MVRDV has unveiled its design for a tribune-shaped, mixed-use building in the Dutch city of Eindhoven. Located in the city’s revitalized Strijp-S neighborhood, the project, called the Strijp-S Tribune, includes a mixture of social housing, mid-sector rental units, commercial spots, and outdoor spaces organized through large, stepped terraces.

The building will stand along the Ketelhuisplein, a lively public square that hosts a range of events and recreational activities throughout the year. Formerly defined by its industrial presence, the area has transformed into the cultural heart of Eindhoven, with a mixture of creative companies and residents now inhabiting repurposed factories and newly constructed high-rises. This history has informed the shape of the Strijp-S Tribune. 

At its tallest, the building stands eight stories tall. It steps down to two stories alongside the plaza of the Ketelhuisplein. The stepping shape allows the structure to fit neatly with its surroundings as it doesn’t visually obstruct surrounding buildings. However, the building’s gray-brown timber façade distinguishes it from the brick and concrete that dominates the neighborhood. 

The terraces feature an abundance of greenery, offering both private and communal outdoor space. Residents are able to easily access communal terraces on different levels through a series of staircases. At the bottom terrace, there is a publicly accessible lookout point that provides views of the Ketelhuisplein. 

The scheme's organization has a strong communal element. The apartments are accessed through wide corridors, which include internal windows to the living spaces. As the architects say, the corridors function like a small street, encouraging people to be familiar with their neighbors. 

Construction on the Strijp-S Tribune is expected to begin in late 2024 and complete in 2025.