southern

infrastructure. Only on this basis can residential

drainage has created an interesting micro-relief.

Randstad. The regional roads exhibit the spatial

and work programmes be given their place.

Water percolating from the Krimpenerwaard

characteristics of the region. To the south they

The structural image arises from the combination

is purified by its passage through this acidic clay.

create a link with the river Maas and the skyline of

of these three layers.

Together, the relief and the water quality create

the centre of Rotterdam. To the north they connect

The first layer comprises the polder soil

opportunities for a unique ecological development.

with the recreational area along the river Rotte,

and the drainage. After the polder was pumped out

The cat clay area takes on the character of a very

and ultimately with Scheveningen aan Zee, the

in 1840, the polder floor was flat and surface water

close-knit pattern of ditches and canals and a

seaside resort near The Hague.

49

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE: ZUIDPLASPOLDER

The water system and the infrastructure together

polder as a whole to become visible. Each canal

form the framework. This framework is the

has a different character. The canal in the middle

central direction and often a high pre-investment.

foundation for future phases of occupation in

extends from one edge of the polder to the other.

The doubled ribbons offer pre-eminent opportuni-

the Zuidplaspolder. The original occupation pattern

It crosses the oblique lines of the railway and motor-

ties for private initiatives on the scale of separate

was strongly defined by the landscape lines of

way, and marks the interface between the urban-

parcels. Here the framework affords space for

the Zuidplaspolder; the villages were concentrated

ised area to the north and cat clay and peat area to

self-organisation and spontaneity. There are also

locally along the ring dike, while individual farm-

the south, where there can be only modest building.

areas indicated where nature conservation groups

houses lie along the lines of the polder grid.

The doubled ribbons and the reservations for new

or organisations for agriculture and horticulture

This occupation pattern contrasts with the nature

regional infrastructure will be planted with substan-

can take over the reins.

and extent of the new programmatic claims.

tial rows of trees. They return rhythm and scale

At some time in the future, presently unclear, these

to the polder. From a landscape to be exploited, it

of the programmatic claims, time is needed to

claims will cause large areas of the polder to

develops into a landscape to be enjoyed, in the

lift the quality of the landscape to a higher level.

change its colour.

rich Dutch polder tradition.

A more beautiful and robust landscape is a

On the map, the framework creates a new

A strategy map accompanies the structural

must be unravelled and tied together requires

Apart from the precise nature and extent

precondition for the changes that are now already

image for the polder: a clear and recognisable

image. This indicates where a traditional top-down

compositional pattern as the basis for future trans-

approach will be necessary, and where there is room

true for the longer-term claims. In essence, the

formations. Digging four extra-wide canals from

for bottom-up developments. For instance, the area

design encompasses a strategy for investing in

the east to the west permits the dimensions of the

where the national and regional infrastructure

the landscape and buying time.

50

taking place in the polder. This is all the more

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE: ZUIDPLASPOLDER

CLAY EMBANKMENT

RING CANAL

Slight subsidence

Unequal subsidence

IJSSEL

KRIMPENERWAARD

Serious subsidence

Dehydration Seepage = nuisance

SE

CLAY

E PA

G E FLOW

PEAT

runs over into

Seepage flow shifts toward ‘cat clay’ zone

Establishing / raising water level = back pressure

SLI NORTH =CLAY

Structural image

MIDDLE = CAT-CLAY

Changes in the seepage pattern

51

SOUTH = PEAT

GHT DECRE A

SE

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE: ZUIDPLASPOLDER

occupation pattern

infrastructure

soil and water

Water system

Occupation pattern, infrastructure, soil and water

Soil types, soil subsidence, water level areas

52

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE: ZUIDPLASPOLDER

Inserting regional roads

Road network and identity

satellites llites

Not separate satellites, but a regional network

53

network

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE: ZUIDPLASPOLDER

Canals: top-down initiative by cooperating local authorities Ribbons: bottom-up private initiative Town spheres of influence: local authority initiative Nature / water / recreation: initiatives from sector Greenhouse expansion area / business: initiatives from sector Nature / residential area: special initiative Infrastructure / structural change: initiative by province and cooperating authorities Other fields to be developed: initiative to be determined

Framework

Top-down and bottom-up strategies

54

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE: ZUIDPLASPOLDER

road

40

20

40

road

20

40

40

20

40

40

20

road

New occupation according to the ribbon structure

20

40

40

40

40

20

200

field

framework

field

Doubling the ribbon structure

Widening central watercourse

55

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE: WIERINGERRANDMEER

Masterplan and visual quality plan for a new residential landscape at the top of North Holland Area: 1600 ha Programme: New lake, 2100 dwellings, nature development and recreational facilities Design: 2006-2007 Commissioned by: Projectbureau Wieringerrandmeer (communities of Wieringen and Wieringerrandmeer, province of North Holland, Boskalis bv, Volker Wessels Stevin Bouw & Vastgoedontwikkeling) In collaboration with: Berno Strootman Landschapsarchitecten

56

PREPARING THE LANDSACPE

WIERINGERRANDMEER For centuries the island of Wieringen was one

was to create an integral landscape. The residential

recreational areas are designed in such a way that

of the fixed points in the ever-changing landscape

milieus are building blocks for constructing a

the size and scale of the edge lake is robust and

of the North Sea and its branches, the Waddenzee

landscape. This is translated into direction of the

grand. On the north side, Wieringen remains visible

(wadden sea) and Zuiderzee. In the first half of

visual quality, with rules regarding the size of lots,

as an autonomous and authentic landscape behind

the 20 th century the construction of the Afsluitdijk

public space, the interface between private and

the old Wierdijk. The fields of dwellings are embedd-

and the impoldering of the Wieringermeerpolder

public, and building regulations.

ed in a new marsh landscape. They are oriented

riveted the island firmly to the mainland. At that

With the ‘edge lake’, Wieringen can again

to the new lake and keep a respectful distance from

time the Wieringermeerpolder was a hyper-modern,

identify itself as an island. The relative isolation

the former Wadden island. The marshes and

large-scale agricultural project, inhabited by

is employed as a strength and a value. The caesura,

fields of homes lie more or less parallel to the long

‘settlers’ from the rest of the country. The social

the wide expanse of the intervening water, functions

banks and keep the view over the longitudinal axes

distinctions from the island’s original residents

as a major attraction. It is bounded by two clearly

of the edge lake free. Traversely, the view from

have continued to this day. Over the past decades

delineated landscapes. The old island looks

the Wierdijk over the open space of the lake is kept

the area has faced receding economic carrying

charming with its banks, narrow-winding roads

open by a number of vistas.

capacity, with a decline in agriculture and a

and characteristic elements like the Wierdijk. The

shrinking population.

large-scale Wieringermeerpolder, designed

grassland or scrub and runs over into the gardens

The plan for the Wieringerrandmeer arises

The marsh landscape is composed of reeds,

a century ago as a total concept, is a rational

on the residential islands. They protect the fragile

from a paradoxical combination of desires: on the

agricultural landscape with large spaces and long,

old Wierdijk against the force of the waves. The

one hand, to attract new economic and program-

straight lines. The edge lake reinforces this

long dikes on the north and south sides of the lake

matic incentives, and on the other the never-forgot-

contrast. On the one hand, the design ties in with

have a public function in the network of recreational

ten wish of the island’s residents to regain their

the civil engineering concepts of the Wieringer-

routes. In the marsh landscape public access is

original autonomy. Nourishing a centuries-old iden-

meerpolder, and on the other with the natural

possible only at a number of strategic points.

tity demands a certain serenity. The local economy

processes that formed the low Wadden island of

The capes and headlands provide possibilities for

demands space for new users, for vacationers

Wieringen long ago. In the extreme corners two

pleasure boat harbours, recreational forts and

who come from outside to take a break there, to

sluice complexes connect the edge lake with

outlook points. Walking, cycling or riding through

engage in sports – and to reside there, temporarily

the IJsselmeer and the Amstelmeer. The lake is over

the intimate residential landscape opens up into

or permanently. They bring in money, and must

eight kilometres long, and varies in width between

vistas over the great space at the end.

help make the project profitable. Simply digging a

500 metres and two kilometres.

lake that gives the island its self-esteem back was

The design of the new edge lake is based

The dwellings lie in extended, kinked ribbons of lots on the transition from the marsh landscape

not enough, nor was drawing up plans for 1500 lots

on a composition of long sightlines, revealed

to the edge lake. The public space is comprised of

each with a jetty on the water. The assignment

views, headlands and capes. The residential and

simple residential streets, fringed by hedges. The

57

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE: WIERINGERRANDMEER

smaller lots are grouped around places like the

New dwellings will be spread through and hidden

harbour for pleasure craft or the headlands, or

in the old woods. Dwellings not embedded in a

form a motif in the middle of the ribbons of parcels.

landscape of marshes or woods lie at the south-east

The larger parcels, with their more spacious gar-

corner of the edge lake. Here the parcels with their

dens, dominate the landscape picture along the

dwellings form a landscape themselves, in the

edges. The structures are low, with a gutter height

shape of an extended island. They float like a boat in

of three metres at the most. The architecture is

the water and, in part because of their relatively

modest and countrified.

high residential density, are prominently present

On the east side of the lake lie large woods,

in the open space.

once planted in the newly drained polder. The size of this woods will be increased considerably.

Wieringen becomes an island again (1850, 1930, 2025)

58

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE: WIERINGERRANDMEER

Overview

The north-bank marsh landscape, the south dike, residential island and woods

59

Longitudinal views

Cross views

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE: WIERINGERRANDMEER

Section of north-bank

Existing and future section of Wierdijk

60

PREPARING THE LANDSCAPE: WIERINGERRANDMEER

Large bodies of water and creeks

Linked fields of homes in a natural landscape

Winding lanes

Public space and parcellation pattern

Residential island, marsh landscape

Residential cluster, marsh landscape

61

Headlands and accents

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH URBAN EXPANSIONS

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: URBAN EXPANSIONS

The urbanisation pattern in The Netherlands has traditionally been dense and decentralised. Autonomous, more or less equivalent cities often lay within sight of each other, loosely spread along dikes and dunes. Urban growth is a delicate question here. Since the end of the 19th century, stimulated successively by industrialisation, suburbanisation and globalisation, the cities have expanded until they have run together with one another. The dread of uncontrolled agglomeration runs like a thread through 20th-century government policies. Urban growth was grafted onto the neighbourhood or district concept. Dwellings were arranged in concentric patterns around facilities of a steadily higher hierarchy. It was assumed that social life would also follow this pattern.

Already in the 1950s this concept was being criticised as a form of social determinism. City life does not obey a hierarchy of concentric circles. It is precisely the overlaps between different spheres of life that define living in the city; social relations take the form of complex networks. Nevertheless, right down to this day urban expansions are being planned in the form of clusters of introverted neighbourhoods hung onto existing cities. Even the compact-city policy of the 1990s (the Vinex policy) echoes this approach. Locations for tens of thousands of homes on the periphery of the cities were designated by the government, with the intention of supporting the vitality of the existing urban centres and countering the growth of mobility. The designations were accompanied by an almost military definition of the projects, with a strictly determined programme, budget and time-line. The designs for IJburg and Ypenburg involve two of these locations. They demonstrate the degree to which the policy is at odds with the physical and social realities today. The new locations are separated from the existing cities by thick bundles of infrastructure, and often lie within the gravitational fields of more than one urban core. In their daily routine residents have replaced the simple orientation to the heart of the neighbourhood or city with a free and unpredictable use of all the facilities in the wider vicinity. The network city has become a reality, but has not yet found a conceptual translation in spatial policy. The challenge in the design for these locations is

64

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: URBAN EXPANSIONS

to break loose from the ‘accidental’ boundaries of the sites and break through the one-sided identification of urban growth with housing. The emphasis in the IJburg and Ypenburg projects lies on interweaving urban expansion into the network city. The expansions are grafted onto landscape patterns and infrastructures that extend beyond the boundaries of the locations designated. Landscape and infrastructure together form a robust framework within which building can thrive, but in the long term can also disappear and be replaced. The framework provides the locations with identity, at a scale which exceeds the housing programme. It makes the largest spaces, such as the vast bay on which IJburg lies or the length of the former runway at Ypenburg, tangible. It leaves large spaces open, rewarding the urbanite with a panoramic view of his city from the inside out. The transportation system is an integral part of this framework. Observation in motion provides orientation and recognisability. It displays the spatial elements of the region as a route architecturale. The same is true for the water system. With its residential canals, moats, drainage canals and water features it is an essential infrastructure in the delta landscape. The water creates and symbolises continuity with the environment. Playing with reflection and perspective opens up numerous possibilities. The framework is relatively independent of the building within it. It has its own architectonic dimension, a tangible form. It forms a composition with profiles, perspectives, landscape relics, materials and colours. Over against the location-specific framework stands a programme with a more generic character. This programme determines how the fields are filled in. It is dominated by residential construction. Thanks to their being rooted in the region and the landscape, over the course of time both IJburg and Ypenburg however have the potential to change their present colour and assimilate new urban functions.

65

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: IJBURG, AMSTERDAM

Design for a new urban extension of Amsterdam Area: 450 ha new land Programme: 18,000 dwellings, 100,000 m2 offices, 30,000 m2 commercial premises, traffic infrastructure, 80,000 m2 facilities, various marinas, 1 km beach, nature area Design: 1995 –1997 Supervision: 1997–present Realisation: started 1998 Commissioned by: City of Amsterdam In collaboration with: Project Bureau IJburg, dRO Amsterdam, H+N+S Landschapsarchitecten

66

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH

IJBURG, AMSTERDAM IJburg is a new extension of Amsterdam with

a tension between a weather side and a lee side.

draw the gaze to the distance. This all creates

18,000 dwellings in the IJmeer. The masterplan for

Every island is susceptible to this difference. As a

an interplay of rarefied lines to the horizon.

it was produced in 1995. It is composed of six

consequence, gradients in the water surface arise

new islands, with bridges, main roads, a tram line

spontaneously. The design of the shore lines is

as a whole displays a certain capriciousness –

and a metro line, diverse amenities and a park

based on this. The shore line is differentiated, from

like ice floes on the water – the islands themselves

on a former rubbish dump. Work has been actively

sturdy dikes with trees in the north through the

have a simple geometric structure. The public

under way since 1998.

quays to the bay, to soft gardens along the banks or

space is shaped by a simple street plan. The IJburg-

The basis of the Design for IJburg lies in

While the composition of the archipelago

beaches in the south. The bridges are a crucial

laan with its tram and the boulevard along the

respect for and the enjoyment of the wide expanse

detail in the composition of the archipelago. The

bay are the mainstays of the structure. A number

of water: an escape to infinity in a fully allotted

relation between the islands can best be experi-

of cross streets create visual links between the

country. The motto of the plan was ‘water is the

enced from the bridges. From them, the space of

weather side and the lee side of the island. At the

boss, the city is its guest’. The water is the loca-

the original bay can be surveyed in its widest

suggestion of Ton Schaap and others *, this system

tion’s capital; it makes the site unique. The task was

dimensions.

was later condensed into a close-knit grid. The

therefore first and foremost to interpret the water

The configuration of the islands is but the

blocks are large enough to create an interior world

landscape in a new way. The IJmeer is a space full

tip of the iceberg. It is complemented by the under-

with courts, gardens, mews and similar features.

of hidden opportunities and handicaps. Elusive

water design. Depth and breadth, erosion and

Their intimacy affords a pleasant contrast to the

water circulation patterns, navigational channels,

sedimentation zones, and the ecological potential

long streets and sightlines across the bay.

a hidden glacial river channel, water discharge from

of the water are established there. In accordance

an electricity generating plant, preventing the for-

with the underwater design, a number of new

a-half metres higher than the interior of the blocks

mation of stagnant bays, ecological food chains and

protective dams were realised along the coast of

of buildings. This permits the inclusion of half-

yet more concerns influenced where land could

the IJmeer.

sunken parking garages under the buildings. The

be created, and where it couldn’t. The islands lie in the water like a flock of

In the design of the islands the irregularity

The streets on the new land are one-and-

surface of the islands forms a three-dimensional

of the basic form was kept in check by a signature

architecture without structures. It gives rise

birds. They all appear to be swimming toward the

that reflects the art and skill of Dutch landscape

to a number of ties between the banks, the quays,

open water, each in its own direction. The islands

engineering. Both geometry and freakish curls

the bridges and the buildings. The whole city

seek each other’s company; the spaces between

quickly lose their importance in the face of the vast

seems to rise up out of the water.

them flow into the greater space of the IJmeer

surface of water. Modest irregularities or transfor-

and the Markermeer. They act as breakwaters for

mations in the coastline do wonders. Each island

unusually high by Dutch standards. The omnipres-

one another. Drawing a fixed line in streaming

offers both a look back at itself as well as toward its

ence of the water guarantees views and openness.

water immediately creates a difference in potential,

neighbours. Slight bends in the yielding coastline

The density fits with the strongly urban culture

67

The density of the buildings in IJburg is

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: IJBURG, AMSTERDAM

of Amsterdam. The islands present the picture

IJburg itself has a number of important trump

of a homogeneous, continuous city. A clear street

cards at the regional level: a yacht harbour, a major

plan provides for cohesion in a sea of small

public transit transfer point, a cemetery and various

typological and architectonic variations. The public

new nature reserves. Since the beginning of the

nature of the streets is primary; the structures

realisation phase, a beach has appeared spontane-

look pleasantly anonymous.

ously on the still almost vacant new land.

The infrastructure, with two main arteries, a tram line and a metro line, provides both an orientation to the heart of Amsterdam and to the important junctions in the region. In addition,

It illustrates how popular this new waterfront of Amsterdam has already become. * See: Felix Claus, Frits van Dongen, Ton Schaap, IJburg. Haveneiland en Rieteilanden, Rotterdam 2001.

Aerial view (2009 )

68

Maquette

Aerial view ( 2004)

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: IJBURG, AMSTERDAM

Design for IJburg, 1995

69

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: IJBURG, AMSTERDAM

IJburg in the IJmeer

Configuration of islands ??????? ???

Dancing shorelines

Underwater design

70

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: IJBURG, AMSTERDAM

Articulation

Transparency

Bridges as crucial details

View on the archipelego

Infrastructure

Core of facilities

Urban fabric

Private domain and public space

71

Haveneiland

Densities

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: IJBURG, AMSTERDAM

Haveneiland

72

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: IJBURG, AMSTERDAM

73

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: IJBURG, AMSTERDAM

Canal, bridge, court

74

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: IJBURG, AMSTERDAM

“Green tunnel”

75

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: IJBURG, AMSTERDAM

Street view

76

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: IJBURG, AMSTERDAM

Boulevard

77

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: IJBURG, AMSTERDAM

Fringe of reads on leeward side

Harbour

78

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: IJBURG, AMSTERDAM

Beach

79

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: YPENBURG, THE HAGUE

Design for a new urban extension near The Hague Area: 600 ha Programme: 11,000 dwellings, 85 ha. offices and business premises, accompanying facilities, traffic and green structure, railway station Design: 1993–2002 Supervision: 1993–2010 Realisation: 1996–present Commissioned by: Ypenburg Joint Venture (Communities of The Hague, Nootdorp, Pijnacker, Rijswijk) In collaboration with: Ypenburg Project Bureau, Els Bet urban designer, Proosdij Koster Architectuur en Stedenbouw, Bureau Karres & Brands

80

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH

YPENBURG, THE HAGUE The 1994 masterplan Buitenplaats Ypenburg in-

woven into the framework. The network of main

in restraint. The robust silhouette of the centre

volves an expansion area for about 11,000 dwellings

roads shows off the most important elements of the

of Ypenburg, designed by Rapp & Rapp, appears in

on the site of a former military airfield. The choice

plan. The network of secondary roads takes the

the background.

of the location and the programme were part of

form of a coarse grid which provides access to all

the Vinex policy. The masterplan is comprised of

the neighbourhoods. There are no dead-end roads.

work are largely residential in nature. Ypenburg

two components: on the one hand a framework of

As much as possible, the plan avoids noise barriers

embroiders on the general character of the

public space and routes which form the skeleton

around the built-up areas. Main roads and water-

The Hague and its vicinity: a conglomerate of cities,

of the project, and on the other hand the ‘fields’,

courses are bundled in order to achieve a delightful

towns and expansion areas that have grown togeth-

which were to be developed into residential and

spatial effect. They provide for the clear organisa-

er, loosely linked together by a network of long

work areas over the course of time by a selection of

tion and accessibility of the new suburb.

lines. It is shady there, with a wealth of trees along

designers and developers. The framework is rela-

Like a ruler, the Landingslaan (60 by 2800

The buildings within the lines of the frame-

the lanes and in gardens. Within this idiom the

tively independent of the programme and the form

metres) makes the longest dimension of the area

plan employs the instrument of land use to create

of the building. It supplies a perspective in the

visible. Its elongated design and geometry echo the

different dwelling milieus among the fields: bour-

long process of realisation, and can incorporate

runway which was originally there. The avenue has

geois formality along the great avenues of trees,

changes in the course of time.

a lightly sunken profile, with a double row of lindens

collective and introverted in diverse courts, individual and informal along long paths and watercourses.

Beginning in 1996 the framework was

(Tilia euchlora) on either side, totalling 1500 trees.

worked out in detail in a number of steps, and has

The infinite perspective along its length is coupled

now largely been realised. It has taken on an archi-

with a certain intimacy in its cross-section. The pro-

freedom was allowed at the level of parcellation

tectonic dimension and tangible form of its own.

file becomes more specific at each of the bridges:

and building typology. This has resulted in a broad

It is not patterned after the surrounding residential

tram stops, benches, light poles and polished con-

palette of solutions. Strict direction was imposed

neighbourhoods, but is intended to surpass them.

crete revetments with bold inscriptions by the artist

with regard to the design of the ground plan.

Its ample dimensions are accompanied by simple

Milou van Ham.

For the public space, a limited catalogue of high-

detailing which accentuates the spatial form and

Halfway along it, on the south side, lies a

In the development of the fields considerable

quality materials was prescribed for all the design-

large sheet of water. The rigid longitudinal perspec-

ers involved. Together with coordination with

tive of the Landingslaan here makes way for an

respect to the use of materials and colours in the ar-

tion as the regional beach wall landscape. The lines

unhindered view over the water. The primary shape

chitecture, this assures that the sea of typological

running parallel the coast are continuous, and at

of the water feature is simple. Small kinks in the

differences is tempered by a shared prevailing tone.

points extend beyond the site. The lines at right an-

banks, wild, wooded islands and a pair of long, thin

gles to the coast run across different zones and

jetties reflect in the water and create the effect of

vary in character. The traffic and water systems are

depth. Like a Japanese ink drawing, it is an exercise

does not call too much attention to itself. The framework is oriented in the same direc-

81

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: YPENBURG, THE HAGUE

Regional context

Plan concept

Framework

Fields

82

Road network

Water network

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: YPENBURG, THE HAGUE

Masterplan

83

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: YPENBURG, THE HAGUE

Landingslaan and central lake

Cross-section Landingslaan

Lake, islands, centre

Details Landingslaan

84

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: YPENBURG, THE HAGUE

Landingslaan

Artwork, Milou van Ham

Bridge

85

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: YPENBURG, THE HAGUE

Front

Plaza

86

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: YPENBURG, THE HAGUE

Plaza and tram lane

87

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: YPENBURG, THE HAGUE

Landingslaan

88

FRAMEWORKS FOR URBAN GROWTH: YPENBURG, THE HAGUE

Central lake

89

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY NEW RESIDENTIAL AREAS

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: NEW RESIDENTIAL AREAS

The domain of the everyday is central to the design of new residential areas. The time and rhythm of everyday life sets the tone. This design does not demand spectacular gestures, but subtle play with conventions. It requires dealing intelligently with contemporary conditions such as land use, construction methods, programmes for living, parking and so forth. The programme for various locations in The Netherlands – and indeed, for all of western Europe – is highly interchangeable. There is massive demand from the middle class for a dwelling with its own private domain. People yearn for tranquillity, order and security. They want protection from urban discomforts and confrontations. These are desires with a suburban tint, which have long accompanied urbanisation and indeed were produced by it. They are also the motivation for transforming ever more of the landscape into cities. At the same time an increasing ambivalence is emerging: suburbs provoke the desire to escape from the massiveness and interchangeability they represent. Ever larger groups engage in an ‘urban’ lifestyle on a regional scale, for which their home is only a base of operation. For many the historic city or the open landscape remain the frame of reference for their residential preferences and living patterns. How can urban design answer this desire for authenticity in a contemporary way? Designing the ground offers a key to escaping from all-encompassing domestication. The ground expresses a different and more enigmatic dimension of time than that of everyday life: the geology of the area, previous forms of settlement, a history of forestry or farming, a military history. Identifying an adequate landscape motif is relevant for even the smallest, most generic residential design assignment. Within the suburban idiom The Netherlands has a long tradition of compact parcellation and home construction, dictated by the scarcity and instability of the ground available. A type of standardised row house is the result, usually locked into an iron succession of streets, houses and gardens. During the period of postwar reconstruction and mass housing the dominant design

92

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: NEW RESIDENTIAL AREAS

question was the form of the repetition. Today the goal is much more conditioning the difference. This requires increasing the range of residential possibilities, and breaking through the uniformity in the visual language. What points of departure can urban design provide for the appropriation of the private residential domain? What requirements do multiple use, the potential for expansion, space for hobbies and storage, outbuildings, home offices, multiple entrances, privacy and exposure on the plot and on the building? How can one differentiate and express the transition from the public to the private? How do residents and visitors find their way from the outside world to the private dwelling? How does one stage-manage an arrival home? With regard to architectonic expression, the conditioning of differences does not revolve only around the question of what must be prescribed and what must be left free in order to allow relevant differences to exist. Differences are readable and gain meaning only against a common background, a basic theme, like the bass line in a jam session. In the projects for Parkwijk Leidsche Rijn, Saksen Weimar and Zevenaar East, the visual direction focuses on finding such a common background, with a different balance between formal and informal principles in each case.

93

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: PARKWIJK LEIDSCHE RIJN, UTRECHT

Urban design elaboration of a sub-area in the masterplan for urban extension of Utrecht Area: 95 ha Programme: 3000 dwellings, archaeological park, facilities centre, school complex, bus lanes Design: 1997 – 1998 Realisation: 2000 – 2003 Commissioned by: Projectbureau Leidsche Rijn Utrecht, City of Utrecht

94

CONDITION ING THE EVERYDAY

PARKWIJK LEIDSCHE RIJN, UTRECHT The Leidsche Rijn area lies at an interesting

panoramic view of the city from the inside out, is

ribbon too. The gnarled, barn-like volumes of

landscape gradient near Utrecht, on the transition

spatially dominant in this mosaic, which has hardly

varying height, their roof ridges running in various

from the high, sandy soil in the east to the peaty

any further hierarchy.

directions, anchor the new centre into the historic

lowlands in the west. One of the branches of

The urban development plan from 1997

scale of the old ribbon.

the Rhine delta has changed its channel countless

involved 3000 dwellings, a fraction of the 35,000

times, and through a centuries-long process of

homes that are to be built in the total Leidsche

the edge of the park the design opted for a sharp

sedimentation and erosion has created rather

Rijn project. They are divided over eight of the frag-

confrontation on a large scale. The park demanded

capricious divisions in the area and a subtle micro-

ments. The largest of these, Parkwijk South,

a grand gesture with robust mass, on a solid base

relief. This branch of the Rhine once marked the

stretches between an old ribbon of settlement and

and with a lively silhouette. The edge was designed

Limes, the northern boundary of the Roman

the new park. The programme for Parkwijk South

by five architects, each working with a block be-

Empire, many relics of which are still to be found

involves primarily low-rise homes, 80% of which

tween two of the streets. The urban design direction

in the soil – and indeed, the area has seen a large

are social housing. This required a sophisticated

focused on handling the transitions in building

number of archaeological finds. In addition to

parcellation plan with row housing as its principle

height and on unity in the architectonic idiom, with

the archaeological sites, there are medieval canals

building block.

extended neutral windows, an open, high plinth

and waterworks, ribbons of settlement, the dead-

Five north-south streets run from the

Where the residential neighbourhood meets

and robust use of materials. On the back, where

straight route of an important conduit carrying

park to the old ribbon, anchoring Parkwijk South

the edge of the park and the residential fabric collide

drinking water, and a rubbish tip spread through

into its surroundings. The hard, formal profile

with one another, the two are welded together in a

the site in an apparently random pattern.

frames the view into the green space at the end of

cross-section which also includes parking.

The soil of the extensive archaeological site

the street. Between the streets lies an informal

may not be disturbed. Its invisible, underground

system of walks, courts, parking squares and play-

existence imposes itself on the plan. The site

grounds. Front gardens, and the crowns of trees

has been designated as park space, and appears

rising above garden walls and hedges, define the

to have been carved out of the built-up areas.

atmosphere here.

Because the archaeological remains must be pro-

On the south side this system distances itself

tected by an extra layer of soil, the park rises

from the ribbon of buildings with a long, narrow

faintly in the midst of its surroundings.

water feature. A residential and employment facility

The park, the ribbons of settlement and

for ex-drug addicts and the homeless, with a small

a number of new watercourses divide the area up

restaurant and food market, is to be found on an

into fragments, each of which is assigned its

old farmstead. A new centre with schools, offices,

own programmatic signature. The park, offering a

shops and dwellings is partially slid into the old

95

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: PARKWIJK LEIDSCHE RIJN, UTRECHT

Maquette

Fragments

Informal interior world

Bird’s-eye view

Formal north-south street

96

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: PARKWIJK LEIDSCHE RIJN, UTRECHT

Street pattern concept

Parkwijk South, original sketch

Transition at edge of park

Parkwijk South, parcellation structure

Interrelated building heights

97

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: PARKWIJK LEIDSCHE RIJN, UTRECHT

Park

98

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: PARKWIJK LEIDSCHE RIJN, UTRECHT

Park

Park edge

Park edge and north-south street

99

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: PARKWIJK LEIDSCHE RIJN, UTRECHT

Interior world

Interior world

North-south street

100

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: PARKWIJK LEIDSCHE RIJN, UTRECHT

Ribbon road and new housing

Ribbon building and reintegration project

Ribbon building and facilities centre

101

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: SAKSEN WEIMAR, ARNHEM

Urban design sketch for a former army barracks site competition Area: 20.5 ha Programme: 400 dwellings Design: 2007 Commissioned by: Bouwfonds MAB, Klaassen Groep, KuiperVastgoed and BOEI In collaboration with: Wessel de Jonge architects, Franz Ziegler, office for architecture and urban planning, Feddes / Olthof Landschapsarchitecten

102

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY

SAKSEN WEIMAR, ARNHEM Few cities in The Netherlands fuse with the land-

on the lots. The length of the blocks responds

sation, with taut lawns, hedges, paths, retaining

scape as Arnhem does. The city derives its identity

to the differences in the relief of the site; as much

walls and stairs, and here and there isolated

from the contrast between the landscape of the

as possible the dwellings look out over or past each

flowering trees or groups of conifers. The closed

Rhine delta and the hills of the Veluwe. This pro-

other. Each house has a direct relation with the

fencing has been replaced by views over the

duces grand panoramas: the city and landscape

landscape.

vicinity. The area has restricted auto traffic, giving

can be caught in one glance. The Saksen Weimar

The design does not dictate any definitive

site, a former military barracks, lies strategically

façade or ground plan for the dwellings. They

on the top of the hill ridge. For years the inaccess-

are characterised only by an ‘idiom’, an architecton-

ibility of the site prevented this rich landscape

ic grammar that provides for coherence. This

from being enjoyed in one motion. The fenced-off

allows maximum freedom for individual expression.

barracks was the stopper in the bottle.

A robust architecture with basic geometric volumes

By restructuring the existing relief, the

in which the supporting elements like the lintels

Valkenhuizen Valley is drawn into the Saksen

are expressive suits the grand landscape. The con-

Weimar triangle. The new valley lies like a shared

trast with the geometric, horizontal architecture

green commons in the midst of the planning

lends the sloping landscape extra expressive

area. It assists in the drainage of the site. The new

power. All the dwellings have a gently sloping roof.

contours create new ecological gradients. A

From every back garden the tops of the beeches

three-way fork of through recreational routes lies

on the edge of the woods can be seen over the ridge

in the valley, connecting the area with the larger

of the neighbour’s roof. The crowns of the trees

vicinity.

define the silhouette.

The new valley makes Saksen Weimar a

The former barracks retains its severe and

part of a splendid landscape, in which the slopes

monumental ambience. It becomes a collective

of the Veluwe become tangible. Three neighbour-

living and work complex around the former parade

hoods show their face to the valley: the former

ground. The monumental buildings lend them-

barracks, homes arranged along avenues, and

selves to mixed use, not only because of their

homes clustered in a woods. The desired, rather

dimensions, structure and striking location, but

conventional housing programme is given a

also because of their substantial appearance, their

place in the latter two: dwellings with their own

symmetry and the high-hipped roofs with wide

gardens, in all prices ranges, linked in rows of

eaves. The site has been given a chic green design.

varying length. The homes are loosely scattered

This design echoes the original geometric organi-

103

it a serene character.

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: SAKSEN WEIMAR, ARNHEM

Masterplan

Valkenhuizen valley

Lanenbuurt

Bosbuurt

Residential

Klarenbeek park

Relief, valley, drainage, recreational routes, traffic access, three residential neighbourhoods

104

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: SAKSEN WEIMAR, ARNHEM

Living in a grand landscape

Terraced and staggered arrangements Veluwe massif Valkenhuizen valley Glacial moraine

Rhine valley

Location on hill brow

Valley and bunker hill

105

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: SAKSEN WEIMAR, ARNHEM

Valley and bunker hill

Horizontality

Terraced and staggered arrangements

106

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: SAKSEN WEIMAR, ARNHEM

View from street to valley

Houses staggered along the street

107

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: ZEVENAAR EAST

Urban design plan for the expansion of Groot Holthuizen and Zevenpoort Area: 185 ha Programme: 5 neighbourhoods, 1500 dwellings, 93 ha commercial sites and a new railway station Design: 2006 Supervision: 2008–present Realisation: started 2008 Commissioned by: City of Zevenaar In collaboration with: H+N+S Landschapsarchitecten

108

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY

ZEVENAAR EAST The landscape around Zevenaar is a landscape

leading to a new railway station. A number of

situated along the small streets in varying

of long lines. River levees and streams meander

routes come together here. It is the centre for both

compositions, and with the roof ridges running in

leisurely with the Rhine, which here branches into

the new residential and employment areas. There

various directions. Consistent use of materials

many arms, old and new. Ruler-straight rail lines

is room for urban functions such as schools, an

and detailing guarantees a common background.

and motorways parallel it, running off toward

assisted-living complex, a shopping support point

Germany. Ribbons of buildings have risen on top

and park-and-ride facilities.

of the levees, with beautiful farmsteads and groves

The new hamlets are of limited size. The

of trees. The basins between the levees are more

most valuable farmsteads lying among them will be

open in character; traditionally this land has been

retained, along with their old trees. These farms

devoted to agriculture. The old core of Zevenaar

will be transformed into residential sites. The fields

lies at the intersection of a number of lines and is

between the hamlets each have a different charac-

separated from its surroundings by what are called

ter and use. They are intended as a place for the

the Compromise Lands which, based on historic

residents to get outdoors, and as a play area for

agreements, must remain free from buildings.

their children. These fields are the most important

The relation between the core and the landscape

reference to the original landscape. They assure

is still easily observable today.

that the transition from the levee to the basins

This feature became the theme for a new extension with 1500 dwellings. Rather than one concentric expansion, the plan calls for a series of

will remain recognisable in the future residential landscape. The five hamlets in this new residential

small neighbourhoods, akin to the historic hamlets

landscape each have a different structure and

nearby along the Rhine’s former branches. They

atmosphere. The public space in the first hamlet,

lie like a pearl necklace along an old ribbon settle-

de Tol, consists of a network of rustic residential

ment and are bounded on the north by the Leigraaf.

streets. Here parking space is limited. Parking

The plan calls for the widening of this stream. The

is on one’s own lot, along the tree-lined parking lane

main access road for auto traffic is integrated into

and in parking slips at the rear of the dwellings.

its new cross-section. Small businesses are located

The informal street scene is shaped by the stag-

in this access zone, on spacious, landscaped lots,

gered building line and the alternation of short rows,

as a transition to the large new business park

semi-detached dwellings and occasional free-

located farther to the north. On the west this zone

standing houses. The architectonic image is diverse

culminates in a new village green and an avenue

but coherent. The series of residential types are

109

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: ZEVENAAR EAST

Zevenaar

Compromise lands

A12

Old channels of the Rhine

Ribbons and fields, long lines along the Rhine

110

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: ZEVENAAR EAST

Four hamlets

111

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: ZEVENAAR EAST

Masterplan

Ribbon settlement

Access road along widened stream

Field between two hamlets

Hamlet De Tol

112

Typology and street ambiance

CONDITIONING THE EVERYDAY: ZEVENAAR EAST

Public space, parking

Parcellation and buildings

113

DIGGING THE FUTURE INTERVENTIONS IN THE EXISTING CITY

DIGGING THE FUTURE: INTERVENTIONS IN THE EXISTING CITY

For some time now urban development has not been just about the growth and expansion of the city, but also much more about the reuse and restructuring of existing urban areas. At first glance, in the city the distinction between the ground and the buildings would appear to be less relevant. Both are physically present in the existing city, having merged together. They are experienced simultaneously. As solidified history, they are overcharged with meaning. Together they form the environment for urban life. The city bears the traces of many episodes from its development, traces that run alongside, over and through one another. The city is seldom a homogeneous whole, but generally a heterogeneous collection of coordinated fragments, each with its own character. It is subject to an uninterrupted process of growth, change and decay. The city can accommodate many changes in its use and programme, but it can also fail in that. The reason behind interventions in the existing city lies in loss of functionality rather than in the need for programmes. A new programme is seldom given in advance, but is discovered during the planning and development process. Interventions in the existing city mean interventions into a complex amalgam involving a great number of interests and parties, all acting with their own agendas and on their own time-lines. The government is only one of the many players. This all makes city centre interventions extremely complex. Dynamics, unpredictability and synchronism and asynchrony play important roles here. Design in the city is digging into time – not only into the past, but also into a potential future. Insight into the historical layers provides insight into the temporal dynamics of the site. They create starting points for new developments. The reinvention and interpretation of what is found is essential. It helps to identify the ‘DNA’ for change. From that new programmes can be elicited, and the site can be recharged programmatically. New programming is the motor for the redevelopment of an area. By the same token, new interventions must be sufficiently time-resistant. They must be able to outlive the original programmes.

116

DIGGING THE FUTURE: INTERVENTIONS IN THE EXISTING CITY

An urban design vision of architecture is inseparable from this. How does one deal with all those viaducts, fortifications, factory complexes, quays, churches, barracks, column grids, structural bays and rafters? What are their possibilities for accommodating future changes? To what extent can they work as an anchor point for memory which can survive future changes? It is precisely in the existing city that making fine distinctions among the various layers is essential, not just between the ground and the buildings, but right into the buildings themselves. Within the architecture too an approach in terms of layers is relevant. The footprint, the supporting structure, the façade and the address determine the long-term sustainability of a building in the city. Installations, layout and finish are in the service of use, which must be able to be altered in the short term. An intelligent distinction among the various layers produces the elements for sustainable interventions that can pass the test of time. In this way urban design and architecture edge toward each other. The architectonic dimension of the ground plan touches that of the structures. The ground plan prepares for the architecture and offers it a surface in the city to which it can bond. It is a printed circuit board rather than a blueprint. Here too the floor of the city is an element that ties things together. Material and detail determine atmosphere and identity. They are witness to the various uses through the generations. In their capacity to endure ageing and wear, they bear the physical traces of time.

117

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BUIZENGAT, VLAARDINGEN

Urban design for the redevelopment and intensification of the Buizengat location Area: 12.2 ha Programme: approx. 500 dwellings, parking facilities, multifunctional civic building, conversion of existing buildings Design: 1995 competition entry (winning design), elaboration 2001 Realisation: started 2002 Commissioned by: City of Vlaardingen

118

DIGGING THE FUTURE

BUIZENGAT, VLAARDINGEN Vlaardingen is one of the oldest settlements in

and stretches down to the harbour. Three residen-

finders stand short rows of houses with gardens,

the delta, planted on a creek ridge next to the dam

tial complexes have been designed for it, rising

which are accessed by a system of alternating

across a peat bog stream. Within the plan area

right up out of the water. Short cross streets run to

walks and parking streets. It is not the outline or the

the original dike, the peat stream and an old

the quay and open up views to the harbour. The

base that guides the design, but the profile of the

harbour at right angles to the Nieuwe Waterweg

perimeter of the three complexes has been defined,

street, in which the dwellings with their façades

meet one another. To the east it is bounded by

but how this is to be filled in has been left open.

and garden walls can be pushed forward and back

a sumptuous 19 th-century city park. Fishing,

Within the outline there are courtyards, in which

like slide resistors.

commerce, industry and municipal services have

new and existing dwellings have been combined

successively set the tone here, but have now

with one another. Underground parking is included.

tion are summarised in what is called the ‘printed

disappeared or been moved elsewhere. The aim of

The difference in height between the dike and the

circuit’. The rules leave future developers the

the plan is to change this somewhat forgotten

quay is resolved in the cross-section of the build-

latitude to develop the area step by step. At the

corner of the city into an urban residential neigh-

ings around the courtyards. This is expressed

same time they guarantee that the essence of

bourhood linking the heart of the city with the park.

in the form of a series of stone pavement steps

the urban development plan does not get lost over

along the dike.

the course of time. Like a Pompeii in reverse, the

Water divides the plan into two different

The plan concept and the rules for construc-

spheres. On the west lie the ‘Stadsoevers’, connect-

The placement of the buildings in the

ing with the old structure of small alleys, momentary

southern strip is more transparent. The strip is flat,

the buildings and public space. It is the prefiguration

views, commercial activity and the harbour. East

separate from the dike, and adjoins a low quay

of a city that is still in the process of being created.

of the water lie the ‘Stadstuinen’. Here the residen-

immediately on the water. Here residential buildings

It articulates the bonding points for buildings in

tial milieu is associated with the nearby city park.

are located on private domains that are bounded

the city at ground level, the foot of the structure, the

A public building is proposed at the point where a

by hedges and walls. This strip will develop into

hem around public space at knee height.

new bridge connects the Stadsoevers and the

a lush garden out of which the residential buildings

Stadstuinen. It is intended for a cultural function,

rise like sturdy old Dutch warehouses. The ground

such as an assembly hall, music school or library,

plan containing the various domains is fixed in

together with dwellings. The tight space, and

the design. The placement of the individual build-

the programme of about 500 dwellings – most have

ings – their ‘footprint’ – and their gardens and

their own street entrance and garden – implies a

parking facilities is limited to a suggestion.

plan with a high residential density. The Stadsoevers neighbourhood consists of

The area of the Stadstuinen is articulated by four streets which function as ‘viewfinders’

two narrow strips of land along the Buizengat.

to lead the eye from the Buizengat to the enormous

The northern strip lies immediately along the dike

trees of the city park. At right angles to the view-

119

printed circuit regulates the relationship between

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BUIZENGAT, VLAARDINGEN

Printed circuit

Ground plan

Maquette

120

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BUIZENGAT, VLAARDINGEN

Courtyard and contour

View and profile

Domain and footprint

Buildings on the quay

121

View toward city park

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BUIZENGAT, VLAARDINGEN

Sketches of quay courtyards and perspective effect

122

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BUIZENGAT, VLAARDINGEN

Sketch of buildings on the water

123

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BUIZENGAT, VLAARDINGEN

Harbour to the north

Harbour to the south

124

Buildings on the quay

125

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BUIZENGAT, VLAARDINGEN

Street on the dike, southbound

Doorsteps

126

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BUIZENGAT, VLAARDINGEN

Court

127

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BELVEDERE, MAASTRICHT

Design for restructuring large urban area with obsolete industry, residential neighbourhoods, fortifications, large-scale infrastructure, fallow areas Area: 280 ha Programme: approx. 4000 dwellings, 100,000 m 2 offices, 35,000 m 2 retail, chain of parks, new traffic bridge and railway, revitalisation of existing neighbourhoods Design and supervision: 1999 –present Realisation: started 2001 Commissioned by: City of Maastricht, ING Real Estate, BPF Bouw invest

128

DIGGING THE FUTURE

BELVEDERE, MAASTRICHT Maastricht is a city on solid land. It lies on the

be connected with each other. They are taken

the atmosphere for visitors and for the reuse of

river Maas, at the transition between the flat delta

up in a continuous park area, and linked with the

the surrounding industrial buildings.

and the central European hill country. The city

‘Steilrand’ and the canal and sluice system.

bears the traces of more than 2000 years of settle-

This new framework creates optimal conditions for

infrastructure interlock around the Frontenpark.

ment. It was one of the first industrial cities in

the redevelopment in the various sections of the

The park is the link where all lines come together.

The Netherlands. The Belvédère project involves

plan area. The framework functions as the hard-

The all-around visibility and accessibility of this

the restructuring of the extensive industrial terrain

ware of the redevelopment process.

plan section requires direction that focuses on

to the north-west of the city. In the west of the area an irregular relief

The traffic structure and the green structure

More to the north, buildings, nature and

its allure and dignity. The buildings are conceived

together form a three-dimensional design which

as a three-dimensional composition around the

line, the ‘Steilrand’, affords magnificent views of the

makes rewarding use of the existing relief. The new

park: a classic ‘architectonic’ urban plan.

city and the Maas Valley. Dug deeply into the land-

touchdown point of the bridge is drawn into the

th

To the north of the relocated Noorderbrug

scape in the east is a 19 -century system of canals

area as directly as possible with a flowing line. The

lies the Bosscherveld area. It is structured by

and sluices. On the edge nearest the centre of the

park strip and the massive stream of traffic can

a system of robust avenues of trees. Between the

city lie a series of remains from old fortifications,

cross each other freely. The deep trench of the for-

avenues are ample blocks with space for an

which have developed into a unique nature reserve.

tifications is designated as a protected natural area.

informal variety of building types and a wide mix-

They are transsected by the exits from the motor-

The development of the parts of the plan

ture of functions. Construction will take place

way that crosses the Maas on the Noorderbrug to

depend heavily on socio-economic developments

within the sober urban planning framework: the urban planning of the grid, of the survey.

land smack in the middle of the city. There are

over the long term and on private local initiatives.

scores of initiatives for change in this hybrid land-

An urban development strategy is proposed and an

scape which require direction. Moreover, it is the

atmospheric description is provided for each

obliquely above the ‘Steilrand’. They enjoy tranquil-

last location in Maastricht that can meet the urban

section of the plan area. These form the software of

lity and views. The area is designed as a residential

need for living and work space. The term for devel-

the plan, guiding the way in which it will be filled

park, with ensembles of residential structures

opment covers 20 to 25 years.

in over the course of time.

loosely scattered in natural surroundings: the

The aim of the plan is to reorganise the

On the edge of the city centre the redevelop-

Finally there are the areas that lie more

urban planning of modernism.

landscape and infrastructural base so as to create

ment of the Bassin, a former inner harbour on

a stable framework for the long-term transformation

the Maas, is the first stepping stone in the direction

Sphinx factory site is the largest sub-project to

process. The knot of the traffic bridge, exits,

of Belvédère. The harbour is being developed as

date. The site was traditionally a left-over corner of

canals, fortifications and nature reserve is untied

a new plaza for Maastricht’s flourishing cultural

the old city, divided up into long, narrow lots with

by shifting the ramps of the bridge to the north.

and touristic life. The re-routing of the streams of

their head on the Boschstraat. The plots were

This permits the remains of the fortifications to

through traffic will be an impulse for improving

originally used as orchards, bleaching fields and

129

The redevelopment of the now abandoned

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BELVEDERE, MAASTRICHT

monastery gardens. In the 19 th century Petrus

grid of east-west oriented streets and passages.

use and loft living. The trusses and great spans on

Regout transformed the area into a walled industrial

This has been grafted onto the centuries-old base

the ground floor lend themselves to larger, public

enclave, with the long, white Eiffel building as its

of parcel directions and orientations. The streets

functions. It is here that the commercial pro-

main landmark. Now that the factory has relocated

and passages are accompanied by walls that frame

gramme is concentrated, adjoined by a large public

the enclave can be opened up for the city and

both the buildings and the ‘spaces in between’.

parking garage. The building has been partially

The street faces are flat. Openings in the

given a new significance. The Sphinx retains its outline, according to

cut open in order to facilitate connections with the

façade are cut like holes into the masonry surface.

parking garage. The monumental columns of

the present building lines. Locally the factory walls

On the other hand, the façades facing the gardens

the Eiffel form a gallery: the connection between

are opened up to permit public access. Through

and the green spaces between the buildings, are

the city, Eiffel Square and building. Urban develop-

these new gates and entrances the Sphinx terrain

open, layered and transparent in character, with

ment and architecture mesh together.

presents itself to the surrounding streets. The unity

balconies, verandas and terraces. In the gardens

of the site is emphasised by adopting one pavement,

and courtyards there is space for mature trees.

of granite blocks, from one edge of the terrain

This serves to create the typical Maastricht atmo-

to the other.

sphere of walls, behind which one can catch a

At the foot of the Eiffel building there is an elongated plaza, the Eiffelplein, that allows all

glimpse of trees and building silhouettes. In the north-west corner stand the great

the parts of the enclave to be seen. A tranquil,

buildings that are listed monuments: the Eiffel

mixed and relaxed residential climate governs the

building with its repetitive grid of columns and the

area within the walls. It is a close-knit patchwork

massive ‘barns’ of the mouleurs. The neutral

of buildings, squares, courts and gardens within a

grid on each storey lends itself to multifunctional

130

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BELVEDERE, MAASTRICHT

Masterplan concept

131

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BELVEDERE, MAASTRICHT

Cross-section and Southbound perspective

Masterplan map

Present situation

132

Future situation

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BELVEDERE, MAASTRICHT

New buildings around Frontenpark

Frontenpark: park edge

133

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BELVEDERE, MAASTRICHT

Street pattern, mixed building

Bosscherveld: street plan

Steilrand: residential park

134

Hillside park, freestanding structures

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BELVEDERE, MAASTRICHT

Transformation of Sphinx site

Sketch Sphinx concept

Bassin: public space and factory complexes

Gallery

135

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BELVEDERE, MAASTRICHT

Ground plan

Buildings, courts, gardens, walls

136

DIGGING THE FUTURE: BELVEDERE, MAASTRICHT

Sphinx residential area

Walls, streets, gardens

137

Buildings and gardens

DIGGING THE FUTURE: PARKSTAD, ROTTERDAM SOUTH

Urban planning design for the development of Parkstad and the eastern edge of the Afrikaanderwijk Area: 35 ha Programme: 1755 dwellings, 30,000 m 2 facilities and public space Design: 2007–2008 Realisation: started 2010 Commissioned by: Vestia/ Estrade and the City of Rotterdam

138

DIGGING THE FUTURE

PARKSTAD, ROTTERDAM SOUTH With the Kop van Zuid and the construction

The first of these was a primary dike which lay

buildings on the corners require extra attention.

of the Erasmus Bridge, Rotterdam has launched

between the Afrikaanderwijk and the rail-yard.

They are generally comprised of apartments.

a policy to again involve the underdeveloped South

Over the years this dike had been raised to the

Their robust mass frames the other dwellings and

Bank of the Maas with the city as a whole. This

point where it broke up the street plan. The solution

rivets them firmly into the urban scene.

process is about half-way completed. For years the

was to ‘bury’ the dike by raising the surrounding

southern portion of the area lay empty. A railway

ground level. This returned to the dike its character

both the Laan op Zuid and the dike. This connects

yard, a dike, a temporary park and heavy urban

as a higher-lying street in the city, comparable to

the shopping streets of the Kop van Zuid with

infrastructure provided a picture of a cut-up civil

the situation from before the Great Flood of

those in the Afrikaanderwijk. The connection is not

engineering landscape. On opposite sides of

1953. The most important cross streets from the

only physical, but also creates new links between

this void lay the new middle-class residential neigh-

Afrikaanderwijk could now simply run up and over

the neighbourhoods in daily life. The commercial

bourhood of the Kop van Zuid, and the old Afrika-

the dike to connect with the Laan op Zuid. The

ribbon is offset for ways along the Laan op Zuid be-

anderwijk, largely populated by immigrants. The

second barrier between the districts was the Laan

fore continuing on the other side. This is the most

Parkstad plan is intended to transform the void

op Zuid itself. It does provide access to the

urban spot in the plan. It has been assigned a

into a new urban residential neighbourhood, at the

planning area, but because of the massive volume

mixed programme with not only stores and apart-

same time providing opportunities to renew the

of traffic it proved hard to cross. A sophisticated

ments but a swimming pool and sports centre,

Afrikaanderwijk. As an inset, it is to transform

number of T-junctions and a system of slip roads

serving the South Bank as a whole.

the patchwork of urban fragments surrounding the

improved this.

planning area into a coherent urban district. The patchwork of residential neighbourhoods

With this as the base, a coherent system of

A new ribbon of stores was created crossing

For the south-eastern part of the Laan op Zuid a profile was designed with service roads

avenues was designed which give access to the

on either side. Apartment buildings and tall town

arose around a number of former commercial

area and connect the districts with each other.

houses were developed along these service roads.

harbour basins thrusting deep into the land. The

Within them city blocks were developed in which

The ground floors provide commercial space.

main orientation of the area is to this day defined by

various types of dwellings are mixed. The system of

Varying building height, detailing on the edges of

this old port infrastructure. In the development

avenues is interspersed with scattered parks. The

the roof and roof terraces, and a razor-sharp con-

of the Kop van Zuid, the construction of the main

parks open up space in this densely built-up dis-

tinuous profile with four rows of plane trees make

street – the Laan op Zuid – once again confirmed

trict, and provide an attractive location for primary

the avenue a classic long urban city street. The

this orientation. In the design for Parkstad a strong

schools and child daycare facilities in the vicinity.

construction along the north-western section of the

emphasis was placed on weaving in cross-connec-

The way of building refers to the scale of the older

Laan op Zuid merges into the metropolitan image

tions between the urban neighbourhoods, at

parts of the Afrikaanderwijk. This means that

of the area around the Erasmus Bridge. An extended,

angles to the main orientation of the location. To

the city blocks are comprised of several projects

composite residential complex and a secondary

accomplish this, two barriers had to be overcome.

of between two and eight dwellings each. The

school complete the picture of an urban boulevard.

139

DIGGING THE FUTURE: PARKSTAD, ROTTERDAM SOUTH

Planning concept

System of avenues and parks

Overview of the Kop van Zuid district

140

DIGGING THE FUTURE: PARKSTAD, ROTTERDAM SOUTH

Masterplan

141

DIGGING THE FUTURE: PARKSTAD, ROTTERDAM SOUTH

one ensemble

Secondary school

Unemployment office

cité

Internal revenue – customs

Rhythm of building masses, Laan op Zuid

Interrelated building heights, plinth and roofline

Connecting street patterns

Low-rise in the big city

Integrated dike

142

DIGGING THE FUTURE: PARKSTAD, ROTTERDAM SOUTH

Park at the dike

Laan op Zuid street profile

143

Façades along Laan op Zuid

DIGGING THE FUTURE: NIEUW-ZURENBORG, ANTWERP

Research by design for the restructuring of a former industrial area (gasworks and bus depot ) Area: 4 ha Programme: approx. 500 dwellings, park, primary school, offices, supermarket and reuse of monumental buildings Design: 2008 –2009 Commissioned by: City of Antwerp In collaboration with: De Smet Vermeulen Architects, Ghent

144

DIGGING THE FUTURE

NIEUW-ZURENBORG, ANTWERP Zurenborg is a district almost crushed between

Two recent developments put the area on the

surface parking. A wide cross street connects

railway lines and motorways on the outskirts of

map once again: on the one hand, the planned

the park and the Drakenplaats, providing access to

19 th-century Antwerp. For a century-and-a-half this

downgrading of the Singel, the busy major parallel

all the new streets. The asymmetrical street profiles

was the site of a true battle between the city and

road along the ring motorway, and on the other

respond to the angle of the sun, admitting the

infrastructure. Two major interventions define

hand the sites of the bus depot and gasworks

maximum light. The layered and stepped building

its position in the city. In the 19 century Antwerp’s

becoming available for development. The city of

profile, with garden walls, fences, balconies and

complex railway system was lifted up onto a

Antwerp foresees the construction of about

pergolas, is an echo of the sculptural street frontage

monumental viaduct many kilometres in length,

500 dwellings – largely with their own street-level

in the existing part of Zurenborg.

with the famed Central Station as the jewel in

entrances – and a new six hectare city park here.

th

the crown. Scarcely a century later it was decided

The old gasworks left a deep impression

On further investigation it appeared that among the buildings of the gasworks there

to build the ring of motorways around the city

on the ‘DNA’ of the location. On the site lies a

were still remnants to be found of the branches of

as a depressed highway, along the line of the city’s

hidden, romantic garden with massive trees, once

an elevated railway which had supplied the coke

former defences, embedded in a landscaped traffic

belonging to the gaswork’s laboratory. Trees

ovens. It is a huge structure with massive arches,

valley. This resulted in the area’s extreme isolation.

and lawns form the heart of the new city park. Its

like a Roman aqueduct. These offer the wonderful

Nevertheless, the underpasses beneath the

main axes and vistas are extended and create a

opportunity to create a roofed-over public space

railway viaduct and the bridges over the depressed

splendid sense of depth. On the east the park faces

for the city, like a market, sport centre or school.

highways do provide it with rudimentary ground-

the Singel, and profits from the lush greenery

level connections with the rest of the city.

along the Antwerp ring road. From the west, the

Zurenborg took on a very mixed character. Part of

city pushes out beyond the railway viaduct to fold

it became an industrial area, with an enormous

around the park. The park is the front door and

gasworks, a bus depot and an electricity trans-

‘address’ for the whole adjoining residential area.

former station. Immediately next to this a luxurious

There is a tall building on the north side of the

residential district arose, with an almost bizarre

park which marks one of the approach roads to the

sampler of eclectic architecture, a prime neigh-

city centre. Immediately next to it is the railway

bourhood on the edge of the city with its own train

station for Antwerp East. It joins in with the iconic

and tram station. The Drakenplaats, a circular

institutions and landmarks along the rest of the

plaza running under the great arches of the

Antwerp ring.

railway viaduct, comprised the connection with

The new street plan offers space for a

its surroundings and was the heart of the

compact and urban form of low-rise dwelling con-

neighbourhood.

struction, with individual entrances and sub-

145

DIGGING THE FUTURE: NIEUW-ZURENBORG, ANTWERP

Masterplan

Context

Park, Singel, ring motorway

146

DIGGING THE FUTURE: NIEUW-ZURENBORG, ANTWERP

Layered and stepped façades

Reuse of railway viaduct to coke ovens

1950

1930

1920

1880

Historical development of railway viaduct and coke ovens

147

DIGGING THE FUTURE: NIEUW-ZURENBORG, ANTWERP

Park and street plan

Ground, relief, revetments

148

DIGGING THE FUTURE: NIEUW-ZURENBORG, ANTWERP

Park perspective, edge buildings, tower

149

REDRAWING UTOPIA POSTWAR AREAS

REDRAWING UTOPIA: POSTWAR AREAS

Cities and landscapes are largely the result of centuries of pragmatic actions. Bottom-up and top-down interventions – daily routines, private initiatives, regulations and ordinances, and interventions by authorities – are constantly affecting one another. Everything becomes adapted to routines, time does its invisible work. Nevertheless, there are turning points in history when traditional practices are no longer found adequate and the concept of the city must be reinvented. The intellectual idea of ‘the city’ then becomes the guide for shaping urban space. The industrial revolution, with modernism as its intellectual current, was such a turning point. It was accompanied with a massive sense of social urgency, leading to a break with the past and the impulse to realise a new future, here and now. Time was bent to the will of society. Goal-oriented planning replaced the beaten path of routine. Projects from this utopian episode have radically influenced the face of cities and landscapes. Today the heroism of modernism is an artefact of the past. The projects realised are a physically preserved moment in time, a frozen dream of the future. The ideal future has become a part of history, forming a part of our heritage. In the meantime obsolescence and deterioration have become the order of the day. The welfare state, and the population for whom it was intended, threaten to disintegrate. Views about space and the use of the ground have changed radically. Modernist projects are no longer the antithesis to the existing city, but have slowly become a part of it. Just as elsewhere in the world, in The Netherlands this has led to large-scale restructuring. The challenge is not to erase this utopia, but to disentangle it and make it time-resistant. How can different speeds and rhythms of change be received by the projects, now and in the future? Can we escape the tendency to radically demolish and start over from scratch, repeating the tabula rasa approach? Over the long run, in what factors does that which is solid and sustainable about these once ‘ideal cities’ reside?

152

REDRAWING UTOPIA: POSTWAR AREAS

Here too the key lies in investigation of the different layers that can be distinguished in these projects: the urban structure, the street plan, the buildings’ footprints, shells, architecture and detailing. In the original design, these layers were closely interwoven with one another, particularly at the level of neighbourhood units. They derive their consistency from this fact, but also their stubborn persistence when it comes to renewal. A new stature and a new structure for the ground must be designed. The ground plan determines the relationships among public, collective and private space, and the relation with the city and landscape is founded there. This layer must become more resistant to time, to be able to not just survive, but steer the changes on the other levels. In a process of renewal which allows time to do its work, the relation with that which is presently there is constantly being challenged. Each phase of renewal must be able to exist in itself. This requires a good understanding of and respect for the ideas and visual language out of which the projects once arose. The restfulness and regularity of the modernist projects, their serenity and the lush greenery represent an important value in a city which continues to constantly evolve. Must the modernist projects be swallowed up in the ‘jam session’ of the whole city? Or should they be cherished and restored, as monuments to an earlier era? The Staalmanplein neighbourhood in Amsterdam is a typical example of a modernist residential area. The assignment is to make renewal and diversification of the dwellings possible. This translates into a transformation of the street plan and a differentiated approach for each architectonic zone. The Lijnbaan district in Rotterdam is much more exceptional. Here modernism was applied to the heart of a city, the dynamic realm of constant activity, commerce and large institutions. The tension between the consistent modernist ensemble on the one hand, and an urban dynamism which no longer allows itself to be contained in an unambiguous architectonic end vision on the other, is central to this project.

153

REDRAWING UTOPIA: LIJNBAAN QUARTER AND COURTS, ROTTERDAM

Study for Rotterdam’s city centre; possible development strategy for the Lijnbaan quarter; further development of Lijnbaan courts Area: 42 ha Design: 2008 –2009 Realisation: on hold Commissioned by: City of Rotterdam, Amvest and Vestia In cooperation with: dS+V Rotterdam (Lijnbaan Quarter) and Claus en Kaan Architecten (Lijnbaan courts)

154

REDRAWING UTOPIA

LIJNBAAN QUARTER AND COURTS, ROTTERDAM The heart of Rotterdam is marked by an eventful

and urban planning became looser, the urban

This succession of planning phases in fits and

history. The bombardment and fire of 1940 left deep

image less univocal.

starts makes it impossible to deal with the city centre

scars. The structure of the city centre was radically

The most exceptional project from this

as one homogeneous entity. There is rather a

transformed. All the land was expropriated and

period was the Lijnbaan complex. It is a large archi-

collage of three different urban images. First, there

reparcellated according to various redevelopment

tectonic ensemble, which exceeds a single block

is the street wall city, comprised of closed blocks

plans. This has had effects visible down to this day.

or street in scale. It was created in the 1950s, in

of buildings four or five storeys high, constructed

It has given Rotterdam an image that is uniquely

two stages. First came the Lijnbaan itself: an auto-

either as individual properties or as coherent

its own: layered, dynamic and contemporary,

free shopping promenade on the barren ground

projects. Second, there are the large, composite

and not yet mature. Meanwhile, the programmatic

left after the bombardment of the city’s centre.

blocks of buildings along the major urban boule-

dynamics and spatial intensification continue. This

It formed the core of the new shopping heart of the

vards, particularly the Coolsingel and Weena.

requires a spatial vision that can direct the future

city. Then followed the Lijnbaan flats: modernist

They are comprised of buildings differing in size

appearance of the city centre, without nailing

residential high-rises around two green courts.

and nature. Successive intensification projects are

it down in detail.

The ‘glue’ bonding these two phases was formed

proof of the structural flexibility of this section

by the service street which separated the low-rise

of the city. Here the paradigm of the Basic Plan,

shops from the residential slabs.

urban development as the equipollent placement of

This spatial vision is based on an analysis of the cityscape that developed after the Second World War. The Witteveen Plan (1940) was intended

Since the late 1970s the development

autonomous buildings alongside one another, becomes visible.

to streamline the old structure of the city, not

of the city centre has continued in two ways. The

replace it. A number of the buildings in the Lijnbaan

one focuses on increasing the density of the

district were realised according to this plan. They

centre with ever larger and higher building volumes

is of a different order. It is a total composition in

were the initial impetus for new city blocks with

on top of existing structures, or on the increasingly

the form of an ensemble of buildings. Because of

continuous façade walls, along the new street plan.

scarce, remaining empty parcels. he Rotterdam

its large scale, it provides a unique contribution to

In Van Traa’s Basic Plan (1946) the street plan

skyline is the result of this of this development. The

the image of the city. The serial composition of

was rationalised into a rectangular street grid. The

other way focuses on filling in openings in street

its elements delineates itself as the foreground for

new buildings were no longer parts of coherently

walls and narrowing the urban boulevards, as

the composite urban blocks along the Coolsingel,

designed façades along city blocks, but manifested

a reaction against the ‘open’ building policies, of

which literally tower above it. Because of the open

themselves as autonomous architectonic projects

which the Lijnbaan complex was the textbook

corners and variety in building height, the combi-

along the main routes in the city. As property held

example. Retroactively the more closed building

nation of foreground and background can also

in common, the ground was made accessible

policy envisioned by the Witteveen Plan became

be experienced from the green courts. The intro-

everywhere. The relationship between architecture

vital again.

vert courtyard and the urban silhouette here

155

The third part, the Lijnbaan complex itself,

REDRAWING UTOPIA: LIJNBAAN QUARTER AND COURTS, ROTTERDAM

come together in one picture. Once a chic shopping

height of 22 metres. This by no means precludes

for a larger and more flexible building volume that

street with a wide variety of shops and restaurants

renewal and increased density, but this cannot be

welds together the stores, dwellings and service

and cafés, after its fresh beginnings the Lijnbaan

sought primarily in height. For the composite blocks

street. At the same time, this will heal the historic

has lost its lustre. The open-air mall, with its fine

of buildings along the Weena and the Coolsingel,

gash between the stores and the dwellings.

balance of sauntering, sales and spending time, and

the form of the envelope for construction is defined

the subtle quality of the store interiors, has become

by two assumptions. First and foremost is the as-

of the green courts, to produce more worthy urban

an ordinary shopping centre that distinguishes it-

sumption that the attractiveness – defined in terms

public spaces. The courts afford one the opportunity

self from others only by the enormous retail income

of sun and wind – of these important urban spaces

to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of urban

it generates, and its increasingly worn appearance.

must not be allowed to decrease. The requirements

life, as in a pocket park. The presence of mature

The greatest weakness of the ensemble lies in

for penetration by sun result in the envelopes being

trees in actual soil is to be cherished. Entrance to

the north-south zones directly behind the Lijnbaan

cut back at an angle. In addition, maintaining the

the surrounding apartment buildings from the

itself. Here the system of streets from which the

visibility of the historic layeredness of the city and

courts will be restored. The courts are also given a

stores are supplied has become an unattractive and

respecting pre-war monuments results in openings

more formal architectonic boundary. A screen,

socially dangerous element of public space. The

and setbacks in the building envelopes.

which during the day will largely be open, functions

backs of the residential and commercial structures

The construction envelope for the Lijnbaan

The second intervention involves the redesign

as a filter to and from the city. In the evening the

are dominantly present in the street scene. This

itself is very strictly defined. For this ensemble

screen is closed, and only those who live around the

zone requires a specific intervention. The Lijnbaan

renewal and increased density must be kept in

court have access to it. Their doorbells are to be

must be given a new anchorage in the spatial

balance with the total composition of the ensemble.

found in the fence. Thus the courts will function as

structure of the heart of Rotterdam.

The space for development coincides with the

exclusive vestibules for the buildings, and will be attractively lit at night.

The future urban image of the city centre

‘footprint’ of the service street and the middle-rise

cannot be drawn up as an architectonic project.

apartment buildings which run along it in a north-

The social dynamics are too great and unpredicta-

south direction. The maximal building height

ble. Therefore the choice has been made to define

is fixed at 75 metres. This height offers space for

maximal envelopes for construction. These set

a further increase in density, at the same time

the margins within which the density of the city can

preserving the differences in scale that can be

be further increased. The image of the city as col-

distinguished in the Lijnbaan complex.

lage is the starting point for this. One development strategy has been formulated for all three sectors. For the street wall city, the envelope for future construction is set at a maximum building

156

Two major interventions are proposed. The most radical has to do with the replacement of the two north-south apartment buildings and building over the service street. This provides space

REDRAWING UTOPIA: LIJNBAAN QUARTER AND COURTS, ROTTERDAM

Pedestrien shopping street (in the 1950s) Aerial photograph 1953 (right, Lijnbaan stores under construction)

Shops and slabs

157

REDRAWING UTOPIA: LIJNBAAN QUARTER AND COURTS, ROTTERDAM

Reconstruction plan (1940, Witteveen)

Basic plan (1946, Van Traa)

Street plan and buildings according to Witteveen

158

Street plan and buildings according to the basic plan

Intensification of the city centre after 1970

REDRAWING UTOPIA: LIJNBAAN QUARTER AND COURTS, ROTTERDAM

present structures envelope: 19th century city streets envelope: composite blocks envelope: Lijnbaan ensemble

Construction envelopes for the Lijnbaan and vicinity

Composite blocks of buildings

Ensemble

Street walls

Layered cityscape

159

REDRAWING UTOPIA: LIJNBAAN QUARTER AND COURTS, ROTTERDAM

Stacking

Background

Foreground

Courtyard, urban silhouette

Courtyard, urban silhouette

Potential new construction on the east side of the courts

Service street as cement

Urban programming of the green courts

160

REDRAWING UTOPIA: LIJNBAAN QUARTER AND COURTS, ROTTERDAM

Potential new cross-section: courts, shopping street, housing, high-rise buildings

161

REDRAWING UTOPIA: STAALMANPLEINBUURT, AMSTERDAM

Urban development design for restructuring postwar residential neighbourhood Area: 16.5 ha Programme: 870 dwellings, small-scale businesses, restaurants and cafés, sports and educational facilities, public space Design: 2008–2010 Realisation: started 2010 Commissioned by: Housing corporation De Alliantie In cooperation with: Baneke, van der Hoeven architecten

162

REDRAWING UTOPIA

STAALMANPLEINBUURT, AMSTERDAM In 1934 Cornelis van Eesteren drew up a pioneering

been subject to wear and tear. It is particularly

ground-level entrances, will take place based on

modernist project, the Algemeen Uitbreidings Plan

the uniformity of the housing stock – all multi-storey,

the footprint of the present buildings. Parking

( AUP = General Expansion Plan ) for Amsterdam.

small and inexpensive – that has made the Staal-

facilities, outdoor spaces and terraces are included.

It was the foundation for the transformation of a

manplein area a transient neighbourhood, and

The buildings will be replaced, while the ground

vast tract of polder landscape into a green residen-

has initiated a downward social spiral. Diversifica-

plan will be maintained. The adult trees in the

tial city for about 30,000 dwellings, articulated in

tion of the housing stock must offer residents more

gardens and along the streets will also be retained.

series of relatively autonomous neighbourhoods.

choice and afford better social cohesion in the

They were grouped around a new lake, the Sloter-

neighbourhood.

plas. The design guided a construction process that took 40 years.

The design provides a strategy for a gradual

The most radical renewal will take place in the southern zone, by the architect Zanstra. With its aloof location, strip buildings and the mixture

renewal of the Staalmanplein district, based on the

of parking with green and play spaces, it is the most

re-ordering of its public space. The street plan is

vulnerable part of the neighbourhood. The struc-

of these areas. It lies on the south edge of the AUP.

given a stronger continuity by extending it over the

tures here will be replaced totally and oriented to

About 90% of the area is comprised of almost iden-

southern zone (Zanstra) and orienting it to the canal

a new street pattern. The canal will be widened and

tical apartment blocks with four storeys of flats

which is its southern boundary. The park in the

accompanied with structures facing the water,

accessed from a shared stair, above a ground floor

middle is expanded, so that it forms a heart for the

with their addresses there.

with storage rooms and garages. The residential

neighbourhood and all the streets come out there.

The Staalmanplein neighbourhood is one

blocks are arranged in street or strip parcellation,

With this stronger continuity in the public

The most valuable of the architecture, situated around lushly planted internal gardens, is

or in an intermediate form. This involves what were

space, the Staalmanplein neighbourhood is integrat-

in the middle zone, by the architect Staal. Here

termed ‘stamps’, matrices in which various types

ed into Amsterdam’s iron pattern of continuing

the design foresees renovation of the apartment

of buildings were combined in an open composition

straight streets which constantly intersect with each

floor plans and restoration of the façades. At

which was then repeated. On this basis three zones

other. The liberal dimensioning of the streets offers

the head of the park the existing structures will

can be distinguished in the neighbourhood, which

space for varied and dispersed tree planting: a

be replaced by an entirely new block, as a landmark

were each designed by a then prominent architect:

form of ‘tree jazz’ that contrasts with the marching

on the park. This is where new neighbourhood

from north to south by Ernest Groosman, Arthur

ranks of trees elsewhere in the city.

facilities will be concentrated.

Staal and Piet Zanstra, respectively.

The renewal of the buildings takes into ac-

Existing and new buildings will stand next

count the characteristics of the three architectonic

to one another during the whole renewal process.

zones. In the north, in the Groosman zone, the

Therefore the visual language of the new buildings

in the collective gardens has reached maturity

dimensions of the collective gardens and the profiles

will be related to the restfulness, regularity and

since the area was built around 1960, and gives it an

of the streets are normative for the renewal. New

rhythm of the modernist architecture. There will be

adult and serene aura. The buildings however have

construction, most of it in the form of dwellings with

no overstated sculpturality, no over-articulation of

The neighbourhood has a rather beautiful feeling about it. The greenery along the streets and

163

REDRAWING UTOPIA: STAALMANPLEINBUURT, AMSTERDAM

the individual dwelling, but a tranquil composition

blocks of buildings. They mark the distinction

of linear buildings. The individuality of the dwelling

between the public street and the collective inner

will be reticently expressed within the framework

gardens, and provide for a gentler transition from

of party walls which are carried through the façade,

the private dwelling to the public street.

and the overhang of the eaves. Garden walls, hedges and a marginal strip along the front façade hold the linear building line together within the

Existing situation

164

REDRAWING UTOPIA: STAALMANPLEINBUURT, AMSTERDAM

Plan map

165

REDRAWING UTOPIA: STAALMANPLEINBUURT, AMSTERDAM

Context in the General Expansion Plan, 1934

Tree jazz

Groosman zone

Staal zone

Zanstra zone

Tripartite division, present and new

Framework for public space

166

REDRAWING UTOPIA: STAALMANPLEINBUURT, AMSTERDAM

Groosman zone

Park building

Restfulness, rhythm, regularity

Zanstra zone

Staal zone

Profile of street and interior garden

Redevelopment by zone

collection of houses: expressive sculpture

Composition of linear buildings

167

block as an ensemble of quiet (linear) buildings

All streets lead to the park

REDRAWING UTOPIA: STAALMANPLEINBUURT, AMSTERDAM

Staal zone: renovation of apartments, new street profile

Groosman zone: existing streets, new buildings

168

REDRAWING UTOPIA: STAALMANPLEINBUURT, AMSTERDAM

Zanstra zone: wider canal, new blocks of buildings

169

EMBEDDING MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SPACE

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SPACE

Paths, roads and streets are the basting threads that stitch cities and landscapes together. They are the vehicles for exchanges and contacts, and therefore are expressions of the public domain, par excellence. Homes and workplaces are attached to these threads. The relation between road and parcel, between building and street, is a recurrent theme in all stages of shaping the city or the landscape. Over the last century mobility has increased explosively. The system of threads is being strained to the breaking point. The repertoire has been expanded with railway lines, motorways, canals, bridges, tunnels, viaducts, flyovers, parking garages, metro systems, airports – to name only a few of its elements. This has led to a sweeping diversification and splintering of the system. On the one hand, there is the web of streets and roads. It provides access to adjacent addresses, facilitates movement over longer or shorter distances, and provides room for all kinds of traffic at the same time. Its routes adapt to natural grades or barriers in the ground, and are tailored to the adjoining parcellation. On the other hand, there is the ‘transportation machine’ in which various modalities of conveying people and goods from one place to another are strictly separated and the networks are specialised. Movement and speed are prescribed unambiguously. Routes are streamlined, and often come free from the ground. The connections between traffic and parcel, between street and address, are weakened or broken. On the larger scale, the transportation machine can realise very direct connections, but in its immediate surroundings it leads to the creation of barriers, the fragmentation of the ground and the formation of enclaves. Noise pollution and air contamination increase the conflict with its immediate environment. The approach to traffic and mobility has become deeply coloured by normative thinking. Mobility is often idealised as the motor for progress, or maligned as a threat to safety and the environment. In both cases, this leads to a one-dimensional and technocratic policy. This technocratic approach seriously short-changes the design of public space and infrastructure. Traffic and mobility are inseparable from cities and landscapes. A traffic system

172

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SPACE

has enormous power to condition and organise. It defines the economic potential of a place, but also its character and identity. For instance, it creates the difference between quiet and busy areas, and can boost or temper dynamism. It also determines the accessibility and usefulness of parcels and locations; the system gathers addresses together. The degree to which it allows the mixing and meeting of users determines the degree of urban character. The routes and profiles of the system define the three-dimensional spatiality of the city. They form the lasting framework in which traffic is the temporary guest. As the use of a building will alter, the use of the traffic space changes over the course of time, without that system and the profiles by definition changing with it. Profile and route transcend traffic technology. But the transportation machine which has separated itself from the web of streets also has an enormous impact. Its constructions and engineering works are architectonic artefacts, and are part of the threedimensional ground plan of the city. Both tying together and disentangling these systems is part of many design assignments. Last but not least, movement through cities and landscapes is a spatial experience: a film for the traveller with an open mind and eye, a means of orientation for the visitor, the scenography of homecoming for the resident. Movement through time and space strings together levels of scale and makes the qualities of a landscape visible, as in a route architecturale. In Ede East the design proposes a spatial framework for infrastructure, on the one hand by disentwining the auto traffic and giving it a streamlined route in the form of a parkway, and on the other by connecting the various sorts of traffic around the station. In Middelburg it is a matter of transforming an infrastructural landscape with a railway line, embankment, canal and traffic artery into an urban interior. The beach boulevard in Zandvoort involves redesign on a micro-scale. The disentanglement and connecting of various movements and speeds play the key role. In all these projects, every effort is made to achieve simplicity and clarity in the design and materalisation of the traffic system.

173

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: RAILWAY ZONE, EDE EAST

Masterplan for the redevelopment of four military barracks sites, railway zone, the vicinity of the railway station and industrial sites Area: 200 ha Programme: 3500 to 4500 dwellings, 100,000 m2 offices, station, schools, conference facilities, ateliers, workplaces, institutes Design: 2004 – 2005 Supervision: 2008 – present Commissioned by: City of Ede

174

EMBEDDING MOBILITY

RAILWAY ZONE, EDE EAST Ede is a leafy town on the edge of the Veluwe –

green. Grass and clumps of trees dominate the

and conference facilities, relating to the dyna-

one of the largest contiguous nature areas in

picture. Recessed at some points, the road winds in

mism of the nearby Wageningen University and

The Netherlands. The town has grown explosively

flowing curves through built-up areas, both existing

Research Centre.

in the last decades to become a city of 100,000

and new, at the same time incidentally bridging

inhabitants. Along the edge of the woods belonging

the approximately 25 metres difference in elevation

and ENKA factory complex, now available for other

to the Veluwe nature area, abandoned factories

in the location. The woods and buildings of Ede

uses, will be redeveloped as various enclaves.

and military barracks lie hidden behind hundreds

are visible at a distance. A number of places along

The differences in elevation, buildings of cultural

of metres of fencing. For Ede they offer a unique

its route reveal Ede’s military heritage. The land-

and historical interest, and the structure of the

opportunity to cash in on its location beside

scape is also made accessible to the hiker. Several

parcellation offer inspiration for this. The provision

the Veluwe’s woodlands. The Ede East / Railway

old avenues of trees connect Ede with the Veluwe,

of a particular programme and architectonic atmo-

Zone masterplan sketches the possibilities for

as routes for slower traffic.

sphere reinforces the spatial concept of more or

this series of locations. The zone along the railway

The masterplan proposes that the railway

line through Ede, including the area around the

line through Ede will be recessed. This helps

train station, is a component of this exploration.

reduce the noise nuisance from the trains, and

The design comprises a framework in

benefits the spatial coherence of the city. Particu-

which cultural and historic relics, the qualities of

larly in the vicinity of the station this provides

the landscape and the infrastructure are brought

major opportunities. The area around the station

together into one coherent whole. Various urban

can be transformed from a poorly organised and

enclaves can be developed within this framework.

spatially undefined site into a coherent location for

The two most important lines are a new parkway,

development, with a clear logistical concept.

to be constructed, and the rail line. At the inter-

Two characteristics encounter one another

section of these two lines a new station district will

in the new station area. On the north side of the

be developed, surrounding the Ede-Wageningen

tracks connections are sought with the tree-shaded

train station.

side of Ede. The forecourt of the adjoining Maurits

The new infrastructure for Ede East will

Barracks is furnished as a public park in which a deer

assist in making the quality of the landscape in

park would not be out of place. New construction

the location visible. The sites in Ede East will

is small-scale and relates well to the heritage of

be made accessible by the parkway. A wide central

Ede as a small town. On the south side space is pro-

reservation and spacious, sloping banks on either

vided for a new transfer point for public transit,

side of the road make it a thread of continuous

and for the development of larger-scale institutions

175

Within the framework the former barracks

less autonomous residential and work areas within a landscape framework.

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: RAILWAY ZONE, EDE EAST

Plan map

Logistics around the station

176

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: RAILWAY ZONE, EDE EAST

Recessed station and parkway

177

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: RAILWAY ZONE, EDE EAST

Cross-section of recessed railway tracks

178

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: RAILWAY ZONE, EDE EAST

Parkway, woods, barracks and new housing

179

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: STATION DISTRICT, MIDDELBURG

Masterplan and design for public space for railway station district and Canal Zone, Middelburg Area: 150 ha Programme: Redesign of station plaza, locations for various offices and residential areas, new definition of canal banks and quays, new urban routes and bridges Design masterplan: 1998 Supervision: 1999 –2010 Realisation: 2001– present Commissioned by: BVR, City of Middelburg In collaboration with: Witteveen en Bos, NPK Industrial Design

180

EMBEDDING MOBILITY

STATION DISTRICT, MIDDELBURG Middelburg is the historic heart of the Walcheren

construction of a tunnel on the east side of the city

perspective of the passer-by, these side façades

peninsula, in the south-west of the Dutch delta.

makes it possible to use the existing bridges better

are in fact the faces of the buildings. Oblique

The area around the railway station occupies an

for urban traffic. Adding new pedestrian bridges

frontality and transparency are the dominant archi-

important place in structure of the city. Since

makes the maze of this network closer-knit, and

tectonic themes.

the 19 th century the almost intact concentric pattern

anchors the canal zone more strongly in the urban

of the city centre with its city walls is rather brutally

landscape. With a more comfortable design for

parking garages and office blocks creates a close

cut through on one side by a canal, a railway line

the public space, the Station District comes to form

relation between the public space and the buildings.

and a dike. The canal zone separates the historic

the link connecting the southern residential neigh-

The choice has been made for timeless, robust

centre from the city’s postwar expansions to the

bourhoods and the centre of Middelburg. The

detailing and materialisation for the public areas.

south. These two sections of the city are separate

crucial intervention however is standing the banks

The cap for the new quay walls is a metre-wide

worlds: the one concentric, compact and urban,

of the canal upright. By replacing the present

concrete element that fringes the space of the

the other structured by a grid of traffic arteries,

slopes with quay walls, the usable space can be

Kanaalweg like an extended bench, and suggests

spatially fragmented and suburban in character.

increased by six or seven metres. This makes

scale. The urban furniture on the bus plaza, the

The canal zone itself has a zoned structure. The

it possible to construct a promenade planted with

bicycle shelter and all the fences in bicycle tunnels

Walcheren Canal, with busy traffic arteries on both

trees along each side of the canal. It also creates

and along the entrances to the parking garages

sides, the plaza in front of the station, the rail line

room for a more spacious entrance to the railway

are all designed as a cohesive family.

and the dike are a ‘lasagne’ of large-scale infra-

station. The quays, trees and three bridges

structural elements. It is a fault zone between the

make the Walcheren Canal a part of Middelburg’s

city on the canal and the village behind the dike.

urban space.

The masterplan envisions a future perspective for the whole canal zone. Four substantial

On the new quay stand the new buildings for the District Water Board and the city administra-

buildings, a new bus station and new, public quays

tion. The District Water Board building accompanies

are the basis for the plan. The canal is no longer

the offset in the Kanaalweg and forms one of the

regarded as an obstacle, but as an urban space

façades of the station plaza. The municipal office

in the midst of the city. Because of its unique and

building is the bridgehead for a new bicycle bridge

robust scale, and through the presence of the

over the canal. Between these two buildings, a

station, it becomes the motor for development of

prospect toward the urban façade of Middelburg

new urban programmes.

remains guaranteed. Their side façades are orient-

A network of existing and new connections forms the basis for this restructuring. The

181

ed toward the bus station and the city quays, or to the longitudinal axis of the canal. From the

The integration of the structure of the quays,

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: STATION DISTRICT, MIDDELBURG

Concentric versus grid

Development plan for canal zone

Previous situation

Reorganising the logistics

Station, trees, buildings around bus terminal

182

New buildings, quay, pergola

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: STATION DISTRICT, MIDDELBURG

Cross-section

Quay, bench

Building choreography

183

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: STATION DISTRICT, MIDDELBURG

Quay, bench, entrance to the city centre

184

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: STATION DISTRICT, MIDDELBURG

Station, quay, line of trees, bench

185

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: STATION DISTRICT, MIDDELBURG

Walcheren Canal

The new District Water Board headquarters, quai, bench

186

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: STATION DISTRICT, MIDDELBURG

Connecting pergola, City administration building

187

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: BEACH BOULEVARD, ZANDVOORT

Redesign of Boulevard Barnaart Area: 20 ha Programme: Design for restructuring the parking and construction of a separate bus lane; improving the accessibility of the beach Design: 1999 – 2001 Realisation: 2003 – 2006 Commissioned by: Province of North Holland, communities of Zandvoort and Bloemendaal

188

EMBEDDING MOBILITY

BEACH BOULEVARD, ZANDVOORT For many, Boulevard Barnaart is the terminus of

through traffic and for slow and relaxed traffic.

are furnished differently, and function as brakes

their trip to the beach. The lengthy boulevard

Immediately along the dunes is an asphalt strip on

on the speed of the traffic, cross-overs and

offers views of the skylines of Zandvoort and the

which bus traffic is combined with the fast recrea-

places to while away time. Room for fish stalls and

Hoogovens steelworks at IJmuiden. On topographic

tional use by bicycle racers and skaters. It is

snack bars is provided on these plateaus. Here

maps, it is visible as a line, a sharply incised

paved in smooth asphalt to guarantee the comfort

the retaining wall shifts two metres further toward

architectonic feature in a landscape where the sea

of bus passengers, bikers and skaters, respectively.

the beach. The exits from the beach to the promen-

and wind still shape the contours of the land. The

Lanes for auto traffic, paved with clinker brick,

ade are concentrated on seven terraces, providing

boulevard emphasises the contrast between

are separated from it at some distance. Parallel

space for benches, refuse containers and bicycle

nature and culture. The sober civil engineering

to these brick lanes, but at a somewhat lower level,

parking. The requisite furniture for this is affixed to

construction is the realm of the tourist.

lies an asphalted lane covered with seashells,

the retaining wall. The wall is the architectonic

The impetus for drawing up a new design lay

where parking is organised. Alongside it runs a

leitmotif, both at the scale of the landscape and at

in the desire to improve traffic safety, regulate an

wide strip with a bicycle path and a strolling prome-

the scale of the detailing.

anarchic parking situation, realise more space

nade. They are both paved with identical material.

for public transit and improve the attractiveness of

The small, square size of the tiles, and their texture,

as little as possible, Boulevard Barnaart and the

the area. From the boulevard people enjoy the

reinforces the idea of an extended plane and

Kop Zeeweg are lit sparingly. When it gets dark,

prospect of the sea and divert their senses. It is a

underscores the large scale of the band along the

for the visitor the emphasis lies on the view out over

stage on which the game of being seen and

sea. The profile of the boulevard is bounded by a

the glittering sea, the starry sky and and the flicker-

watching others can be played. This game requires

retaining wall that takes up the various differences

ing skylines of Zandvoort and the Hoogovens

that contrasts be made visible and encounters

in height between the promenade and the young

steelworks. The nocturnal image of the boulevard

be facilitated.

dunes along the beach. This wall also emphasises

is dominated by the rhythm of the lighted crossing

the contrast between the ever-changing sand

areas, the lower lighting of the exits from the beach

ates the various participants in the traffic flow,

landscape and the unrelenting line drawn by the

and the lighting on the promenade.

while confronting them with one another in uncon-

boulevard.

The design opted for a zoning which separ-

ventional ways at a number of points. By taking

The rigid zoning of the boulevard is inter-

the present long, dead straight lines of the boule-

rupted at the entrances and exits to and from the

vard as the point of departure, the plan retains

beach. At these points an exchange between

the contrast between its character as a work of civil

the different kinds of traffic takes place, along with

engineering and the natural coastal landscape.

provisions for crossing the roadway. Here it is not

The cross-section of the boulevard establishes separate zones for the use of dynamic, fast

189

the through flow of traffic, but arrival, departure and lingering that is dominant. These crossing areas

In order to disturb the natural environment

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: BEACH BOULEVARD, ZANDVOORT

Strip along the coast

Cross-section of beach boulevard

190

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: BEACH BOULEVARD, ZANDVOORT

Crossing area

Sketches

Cross-section of beach boulevard

191

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: BEACH BOULEVARD, ZANDVOORT

Border between dunes and boulevard

Driveway, parking

Bus lane

Terraces with benches at beach entrances

192

EMBEDDING MOBILITY: BEACH BOULEVARD, ZANDVOORT

193

APPENDIX

LIST OF PROJECTS

• = realised or accepted for realisation

MIDDELVELDSE AKERPOLDER, Amsterdam, 1990 Design sketch for urban expansion (5000 dwellings). Commissioned by Stadsdeel Osdorp, Amsterdam.

BEATRIXKWARTIER, The Hague, 1990 Preconditions for office development and public space.

• AMBY SOUTH-EAST, Maastricht, 1992

Urban planning design for residential neighbourhood (500 dwellings), public space and supervision. Commissioned by the city of Maastricht. Realised 1999.

Commissioned by the city of The Hague.

MEERHOVEN Eindhoven, 1994 Design study framework for an urban extension (4000 dwellings). Commissioned by the city of Eindhoven.

• BUITENHOF, Groningen, 1994 Urban development design for residential neighbourhood and vicinity (400 dwellings). Commissioned by the city of Groningen. Realised 2000.

INTERMEDIATE ZONE, Rotterdam North, 1990 Landscape plan and infrastructure.

STUDY FOR STACKED DWELLINGS, 1994 Study into the urban design aspects of stacked dwelling forms.

Commissioned by the city of Rotterdam.

Commissioned by the Rijksplanologische Dienst.

EILAND VAN IJSSELMONDE, Rotterdam, 1991 Exploration of spatial development possibilities.

• IJBURG, Amsterdam, 1995

Commissioned by the city of Rotterdam.

STRUCTURE SKETCH, Delft, 1991

CRITICISM WAALSPRONG, NIJMEGEN, 1993

Commissioned by the city of Delft.

Commissioned by the city of Nijmegen.

• MOLUKKENPLANTSOEN, Groningen, 1991

Intensification project Korrewegwijk; urban planning design and supervision. Commissioned by the city of Groningen. Realised 1995.

STRUCTURE SKETCH, Spijkenisse, 1993 Commissioned by the city of Spijkenisse. • BUITENPLAATS YPENBURG, 1993

Master plan (11.000 dwellings), supervision, public space. Commissioned by Samenwerkingsverband Ypenburg. Realisation began in 1996.

VALKENBOSCH-ZUID, Den Haag, 1993 Limited competition, design study urban renewal. Commissioned by the city of The Hague. • KOP VAN ZUID, Rotterdam, 1994

Urban design Wilhelminapier. Commissioned by the city of Rotterdam.

RAILWAY TUNNEL STUDY, DELFT, 1992 Adjustments for railway tunnel and redevelopment of station district. Commissioned by the city of Delft.

Urban planning design for IJburg (18,000 dwellings). In cooperation with dRO Amsterdam and H+N+S Landschapsarchitecten. Commissioned by the city of Amsterdam. Realisation began in 1998.

STRUCTURE SKETCH, Zaanstad, 1995 Elaboration of the Structure Sketch Zaanstad 1995. Commissioned by the city of Zaanstad.

SPAANDER, Groningen, 1995 Feasibility study for residential area (200 dwellings) on commercial site to be demolished. Commissioned by Woningstichting Volkshuisvesting. • BUIZENGAT, Vlaardingen, 1995

Urban planning design for redevelopment and intensification (500 dwellings). Commissioned by the city of Vlaardingen. Realisation began in 2001.

DE VIJFHOEK, Deventer, 1995 Urban development design for the facilities centre “De Vijfhoek” in Deventer. Commissioned by the city of Deventer.

196

LIST OF PROJECTS

• PICCARDTHOF, Groningen, 1996 Urban development design for estate zone with residential neighbourhood (about 600 dwellings). Commissioned by the cities of Groningen and Eelde. Realised 2004.

VERKADE SITE, Zaanstad, 1996 Urban development study into possibilities for building. Commissioned by the city of Zaanstad.

• VIJVERDAL, Maastricht, 1997 Urban design vision for the restructuring of a psychiatric facility. Commissioned by PMS Vijverdal and the city of Maastricht. Realised 2008.

LAURENSKWARTIER, Rotterdam, 1997 Design research into the transformation process in the Rotterdam city centre. Commissioned by Comité Wederopbouw and the city of Rotterdam.

HOOGVELD, Heerlen, 1998 Limited competition, urban design plan (about 400 dwellings). In cooperation with H+N+S Landschapsarchitecten. Commissioned by the city of Heerlen and Hoogveld bv.

• LEWENBORG, Groningen, 1998 Restructuring of a 1970s residential neighbourhood. Commissioned by the city of Groningen. Realisation began in 2002.

• LEIDSCHE RIJN, Utrecht, 1996 • BELVEDERE, Maastricht, 1998

Urban design elaboration of a part of the development vision for Leidsche Rijn (2600 dwellings).

Complex restructuring on the edge of the city centre, highway interchange, old industrial site and landscape (approx. 280 ha.); design and super vision.

Commissioned by Projectbureau Leidsche Rijn. Realised 2005.

Commissioned by the city of Maastricht, ING Realestate and BPF Bouwinvest. Realisation began in 2001.

• STATION DISTRICT, Middelburg, 1998

Development of a masterplan for the vicinity of the railway station and Canal Zone.

• MAGISTRAATWIJK, Middelburg, 1998 Urban development plan for restructuring of a 1960s neighbourhood. Commissioned by the city of Middelburg. Realised 2005.

Commissioned by BVR. Realised 2005.

OOSTERPOLDER / BANGERT, Hoorn, 1997 Structural model for an expansion area (3750 dwellings). Commissioned by the city of Hoorn.

RAILWAY TRACKS STUDY, Abcoude, 1997 Proposals for doubling track capacity at grade level through Abcoude. Commissioned by NS Railinfrabeheer. • OFFICE SITE, Piccardthofplas, 1997

Urban planning study into the placement of an office building in existing location. Commissioned by Wilma Bouw Groningen. Realised 1999.

WAARDERPOLDER, Haarlem, 1997 Exploration of development possibilities for an industrial site near the Haarlem city centre. Commissioned by the city of Haarlem.

197

RIBBON STUDY, Berkel and Rodenrijs, 1998 Vision for development possibilities of 9 km built-up ribbon. Commissioned by the municipality of Berkel and Rodenrijs.

AIR HOEKSCHE WAARD, 1998 Regional design study for the Hoeksche Waard (limited competition). Commissioned by Stichting Architecture International Rotterdam.

• BEACH BOULEVARD, Zandvoort, 1999 Proposal for the redesign of the beach boulevard. Commissioned by the Province of North Holland. Realised 2009.

LIST OF PROJECTS

• NESSELANDE, Rotterdam, 1999

Design for a part of the Nesselande residential neighbourhood (520 dwellings). Commissioned by the city of Rotterdam. Realisation began in 2001.

• = realised or accepted for realisation

• PEDAGOGENBUURT, Utrecht, 2000 Urban development plan for the restructuring of the Pedagogenwijk in Zuilen. Commissioned by Johan Matser Projectont wikkeling bv. Realisation began 2005.

SPOORHAVEN, Roosendaal, 2001 Urban design plan for the redevelopment of city centre, station, industry and dwellings. Commissioned by the city of Roosendaal and BPF Bouwinvest.

SPAARNEZIEKENHUIS, Haarlem, 2000 Competition for the redevelopment of the Spaarne Hospital site. In cooperation with Mecanoo Architecten. Commissioned by Slokker Vastgoed Groep bv. • LELYLAAN, Amsterdam, 2000

Urban development plan and supervision for Lelylaan/A10 and vicinity. Commissioned by Stadsdeel Slotervaart / Overtoomseveld and the city of Amsterdam. Realisation began in 2005.

HARBOUR, Maassluis, 1999 Urban design sketch for a part of the harbour and river front of Maassluis. Commissioned by PROCAP Bouwontwikkeling.

CITY ENTRANCE, Rotterdam, 1999 Future visions for the Maasboulevard, river banks and vicinity. Commissioned by the city of Rotterdam.

DEVENTER LANDSTAD, 1999 Design study for the development of the city and landscape around Deventer. Commissioned by Keuning Instituut.

• MARINA, Made Drimmelen, 2001 • ROERDELTA, Roermond, 2000

Masterplan for old industrial area, edge of the city centre and river front. Commissioned by the city of Roermond and Roerdelta Projectontwikkelingsmij. bv.

HOOGVLIET, Rotterdam, 2000 Urban design structure sketch fort he city centre of Hoogvliet. Commissioned by the city of Rotterdam.

• HAVENKWARTIER, Lelystad, 2000 Urban development plan for the Havenkwartier. Commissioned by the city of Lelystad. New harbour realised 2008

GROWTH IN THE CITY, Amersfoort, 2001 Study for city centre renewal and intensification. Commissioned by the city of Amersfoort.

FUTURE VISION, Borger-Odoorn and Stadskanaal, 2001 Regional design for peat settlement area. In cooperation with BVR. Commissioned by the municipalities of Borger-Odoorn and Stadskanaal.

198

Masterplan for the area around the marina at Drimmelen. Commissioned by the Exploitatiemij. Nieuwe Jachthaven Drimmelen. Realisation began in 2004.

GROENBLAUWE SLINGER, Pijnacker / Berkel, 2002 Design study into the possibilities for building in the green zone Pijnacker / Berkel and Rodenrijs. Commissioned by the Province of South Holland and the municipality of Pijnacker.

STATION VICINITY, Haarlem, 2002 Masterplan for the railway zone, Haarlem. In cooperation with BVR. Commissioned by the city of Haarlem.

LIST OF PROJECTS

• OVERHOEKS, Amsterdam, 2002

Development plan for the former Shell site on the north bank of the IJ. In cooperation with dRO Amsterdam. Commissioned by Stadsdeel Noord and the city of Amsterdam. Realisation began in 2005.

• TECHUM, Leeuwarden, 2003

Urban development design for a part of the Zuidlanden masterplan. Commissioned by the city of Leeuwarden and a consortium of developers. Realisation began in 2004.

ASSEN BUITEN, Assen, 2003 Design study into the combination of landscape development and rural living. In cooperation with H+N+S Landschapsarchitecten. Commissioned by AM Wonen bv.

• STADSWERVEN, Dordrecht, 2003

Urban planning design for redevelopment of the harbour area, public space, supervision. Commissioned by the city of Dordrecht. Watertower area realised 2007

• ROETERSEILAND, Amsterdam, 2004

Urban development design for restructuring and new construction in the university area in the city centre.

ZUIDPLASPOLDER, 2002 Regional design study for urbanisation of the area between Rotterdam, Gouda and Zoetermeer.

Commissioned by Trimp & Van Tartwijk and University of Amsterdam. Realisation began in 2009.

Commissioned by the Province of South Holland. • MOERWIJK, Den Haag, 2002

Urban development plan for the restructuring of a 1950s residential neighbourhood. Commissioned by the city of The Hague. Realisation began in 2006.

RUIMTELIJKE OPGAVEN, Amersfoort, 2003 Study into urban design tasks in the longer term. Commissioned by the city of Amersfoort.

RIBBON STUDY, Pijnacker, 2003 Study into regulations and development possibilities of the built-up ribbons. Commissioned by the city of Pijnacker. • VEERINGPLEIN, Zaanstad, 2003

Urban development design for the neighbourhood renewal of the Rosmolenbuurt, Zaandam. FRANKENDAAL, Amsterdam, 2003 Urban development vision for the renewal of 1930s/1950s Frankendaal residential neighbourhood in Watergraafsmeer, Amsterdam (limited competition). Commissioned by three housing associations and the Stadsdeel Watergraafsmeer.

Commissioned by Saenwonen housing corporation. Realisation began in 2008

QUICK-SCAN URBAN TRIANGLE, Apeldoorn / Deventer / Zutphen, 2003 Regional design study into the combination of landscape development and rural living. In cooperation with H+N+S Landschaps architecten. Commissioned by the Stedelijk Netwerk Stedendriehoek. • POPTAHOF, Delft, 2003

Urban design plan for restructuring a 1960s residential neighbourhood. Commissioned by the city of Delft and Stichting Delftwonen. Realisation began in 2006.

199

• LEEUWARDEN, Lommerijk, 2004

Urban development design for a second part of the Zuidlanden masterplan (940 dwellings, Lommerrijk). Commissioned by GEM De Zuidlande Beheer bv. Realisation began in 2005.

ZANDWETERING, Deventer, 2004 Design study for developing estates in existing landscape. In cooperation with H+N+S Landschapsarchitecten Commissioned by the city of Deventer.

LIST OF PROJECTS

• RAILWAY ZONE, EDE-EAST, Ede, 2004

Masterplan for the redevelopment of three military barracks sites, the former ENKA factory and railway station vicinity. Commissioned by the city of Ede. Realisation began in 2009.

• = realised or accepted for realisation

SPIEGHELKWARTIER, Vlissingen, 2005 Urban planning exploration into the redevelopment of industrial areas and city centre (limited competition). Commissioned by the city of Vlissingen.

• WIERINGERRANDMEER, 2005

Masterplan and visual quality plan for new lake shore between Wieringen and the Wieringermeerpolder with several rural living environments (1845 dwellings). In cooperation with Strootman Landschapsarchitecten. Commissioned by Projectbureau Wieringerrandmeer. Realisation began in 2010.

THINK TANK A2, Maastricht, 2004 Recommendations on procedure for putting the tunnelling of the A2 in Maastricht out for tender.

• KORTENOORD, Wageningen, 2005

Urban development design for a new residential neighbourhood (800 dwellings) on a former university site.

Commissioned by the project organisation A2, Maastricht.

LUCENTTERREIN, Huizen, 2004 Urban development plan for the redevelopment of a commercial site.

Commissioned by Bouwfonds MAB ontwikkeling.

Commissioned by the municipality of Huizen, BNI and Slokker Vastgoedontwikkeling.

URBAN RENEWAL, Amersfoort, 2004 Spatial protocol for the renewal of postwar residential neighbourhoods. Commissioned by the city of Amersfoort, housing corporations SCW and Portaal Eemland.

BROEKPOLDER, Heerhugowaard, 2004 Design study for the integral redevelopment of a residual area (90 ha.) Commissioned by Bouwfonds, the municipality of Heerhugowaard and the Province of North Holland. • DE VALUWE, Cuijk, 2004

Urban planning design for the renewal of a postwar residential neighbourhood, public space, and supervision. Commissioned by the city of Cuijk. Realisation began in 2009.

SCHIEBROEK-ZUID, Rotterdam, 2005 Design study into the renewal of a postwar residential neighbourhood. Commissioned by Estrade project development.

WILLEMSPOORT, Den Bosch, 2005 Design study for the placement of a new ring road, hospital, businesses and dwellings on the edge of the city (limited competition). Commissioned by the city of Den Bosch.

200

CENTRE VISION, Krimpen a/d IJssel, 2005 Urban design vision for the restructuring of a suburban central district Commissioned by the city of Krimpen a/d IJssel.

COLUMBUSKWARTIER, Almere, 2005 Urban development design for a residential neighbourhood with school complex. In cooperation with DP6 Architectuurstudio bv. Commissioned by BAM Vastgoed bv, Proper Stok and De Alliantie.

SPAARNEPASSAGE, Haarlem, 2005 Research into the spatial implications of a tunnel under or bridge over the Spaarne river. In cooperation with Grontmij. Commissioned by Grontmij.

KOP VAN ISSELT, Amersfoort, 2005 Urban design exploration for a commercial site near the city centre. Commissioned by the city of Amersfoort. • SCHOOL SITES, Elburg, 2005

Design for transforming four separate school sites into residential areas (163 dwellings). Commissioned by AM / van Gelder. Realisation began in 2009.

• ATMOSPHEER PLAN FOR BELVEDERE,

Maastricht, 2005 Outline for visual quality plan for the Belvédère masterplan (2004). In cooperation with Bob van Reeth and Michael van Gessel. Commissioned by Wijkontwikkelingsmaatschappij Maastricht Belvédère.

ZEVENAAR-EAST, 2005 Winner of limited competition for a sketch plan for a residential neighbourhood (1500 dwellings) and commercial site (90 ha.) in a rural setting east of Zevenaar. In cooperation with H+N+S Landschapsarchitecten. Commissioned by the city of Zevenaar. • URBAN DEVELOPMENT PLAN, Zevenaar, 2006

Urban design and landscape elaboration of the design for Zevenaar-Oost. In cooperation with H+N+S Landschapsarchitecten. Commissioned by the city of Zevenaar. Realisation began in 2008.

LIST OF PROJECTS

SAKSEN WEIMAR, Arnhem, 2006 Urban development design for a residential neighbourhood on a former military barracks site between Arnhem and the Veluwe (400 dwellings). In cooperation with Feddes/Olthof Landschapsarchitecten, Franz Ziegler bureau voor Architectuur and Stedenbouw, Wessel de Jonge Architecten. Commissioned by Bouwfonds MAB ontwikkeling, Klaassen Vastgoedontwikkeling, Kuiper Vastgoed and BOEi.

MARIJKEWEG, Wageningen, 2006 Design for an intensification location (55 dwellings) on a former fire department site. In cooperation with Franz Ziegler Architectuur en Stedenbouw. Commissioned by Bouwfonds MAB ontwikkeling.

NS LOCATIONS, The Hague, 2006 Study into the redevelopment possibilities for four sites held by NS Vastgoed along the railway line. (Binckhorst, Mariahoeve and Laan van Nieuw OostIndië.) Commissioned by NS Vastgoed.

MID-BLOCK SITE, Hilversum, 2006 Design study into the reuse of a mid-block city centre site. Commissioned by De Alliantie Ontwikkeling and Ballast Nedam Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij.

• SPHINX, Maastricht, 2006

Urban development design for the redevelopment of a former industrial complex (670 dwellings, retail, findings). Commissioned by the Wijkontwikkelingsmaatschappij Maastricht Belvédère. Realisation began in 2009.

LAGE BOTHOF, Enschede, 2006 Urban planning sketch for transforming a commercial site into a residential / work location. Commissioned by the city of Enschede. • DE TOL, Zevenaar, 2006

Urban development plan for the ‘de Tol’ neighbourhood in the residential area Zevenaar-Oost. In cooperation with H+N+S Landschapsarchitecten. Commissioned by the city of Zevenaar. Realisation began in 2008. • MASTERPLAN A9, Badhoevedorp, 2006

Masterplan for the relocation of the A9 and the redevelopment of the former motorway route in Badhoevedorp. Commissioned by the city of Haarlemmermeer and Bohemen bv. Realisation to begin 2010.

HASSELT AND VICINITY, 2007 Study concerning the regional road network and spatial quality. Commissioned by Atelier Overijssel.

KREEKRIJK, Zaanstad, 2006 Urban development design for a residential neighbourhood and vicinity (800 dwellings, schools and facilities). Commissioned by the city of Zaanstad.

• PARKSTAD, Rotterdam South, 2007

Urban development plan with partial elaboration for the second phase of the Kop van Zuid (dwellings, education,facilities, parks). Commissioned by Vestia, Estrade and the city of Rotterdam. Realisation began in 2009.

201

LIJNBAAN QUARTER, Rotterdam, 2007 Masterplan for the future development of the city centre. In cooperation with the department of Stedenbouw + Volkshuisvesting (dS+V), Urban Fabric and ARUP. Commissioned by the city of Rotterdam.

LIJNBAAN COURTS, Rotterdam, 2007 Urban design plan for the renewal and intensification of the Lijnbaan ensemble. In cooperation with dS+V and Claus en Kaan Architecten, Rotterdam. Commissioned by the city of Rotterdam, Amvest and Vestia. Realisation on hold. • DE BEM, Zevenaar, 2007

Urban design plan for the ‘de Bem’ neighbourhood in the new residential area of Zevenaar-Oost. Commissioned by the city of Zevenaar. Realisation began in 2009.

ROETERSEILAND COMPLEX, Amsterdam, 2007 Points of departure for architectonic elaboration. In cooperation with Expo Vastgoed bv and Triode bv. Commissioned by the University of Amsterdam. • IJSSELSPRONG, Zutphen, 2007

Inter-community structural vision for the cities of Voorst, Brummen and Zutphen, alternatives for a bypass in the IJssel River and new residential area. In cooperation with H+N+S Landschapsarchitecten and DHV bv. Commissioned by Projectbureau IJsselsprong. Realisation to begin before 2015.

PARK LINGEZEGEN, Arnhem/Nijmegen, 2007 Urban planning study into introducing new construction into Lingezegen Park. In cooperation with and commissioned by Feddes/Olthof Landschapsarchitecten.

LIST OF PROJECTS

• STAALMANPLEINBUURT, Amsterdam, 2008

Realisation plan for the restructuring of a postwar residential neighbourhood. In cooperation with Baneke van der Hoeven architecten. Commissioned by De Alliantie. Realisation to begin 2011.

NIEUW-ZURENBORG, Antwerp, 2008 Urban design plan for the restructuring of a former industrial site (500 dwellings, park). In cooperation with Vermeulen en de Smet Architects, Ghent. Commissioned by the city of Antwerp.

HART VAN ZUID, Rotterdam, 2008 Structural vision and realisation plan for Zuidplein (shopping centre, Ahoy complex and Motorstraat area). In cooperation with dS+V. Commissioned by the city of Rotterdam.

• = realised or accepted for realisation

RIJNSTEEG, Wageningen, 2008 Urban design plan for residential construction on a restructuring location (79 dwellings). Commissioned by Idealis and the city of Wageningen.

CENTRUM-OOST, Arnhem, 2008 Redevelopment assignment for a former industrial area in the vicinity of the city centre. Commissioned by Volkshuisvesting, Arnhem.

VISION TURNHOUT, 2008 Design for a new urban interchange between city park and city centre. Submission in response to an open competition by the Office of the Flemish Government Architect. • WEENAPOINT, Rotterdam, 2009

Urban design study and research on building typology for redevelopment possibilities for an existing office complex near the Central Station. Commissioned by the Maarsengroep.

PIUSHAVEN, Tilburg, 2009 Urban planning and programmatic exploration for redevelopment of former industrial area. Commissioned by the city of Tilburg, Triborgh, BPF Bouwinvest, Van de Ven Bouw en ontwikkeling bv, WonenBreburg.

NIEUWE WOUD, Eindhoven, 2009 A development strategy for the transformation of a rural area between Son and Best. In cooperation with H+N+S Landschaparchitecten and BBN. Commissioned by the Samenwerkingsverband Regio Eindhoven.

BROAD SCHOOL, Bredene, 2009 Masterplan for placement of school with community facilities and additional dwellings. Commissioned by GO! Education in the Flemish Community.

ZAANOEVERS, Zaanstad, 2009 Spatial plan for redevelopment of historic residential and work areas along river and harbour. Commissioned by the city of Zaanstad.

ATOOMDORP, Mol, 2009 Structural sketch for redevelopment of commercial sites and residential area near nuclear installations, Mol, Belgium. In cooperation with Polo Architects, Antwerp. Commissioned by VITO.

• DE VALUWE, Cuijk, 2008

Supervision and design for public space for the first phase realisation of the 2006 urban development plan. Commissioned by the city of Cuijk.

VIEW ON THE FUTURE, Lochem, 2008 Regional vision for a new city hall and development of work landscape on the Twente Canal.

WESTFLANK, Haarlemmermeer, 2009 Urban development programme of requirements for 900 ha. nature area, 10,000 dwellings and water storage. In cooperation with Strootman Landschapsarchitecten and van Paridon x de Groot Landschapsarchitecten. Commissioned by the city of Haarlemmermeer, the Province of North Holland and Waterschap Rijnland.

Commissioned by the city of Lochem. • RDM SITE, Rotterdam, 2009

TWENTE AIRPORT, 2008 Regional and urban planning proposals, in two models for the former Twente Airport. In cooperation with Strootman Landschapsarchitecten. Commissioned by Vliegwiel Twente Maatschappij.

202

Urban development plan and design for the redevelopment of the former site of the Rotterdamse Droogdok Maatschappij. Commissioned by the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Rotterdam. Realisation began in 2009.

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND EXHIBITIONS PUBLICATIONS AND ARTICLES ABOUT PROJECTS

Molukkenplantsoen – Chris van Veen (ed.), Van noodgreep tot kleinood; het project Molukkenplantsoen Groningen 1986 –1995, Groningen, 1995.

– Ludger Fischer, “Die Insel und die Stadt. Neugründung von IJburg bei Amsterdam”, no. 21, Bauwelt 92, 2001, pp. 32 – 37.

Vlaardingen Buizengat – Harm Tilman, “Van woning tot stad”, de Architect, November 1997, pp. 70 – 85.

– “Het Molukkenplantsoen in Groningen”, in: Landschapsarchitectuur en Stedenbouw 93 – 95, Bussum, 1996, pp. 62 – 65.

– Frits Palmboom, Jaap van den Bout, Frits van Dongen, Ton Schaap, Felix Claus, “IJburg, Amsterdam (Holanda)”, Arquitectura y vivienda, September – October 2001 (91).

– Guido Derksen, “Symfonie voor Korrewegwijk; Molukkenplantsoen Groningen”, in: Wonen in Beeld 95 – 96, Almere, 1996, pp. 118 –121.

– Kathryn Firth, Richard Burdett, “Stadtplanung. Der neue Masterplan”, Garten + Landschaft, 10 October 2002, pp. 26 – 29.

Maastricht Amby – Zuidoost

– Dorine van Hoogstraten, “Stedelijk Eilandenrijk”, Architectuur lokaal, Summer 2007, 58, pp. 14 –15.

– Maurits de Hoog, Alexandra Misch, “De verhouding tussen tijd en kwaliteit”, in: Landschapsarchitectuur en Stedenbouw 97– 99, Uitgeverij Thoth, Bussum, 2000, pp. 90 – 99.

– Joost Ector, “Traditionele wijk in nieuwe gedaante”, de Architect, September 1998, pp. 60 – 65.

Stadspark Groningen

AIR Hoeksche Waard

Delft Spoorzone

– H. Harsema, “Groen wonen in Groningen”, Blauwe Kamer, 2000 – 6, pp. 62 – 65.

– Hoeksche Waard New landscape Frontiers, Bussum/ Rotterdam 2000, pp. 74 – 83.

– “De spoorzone van Delft”, in: Landschapsarchitectuur en Stedenbouw 93 – 95, Bussum, 1996, pp. 128 –131.

Ypenburg

– De toekomst van de Hoeksche Waard, AIR, 1999, pp. 22 – 25

IJburg

– “Contouren van de nieuwe stadsuitleg. Studie naar de planinzetten van acht VINEX – lokaties”, supplement to de Architect, 1994 – 7/ 8.

– Anja Guinée, “Ontwerpers versterken identiteit van Rotterdamse achtertuin”, Blauwe Kamer, 1999 – 3, pp. 18 – 25. – Stedenbouw & Ruimtelijke Ordening, 1999 – 3, pp. 8 –13.

– Martin Looije, “IJburg: de nieuwe eilanden van Amsterdam”, Blauwe Kamer/ Profiel, 1996 – 3, pp. 18 – 22.

– Gerda ten Cate, “Uitbreidingen en het Haagse repertoire”, in: Stad in vorm. De vernieuwing van Den Haag 1985 – 2000, Uitgeverij 010, Rotterdam, 2000, pp. I.02 – I.07.

– Allard Jolles, “Ontwerp voor IJburg. Eilandenrijk IJburg, een Amsterdamse traditie voortgezet”, Plan Amsterdam, no. 2, February 1997, pp. 3 – 25.

– Hans Venema (ed.), Buitenplaats Ypenburg. Een bevlogen bouwlocatie, Uitgeverij Thoth, Bussum, 2000.

– “Het woongebied IJburg in Amsterdam”, in: Landschapsarchitectuur en Stedenbouw 95 – 97, Uitgeverij Thoth, Bussum, 1998, pp. 90 – 93.

– Jasper van Zwol, “Grondtoon van de voorstad. Ypenburg in Pijnacker, Rijswijk, Nootdorp en Den Haag”, de Architect, April 2001, pp. 32 – 35.

– Maurits de Hoog and Alexandra Misch, “De verhouding tussen tijd en kwaliteit”, in: Landschapsarchitectuur en Stedenbouw 97 – 99, Uitgeverij Thoth, Bussum, 2000, pp. 90 – 99.

– “Ypenburg: una urbanización en el campo”, Arquitectura + Tecnología, 19, 2002, Density I, pp. 12 –13.

– Cees Boekraad, “Een voorportaal in buitenwater”, de Architect, October 1996, pp. 68 – 73.

– Hans Ibelings (ed.), Het kunstmatig landschap – hedendaagse architectuur, stedenbouw en landschapsarchitectuur in Nederland, Rotterdam, 2000, pp. 64, 184.

203

– Anne Luijten, “Van Haagse wijk naar Zuidvleugellocatie”, S&RO, 05/ 2005, pp. 10 – 19.

Leidsche Rijn, Utrecht – “Onvoorspelbaarheid, toeval en tijd in Parkwijk”, in: Landschapsarchitectuur en Stedenbouw 97 – 99, Uitgeverij Thoth, Bussum, 2000, pp. 100 –103.

Heerlen Hoogveld – “Op papier het beste plan voor Hoogveld”, in: Landschapsarchitectuur en Stedenbouw 97– 99, Uitgeverij Thoth, Bussum, 2000, pp. 72 – 75. Pedagogenbuurt, Utrecht – “Groen wonen in een oude stadswijk”, in: Landschapsarchitectuur en stedenbouw in Nederland 01 – 03, Uitgeverij Thoth, Bussum, 2004, pp. 96 – 99. – “Utrecht, Zuilen, Pedagogenbuurt”, Stadscahiers 1, 2007, pp. 82 – 88. Toekomstvisie van veenkoloniën van Borger – Odoorn en Stadskanaal – “Herwonnen zelfbewustzijn in de Veenkoloniën”, in: Landschapsarchitectuur en stedenbouw in Nederland 01– 03, Uitgeverij Thoth, Bussum, 2004, pp. 230 – 233.

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND EXHIBITIONS

Belvédère Maastricht

Buurtschap Techum, Leeuwarden

Badhoevedorp

– Peter de Ronde, Frits Palmboom. “Geschiedenis als inspiratiebron”, S&RO, 03 / 2003, pp. 52 – 54.

– “Nieuwe collectiviteit in een overzichtelijk buurtschap”, in: Landschapsarchitectuur en stedenbouw in Nederland 01 – 03, Uitgeverij Thoth, Bussum, 2004, pp. 40 – 43.

– Peter Paul Witsen, “Nieuw verhaal lonkt voor gespleten Badhoevedorp”, Blauwe Kamer, February 2008, pp. 8 – 9.

– “Oude tijden, nieuwe waarden”, in: Landschapsarchitectuur en stedenbouw in Nederland 01 – 03, Uitgeverij Thoth, Bussum, 2004, pp. 66 – 69. – Sjoerd Cusveller, “Een masterplan met tijdmachine”, Blauwe Kamer, August 2004, no. 4, pp. 24 – 27. – Joks Janssen, “Poëzie van de stadsrand, Stedebouwkundig ontwerp Belvédère in Maastricht door Palmboom & van den Bout”, de Architect, vol. 35, July – August 2004, pp. 54 – 57. – Linda Vlassenrood, “Cultuurlandschap in transformatie”, Blauwe Kamer, no. 4, August 2004, pp. 19 – 27, pp. 40 – 43.

Arnhem, Saksen Weimar Landschapsbouw door landelijk wonen – “Ontwerpstudie landelijk wonen in de Stedendriehoek, aangenaam en verantwoord wonen in het landelijk groen”, in: Landschapsarchitectuur en stedenbouw in Nederland 03 – 07, in cooperation with Uitgeverij Blauwdruk, Wageningen, 2007, pp. 200 – 203. Poptahof, Delft

Stationsgebied Middelburg

– Harm Tilman, ‘Branding’ als instrument voor stedelijke vernieuwing”, de Architect, vol. 37, July – August 2006, pp. 40 – 43.

– Harm Tilman, “Integraal werken in Middelburg”, de Architect, 1999 – 2, pp. 42 – 45.

Ede – Oost

– Harm Tilman, “Stedelijke verbindingen, Kanaalzone in Middelburg”, de Architect, 2005 – 3, pp. 30 – 41. Deventer Landstad – A. Guinée, “Landstad Deventer slaat smalle brug tussen deskundigen en leken”, Blauwe Kamer, 2000 – 3, pp. 17 – 19. – “Landstad Deventer”, supplement to Stedenbouw & Ruimtelijke Ordening, 2000 – 4. Roerdelta, Roermond – “Roerdelta – Roermond: Voer voor architectuurhistorici van de toekomst”, in: Landschapsarchitectuur en Stedenbouw 99–01, Uitgeverij Thoth, Bussum, 2002, pp. 36 – 39. – K. van Assche, “Onvoltooid milieuverleden tekent herinrichting Roermond”, Blauwe Kamer, 2002 – 4, pp. 34 – 37.

204

– Martin Woestenburg, “Kwetsbare militaire erfenis, vrijkomend militair gebied geeft Ede de ruimte voor nieuwe groeifase”, Blauwe Kamer, Aug. 2006, no. 4, pp. 38 – 42. – “Masterplan Ede – Oost/Spoorzone, Ede mag zichzelf opnieuw uitvinden”, in: Landschapsarchitectuur en stedenbouw in Nederland 2003 – 2007, in cooperation with Uitgeverij Blauwdruk, Wageningen, 2007, pp. 68 – 71. – Bernard Leupen, “Master plan Ede East: a framework for future development”, Time-Based Architecture International, June 2009, vol. 6, pp. 44 – 49. Zuidplaspolder – “Structuurbeeld Zuidplaspolder, pleidooi voor het landschap in de diepste polder van Nederland”, in: Landschapsarchitectuur en stedenbouw in Nederland 03 – 07, in cooperation with Uitgeverij Blauwdruk, Wageningen, 2007, pp. 196 – 199.

– Peter Paul Witsen, Hank van Tilborg, Marinke Steenhuis, “De slag om Saksen Weimar”, Blauwe Kamer, December 2006, no. 6, pp. 20 – 35. Vliegveld Twente – Marc Nolden, “Luchtmacht vertrekt voor natuur en prijsvechters”, Blauwe Kamer, August 2009, no. 4, p. 8.

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND EXHIBITIONS

PUBLICATIONS

General literature on PALMBOUT Urban Landscapes – S. Cusveller, “De stedebouw als spel, de stedebouw als mythe”, Interview with Frits Palmboom and Jaap van den Bout, Blauwe Kamer/Profiel, October 1996, no. 5, pp. 24 – 30 – Han Meyer (ed.), Transformaties van het verstedelijkt landschap. Het werk van Palmboom & van den Bout, Stedenbouwkundigen, in the series Stedenbouwstudies van de TU Delft, Uitgeverij SUN, Amsterdam, 2003. – Han Meyer, edizione italiana Mario Fosso, “Trasformazioni del Paesaggio Urbanizzato, Palmboom & van den Bout Progetti di città”, November 2004. – “Stedebouw moet anders naar de diffuse stad kijken”, Interview with Frits Palmboom, de Architect, June 2007, pp. 22 – 25. – Marinke Steenhuis, Hank van Tilborg, “De norm die standaard werd”, Blauwe Kamer, no. 1, February 2010, pp. 22 – 37.

– “Rotterdam: the dynamics of an urban landscape”, in: Learning from Rotterdam. Investigating the process of urban park design, Mansell Publishing Limited, London, Nichols Publishing, New York, 1990, pp. 15 – 44.

– With Hans Venema, “Buitenplaats Ypenburg. Een bevlogen bouwlocatie”, (Het stedenbouwkundig plan in onderdelen), pp. 24 – 32; (De conditionering van het verschil), pp. 127 –141, Uitgeverij Thoth, Bussum, 2000.

– “Eine verstädterte Landschaft – Rotterdam, zur Morphologie von Komplexität”, Werk, Bauen + Wohnen, no. 1– 2, 1990, pp. 18 – 27.

– “IJburg: systematiek en compositie”, Het sluishuis. Landmark in het water bij IJburg, Uitgeverij Thoth, Bussum, 2002, pp. 12–17.

– With A.Hebly, De architectuur van stadsuitbreidingen en stadsvernieuwing, Uitg. Publicatieburo Bouwkunde, Delft, 1990.

– “Polycentrisme & verstedelijkt landschap in Nederland”, in: Transformaties van het verstedelijkt landschap. Het werk van Palmboom & van den Bout, Stedenbouwkundigen, Uitgeverij SUN, Amsterdam, 2003, pp. 66 – 71.

– “Rotterdam – stad en delta; Rotterdam als verstedelijkt landschap”, in: Stadstimmeren, 650 jaar Rotterdam stad, D’Laine Camp, M. Provoost (eds.), Uitgeverij Phoenix & Den Oudsten, Rotterdam, 1990, pp. 81 – 91. – “Prinsenland: de transformatie van een verstedelijkt landschap”, de Architect themanummer 39, May 1990, pp. 24 – 31.

– “Polycentrism & Urbanised Landscape in the Netherlands”, in: Transformations of the Urbanized Landscape. The work of Palmboom & van den Bout, Urban Designers, Uitgeverij SUN, Amsterdam, 2003, English supplement. – “Stedenbouw: spel & speelruimte versus weerzin & noodzaak”, in: Transformaties van het verstedelijkt landschap. Het werk van Palmboom & van den Bout, Stedenbouwkundigen, Uitgeverij SUN, Amsterdam, 2003, pp. 72 – 77.

by Frits Palmboom:

– “De geschiedenis van de stad van morgen”, in: De Alexanderpolder. Waar de stad verder gaat, Uitgeverij Thoth, Bussum, 1993, pp. 28 – 39.

– Doel en vermaak in het konstructivisme. 8 projecten voor woning – en stedebouw OSA – Sovjet Unie 1926 – 1930, Socialistiese Uitgeverij, Nijmegen, 1979.

– “De planningsgeschiedenis van de Alexanderpolder, atlas”, in: De Alexanderpolder. Waar de stad verder gaat, Uitgeverij Thoth, Bussum, 1993. pp. 41– 49.

– Rotterdam, verstedelijkt landschap, Uitgeverij 010, Rotterdam, 1987.

– “Rotterdam: Zentrum und Peripherie”, in: Topos, December 9, 1994, pp. 90 – 100.

– “Rotterdam: de morfologie van een noord – europese stad”, in: Rotterdam: Stedenbouw-kundig ontwerpen, Jacques Nycolaas (ed.), Delftse Universitaire Pers, Delft, 1988, pp. 18 – 38.

– With Koos Bosma, Niko Koers, Kanjers en knoerten, Grote bouwplannen in een historische binnenstad als die van Amsterdam, Barbera Lavell (ed.), published by Stedelijke Woningdienst Amsterdam, 1995.

– “Un caso nordica di urbanità”, Urbanistica 93, Milan, November 1988, pp. 64 – 71.

– “Polycentrism and urbanized landscape in the Netherlands”, Zodiac, 18, September 1997 – February 1998, pp. 64 – 85.

– “Bruggen in stad en delta”, in: Het Groot Rotterdams bruggenboek, Uitgeverij Aprilis, Zaltbommel, 2005, pp. 22 – 37.

– “IJburg-Stadtinseln für Amsterdam”, Topos 31, June 2000, pp. 79 – 85.

– “Pleasure and Vitality in the Roads Project”, foreword in: N4 Toward a Living Infrastructure!, Artgineering, Rotterdam, 2007, pp. 8 –13.

– “Prinsenland: una nuova area di espansione”, Urbanistica 93, Milan, November 1988, pp. 72 – 75. – With Jeroen Ruitenbeek, “Landschap en verstedelijking tussen Den Haag en Rotterdam. Ruimtelijke Analyse en ontwerpvoorstellen”, Stadsontwikkeling Rotterdam, June 1990.

205

– “Urban Design: Game and Free Play versus Aversion and Necessity”, in: Transformations of the Urbanized Landscape. The Work of Palmboom & van den Bout, Urban Planners, Uitgeverij SUN, Amsterdam, 2003, English supplement. – “Getting on the right track (shunting around plans and themes)”, in: Antwerp, Spoor noord, a city park off the beaten tracks, 2003, pp. 123 –127.

– “Case 09, Zurenborg”, in: Groene Singel, geschiedenis van de Anwerpse ringruimte, plannen/verhalen/dromen, 1906 – 2009, uitgeverij Ludion, Antwerpen, 2009, pp. 149 – 154.

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND EXHIBITIONS

PUBLICATIONS

EXHIBITIONS

by Jaap van den Bout:

by Jeroen Ruitenbeek:

– De Kracht van Heden, Amsterdam, 1995.

– In cooperation with G. Baneke, N. Brouwer, J. Busquet, R. van Genderen and R. Stet, Engeland in de 18 e en 19 e eeuw, Uitgeverij Projectraad, Delft, 1975.

– K. Zweerink, Van Pendrecht tot Ommoord, geschiedenis en toekomst van de naoorlogse wijken in Rotterdam, Bussum, 2005. Spatial-historical research and analysis: Jeroen Ruitenbeek.

– Bouwen aan de stadsrand, CAS Groningen, Instituut voor Kunst – en Architectuurgeschiedenis RuG, 1998.

– “Het gebouw en de prachtige norm”, Ontwerp, onderzoek en onderwijs, 1982, no. 4.

– Collaborated on De Wederopbouw, Haagse gids voor architectuur en stedenbouw in de periode 1945 –1965, Uitgeverij De Nieuwe Haagsche, Den Haag, 2002.

– “Over stedenbouwkundig ontwerpen”, Oase, 1987, no. 17. – “Verkavelen, programma en context”, in: Rotterdam stedebouwkundig ontwerpen, J. Nycolaas (ed.), Uitgeverij DUP, 1988. – “Atelier Coolsingelbrug”, in: Rotterdam praktijk van stedebouw, J. Nycolaas (ed.). – In cooperation with P. Achterberg, R. Bijhouwer and S. Gall, Hoogbouw en Verstedelijking – een ontwerpstudie voor de zuidelijke Randstad, Uitgeverij 010, Rotterdam, 1991. – In cooperation with E. Pasveer, De Kop van Zuid, Uitgeverij 010, Rotterdam, 1994. – “Regie van een stedenbouwkundig ontwerp”, in: De Kop van Zuid, Uitgeverij 010, Rotterdam, 1994, pp. 18 – 36. – With E. Brandes, Gestapeld wonen in het groen, published by VROM 2602 / 124, The Hague, November 1995. – In cooperation with H. Venema, Gestapeld wonen in het groen, Stedebouw & Ruimtelijke Ordening, 1996 / 1. – With Franz Ziegler, “Landelijk wonen, ofwel het landschap bewoond”, in: Transformaties van het verstedelijkt landschap. Het werk van Palmboom & van den Bout, Stedenbouwkundigen, Uitgeverij SUN, Amsterdam, 2003, pp.78 – 83. – “Exclusief wonen op het Chassé – terrein, Breda”, Stedenbouw & Ruimtelijke Ordening, 01/2004, pp. 20 – 23.

206

– AIR – Zuidwaarts, Waar het landschap begint, Nederlands Architectuurinstituut, Rotterdam, 1999, Palais de Peralbes, Barcelona, 2001. – Transformaties van het Verstedelijkt Landschap, het werk van Palmboom & van den Bout: – TU Delft, 2003. – Zuiderkerk, Amsterdam, 2004. – Politecnico di Milano, 2004. – Escola Técnica Superior d’Arquitectura in Barcelona, 2004. – Nederlands Architectuurinstituut, Maastricht, 2005. – Brandenburgische Technische Universität, Cottbus, 2005. – Universität Kassel, 2005. – Universiteit Gent, 2006. – TU Eindhoven, 2006. – Hybrid Landscapes, Dutch Pavilion Biennale 2004, Venice.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

LIST OF STAFF

Frits Palmboom (1951)

Jeroen Ruitenbeek (1968 )

Ingrid Ackermans

Joeke Stoeckart

Trained in urban planning at the Technical University,

Trained as an architect at the Technical University,

Anne-Mette Andersen

Sabien Thomaes

Delft. From 1981 to 1990 he worked for the Urban

Delft. In 1991 he studied at the Universitat Politècnica

Marjon de Bakker

Leen Vanthuyne

Development Department, Rotterdam, where he was

de Catalunya in Barcelona. From 1994 to 1997 he worked

Elsbeth Boer-Vernimmen

Saline Verhoeven

involved with the Prinsenland and Noordrand projects.

for the Urban Development Department, Rotterdam.

Hans van Bommel

Bas van der Vinne

In 1990 he established his own urban design practice

Since 1997 he has worked at Palmboom and Van den

Nel den Breejen

Peter Vredeveld

and in 1994 entered a partnership with Jaap van den

Bout Urban Designers. In 2008 he became a partner of

Teun van Buul

Martijn de Wit

Bout. Palmboom is active in education at various

PALMBOUT Urban Landscapes. Ruitenbeek has done

Wolbert van Dijk

Franz Ziegler

universities and academies. In 2001 he was a visiting

spatial-historical research into the postwar neighbour-

Cathelijn Dijk

professor at the University of Louvain. His publications

hoods of The Hague and Rotterdam and published in

Claudia Gorissen

include Doel en Vermaak in het Konstructivisme (1979),

De Wederopbouw (The Hague, 2002) and in Van Pendrecht

Ludo Hartzema

Rotterdam, verstedelijkt landschap (1987), Kanjers en

tot Ommoord (Rotterdam, 2005).

Mark van der Heide Sannie Hornman

Knoerten in de binnenstad van Amsterdam (1995) and Buitenplaats Ypenburg, de conditionering van het

Aaron Betsky (1958 )

Jeroen van Kesteren

verschil (2000 ).

A critic of the designed environment. He is currently

Noor Knip

the Director of the Cincinnati Art Museum. Between

Pieter de Koning

Jaap van den Bout (1953)

2001 and 2006, he was Director of the Netherlands

Natascha Krömer

Trained in architecture at the Technical University,

Architecture Institute. In 2008, he curated the 11th Inter-

Martijn Kwant

Delft. From 1981 to 1994 he worked with the Urban

national Architecture Biennale in Venice. Aaron

Bieneke van Lingen

Development Department, Rotterdam, on projects

Betsky writes regularly on art, design and architecture,

Marcel Meijs

including the D.W.L. site and the Kop van Zuid.

and lectures on these subjects around the world.

Monique Mooij

In 1994, together with Frits Palmboom, he established

He has published over a dozen books, and is currently

Danny Nelemans

Palmboom & Van den Bout Urban Designers. He is

preparing a book on modernism.

Wilco Otte

active in education at various universities and acad-

Monica Rieke

emies. Since 2000 he has been a visiting professor in

Matthijs van Ruijven

urban design at the Technical University, Delft. Among

Leonie Rupert

e

e

his publications are Engeland in de 18 en 19 eeuw (1975), Hoogbouw en Verstedelijking (1991) and De Kop van Zuid (1994).

207

Pieter Sprangers

ILLUSTRATION CREDITS

AG Stadsplanning Antwerpen p. 144 Benevolo, L. p. 37 Bet, E. p. 82tl, b1,2,4 Brons, H., RO-vorm Amsterdam p. 68l Claus en Kaan Architecten, S. van Damme, Copyright: Claus en Kaan Architecten p. 158br Feddes, Y. p. 70b Franz Ziegler bureau voor architectuur en stedenbouw p. 105 t and mr, 106, 107 Gemeentearchief Amsterdam p. 35 Gemeentearchief Rotterdam p. 157 Helle, H. / dRo Amsterdam p. 68m H+N+S Landschaparchitecten p. 51tr, 52, 55 Hogens, J. p. 36m made by mistake maquettebouw p. 96, 120b, 197m Model en Objekt, Rotterdam p. 202 Overmeire, K. p. 61bl Pandion Luchtfoto’s p. 68r, 196l, 197l, r, 198tl Rosenberg, H. p. 40, 41 RO-vorm Amsterdam, picture taken by Wee, L. van der p. 199 Scagliola/Brakkee p. 72,73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 98, 99, 100, 101, 124,125, 126, 127, 133t 2,3,4, 184,185, 186, 187, 192 Schmitz, A. p. 196r de Smet – Vermeulen architecten p. 146ml, 147 l and m, 149 Smithson, A & P. p. 36l Strootman, B. Landschapsarchitecten p. 60m, bl, r Vos, B. gemeente Ede p. 176 tl The illustrations which are not mentioned in this list, were provided by Palmbout Urban Landscapes. Every effort has been made to trace the copyright holders of illustrations. We apologise in advance for any unintentional omission and would be happy to insert the appropriate acknowledgement in any subsequent edition of this book.

Works by architects shown on photographs: AWG architecten p. 101br, 124b, 125, 126, 127 BAR Architects p. 184 BPvF p. 74 Claus en Kaan architecten p. 76 DKV p. 98 Duinker Van Der Torre p. 100, 124b Geurst en Schulze p. 98 Jan Bakers Architecten p. 98 KCAP architects p. 74 Köther | Salman | Koedijk | Architecten p. 98, 99b Loof en van Stigt p. 74 Molenaar & Van Winden architecten p. 124t Quist Wintermans p. 85br Rapp+Rapp p. 85tr, 86, 87, 89 Vera Yanovshtchinsky architecten p. 75 Visser van Aalderen Architecten p. 74 VMX architects p. 76

top – t bottom – b left – l right – r middle – m