Designing new buildings in existing urban areas is usually a puzzle because of the quirks and obstacles to be overcome; these can however be a source of inspiration. The existing built-up areas on the edge of the centre of Utrecht offered good clues for a masterplan for two hundred dwellings, two large schools and the layout of the outdoor space.
More important still was the theme of the hidden oasis that is such a feature of Utrecht. The city has many surprising informal enclaves both in built-up areas and in urban green spaces. These spots are urban but not paved – they have an identity of their own, and above all, are hidden.
A visitor needs to know the paths, alleys or gateways in order to find them. With this as the underlying theme, the aim was to create a hidden interior world for the Vondelparc residential area.
The assignment thus presented an opportunity for integrating parking facilities with the footpaths and green areas.
Status: Built
Location: Utrecht, NL
Additional Credits: programme
Urban plan for the design of 19,600 m2 public space and the design of 203 dwellings and apartments
client
Proper Stok Woningen B.V.
project address
Vondellaan, Utrecht, Netherlands
design
1998 -1999
realization
1999 -2001
