In the centre of Enschede one of the largest underground garage of the Netherlands has been designed. Underneath the existing and new to be built shops this garage for 1700 cars and 1000 bicycles has been realised.
The building is part of the urban development plan designed by West 8 for the Van Heekplein, [Van Heek Square] on which among others several large department stores and a casino boarder.
In order to create a proper survey and orientation this underground world has been considered as a large subterranean public space. In the centre of the garage, underneath the Van Heekplein, a second square can be found. Adjacent to this square several ‘parking rooms’ can be found each with their own colour, lighting and exits to the shops above. In addition to the distinction in rooms, for purposes of orientation along the access route and the public exits, is introduced right down to the lowest parking deck.
Status: Built
Location: Enschede, NL
Firm Role: Project Architect
