Willem Alexander Park – Utrecht

2010 - 2012

A tunnel with an empty roof on top, practically in the middle of a residential area, how do you design that as a municipality? The answer was quickly found: a park. And not just any park, but a park that connects.

The Willem Alexander Park in Utrecht Leidsche Rijn is a park on top of the A2 motorway tunnel. The tunnel was built by Rijkswaterstaat and the park above it is developed and managed by the municipality of Utrecht. The park was created in response to the demand for landscaping on the roof of the tunnel.

Goal

Wind is central to the design of this high-altitude park. With this, DS wants to focus on the human experience. In addition, the ground layer of the park will act as a lightning diversion from the tunnel. Finally, the park provides a scenic and ecological connection between Leidse Rijn and the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal.

The habitats of plants and animals in the landscape north and south of the city of Utrecht are connected by means of the park. Besides this landscape connection, the park takes up the ‘migratory bird route’ theme of the A2 by focusing on berries, insects and nectar-rich planting. This provides food supply for migratory birds in both spring and autumn.

The appropriation of the park by future residents is central. Five plots with different themes help to drive participation in the use of the park. These are the following five plots: magnolia forest, culture field, sports field, nature meadow and community fruit garden.

west: planted zone with path

Design

A higher path was chosen in the design of Willem Alexander Park. This path provides beautiful views of the surroundings. The elevated path and the planting that plays with the wind make visitors feel connected to nature. In addition, the entire length of the park can be overlooked from the centre. The park offers something for everyone; the five different plots divide the park into five atmospheres. Plantings were chosen that are purple-dominant throughout the year. The purple colour gives identity to the greenery. The planting plan is by Fred Booy.

east: mowed grass with zone sportfield

Details

The furniture on the five plots is linked to the ledge. In addition, it is made of uniform material so that it remains unique and manageable. Perhaps notable is the absence of lighting in the park, this because there is already sufficient street lighting all around and it is therefore redundant. Finally, ecopassages have been placed under the intersecting roads so that small mammals can safely move through the park.

Willem Alexander Park – Utrecht

2010 - 2012

A tunnel with an empty roof on top, practically in the middle of a residential area, how do you design that as a municipality? The answer was quickly found: a park. And not just any park, but a park that connects.

The Willem Alexander Park in Utrecht Leidsche Rijn is a park on top of the A2 motorway tunnel. The tunnel was built by Rijkswaterstaat and the park above it is developed and managed by the municipality of Utrecht. The park was created in response to the demand for landscaping on the roof of the tunnel.

Goal

Wind is central to the design of this high-altitude park. With this, DS wants to focus on the human experience. In addition, the ground layer of the park will act as a lightning diversion from the tunnel. Finally, the park provides a scenic and ecological connection between Leidse Rijn and the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal.

The habitats of plants and animals in the landscape north and south of the city of Utrecht are connected by means of the park. Besides this landscape connection, the park takes up the ‘migratory bird route’ theme of the A2 by focusing on berries, insects and nectar-rich planting. This provides food supply for migratory birds in both spring and autumn.

The appropriation of the park by future residents is central. Five plots with different themes help to drive participation in the use of the park. These are the following five plots: magnolia forest, culture field, sports field, nature meadow and community fruit garden.

west: planted zone with path

Design

A higher path was chosen in the design of Willem Alexander Park. This path provides beautiful views of the surroundings. The elevated path and the planting that plays with the wind make visitors feel connected to nature. In addition, the entire length of the park can be overlooked from the centre. The park offers something for everyone; the five different plots divide the park into five atmospheres. Plantings were chosen that are purple-dominant throughout the year. The purple colour gives identity to the greenery. The planting plan is by Fred Booy.

east: mowed grass with zone sportfield

Details

The furniture on the five plots is linked to the ledge. In addition, it is made of uniform material so that it remains unique and manageable. Perhaps notable is the absence of lighting in the park, this because there is already sufficient street lighting all around and it is therefore redundant. Finally, ecopassages have been placed under the intersecting roads so that small mammals can safely move through the park.

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Biesbosch Station – Dordrecht

Biesbosch Central Station explores how nature can be combined with dense urban living. A new quality of life is being explored through the introduction of unexpected and spectacular experiences of nature for people and animals.

Biesbosch Station – Dordrecht

Biesbosch Central Station explores how nature can be combined with dense urban living. A new quality of life is being explored through the introduction of unexpected and spectacular experiences of nature for people and animals.

Eurojust landscape – Den Haag

By approaching and designing the safety, building and environment in an integrated manner, the landscape absorbs the heavy safety measures. A soft and wavy dune landscape engulfs the building of Eurojust.

Eurojust landscape – Den Haag

By approaching and designing the safety, building and environment in an integrated manner, the landscape absorbs the heavy safety measures. A soft and wavy dune landscape engulfs the building of Eurojust.

Het Weilandwonen en de nesteljas

Nesteljas (‘nesting coat’) are house facades with an integrated capacity to accommodate birds.

Het Weilandwonen en de nesteljas

Nesteljas (‘nesting coat’) are house facades with an integrated capacity to accommodate birds.

Verbindend duinlandschap

The Hague World Forum

World Forum is a public space designed by DS where all the puzzle pieces come together: the theme, the tranquillity, and the dune-like atmosphere.

Verbindend duinlandschap

The Hague World Forum

World Forum is a public space designed by DS where all the puzzle pieces come together: the theme, the tranquillity, and the dune-like atmosphere.

participatie

Willem Alexander Park – Utrecht

A tunnel with an empty roof on top, practically in the middle of a residential area, how do you design that as a municipality? The answer was quickly found: a […]

participatie

Willem Alexander Park – Utrecht

A tunnel with an empty roof on top, practically in the middle of a residential area, how do you design that as a municipality? The answer was quickly found: a […]

A new expantion of the village of Twello is a cultural historic motive to transform two seperated estates into one

Achter ‘t Holthuis

The new borough named Achter ’t Holthuis stands on the sport fields east of the village of Twello. The new intervention knits together two existing estates into one big ensemble of forests, fields and lanes.

A new expantion of the village of Twello is a cultural historic motive to transform two seperated estates into one

Achter ‘t Holthuis

The new borough named Achter ’t Holthuis stands on the sport fields east of the village of Twello. The new intervention knits together two existing estates into one big ensemble of forests, fields and lanes.

Starting with landscape

Park Brederode – Bloemendaal

First landscape then architecture is the motto of the process. Park Brederode is a clear example of this design attitude.

Starting with landscape

Park Brederode – Bloemendaal

First landscape then architecture is the motto of the process. Park Brederode is a clear example of this design attitude.

Nature inclusive

Sharing the shelter

Biodiversity: nature is our living environment, a long period of separation between nature and mankind finally comes to an end!

Nature inclusive

Sharing the shelter

Biodiversity: nature is our living environment, a long period of separation between nature and mankind finally comes to an end!

Spaarndammerhart – Amsterdam

The apartment complex in the heart of Spaarndammerbuurt, with its nesting stones and promising gardens, is an ideal place for people, plants, and animals alike.

Spaarndammerhart – Amsterdam

The apartment complex in the heart of Spaarndammerbuurt, with its nesting stones and promising gardens, is an ideal place for people, plants, and animals alike.

Nature inclusive building complex Vertical Amsterdam

Amsterdam Vertical (Sloterdijk plots N1+N3) is the first nature-inclusive building complex in Sloterdijk. By coordinating measures in building morphology, architecture and planting choices and management, the building complex is a biotope for lots of urban flora and fauna.

Nature inclusive building complex Vertical Amsterdam

Amsterdam Vertical (Sloterdijk plots N1+N3) is the first nature-inclusive building complex in Sloterdijk. By coordinating measures in building morphology, architecture and planting choices and management, the building complex is a biotope for lots of urban flora and fauna.

Designing with heritage in Polder Rijnenburg – Utrecht

In two workshops in spring 2024, organised by AORTA and the city, experts and stakeholders, led by studio master Maike van Stiphout, sketched on the past as inspiration for the future of polder Rijnenburg. Look at https://www.aorta.nu/erfgoed-rijnenburg/ontwerpen-met-erfgoed/ for more detailled information.

Designing with heritage in Polder Rijnenburg – Utrecht

In two workshops in spring 2024, organised by AORTA and the city, experts and stakeholders, led by studio master Maike van Stiphout, sketched on the past as inspiration for the future of polder Rijnenburg. Look at https://www.aorta.nu/erfgoed-rijnenburg/ontwerpen-met-erfgoed/ for more detailled information.

herontwerp Tilla Durieux Park

Tilla Durieux Park

In 2003, Tilla Durieux Park at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin was opened. It is a popular and well-used city meadow. However, this also presents a challenge. The grassy slopes are […]

herontwerp Tilla Durieux Park

Tilla Durieux Park

In 2003, Tilla Durieux Park at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin was opened. It is a popular and well-used city meadow. However, this also presents a challenge. The grassy slopes are […]

Cultuurhistorische analyse

landscape analyses Voorsterklei – Voorst

That the Dutch landscape can sometimes hold surprises became evident through the analysis conducted by DS on the area of De Voorsterklei.

Cultuurhistorische analyse

landscape analyses Voorsterklei – Voorst

That the Dutch landscape can sometimes hold surprises became evident through the analysis conducted by DS on the area of De Voorsterklei.

Cultural historical analysis

Transformation Polder Rijnenburg

In the Rijnenburg Polder large scale spatial changes are being planned.

Cultural historical analysis

Transformation Polder Rijnenburg

In the Rijnenburg Polder large scale spatial changes are being planned.

healing environment

Meander Medical Centre – Amersfoort

Meander Medical Centre has been opened at the start of 2014. The interplay between architecture and landscape has resulted in a close interweaving of the building, its surrounding terrain and the landscape of river Eem.

healing environment

Meander Medical Centre – Amersfoort

Meander Medical Centre has been opened at the start of 2014. The interplay between architecture and landscape has resulted in a close interweaving of the building, its surrounding terrain and the landscape of river Eem.

Building for biodiversity

nextcity.nl publisher

nextcity.nl celebrated her 10 years anniversary at the IABR. Time for a change. From now on we focus on publishing guides and more.

Building for biodiversity

nextcity.nl publisher

nextcity.nl celebrated her 10 years anniversary at the IABR. Time for a change. From now on we focus on publishing guides and more.

The Goorloop valley – Helmond

The valley of the Goorloop is a robust ecological, hydrological and recreational connector of landscape and city. The admosphere in the valley is largely defined by the scenic quality of its edges.

The Goorloop valley – Helmond

The valley of the Goorloop is a robust ecological, hydrological and recreational connector of landscape and city. The admosphere in the valley is largely defined by the scenic quality of its edges.

Prelimary landscape design landscape Eemklooster in Amersfoort

The landscape of the Eemklooster will be rewilded, to increase the biodiversity and the nature experience for the micro-city citizens. DS is responsible for the landscape design. The plan for the urban and landscape redevelopment  is made by Urban frameworks, in collaboration with DS landscape architects.

Prelimary landscape design landscape Eemklooster in Amersfoort

The landscape of the Eemklooster will be rewilded, to increase the biodiversity and the nature experience for the micro-city citizens. DS is responsible for the landscape design. The plan for the urban and landscape redevelopment  is made by Urban frameworks, in collaboration with DS landscape architects.

“De Buitenpoort”

Off the Platform, onto the Paths! Stations in the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam are becoming the starting points for a day out in nature. Objective “De Buitenpoort” is the name […]

“De Buitenpoort”

Off the Platform, onto the Paths! Stations in the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam are becoming the starting points for a day out in nature. Objective “De Buitenpoort” is the name […]

‘The Butterfly Effect’ – an ultralicht web above the highway

As part of the Design Challenge ‘Our Energy Our Landscape’, the multidisciplinary team of VenhoevenCS, DS landscape architects and Studio Solarix developed a surprising proposal in which generating clean energy is ingeniously and beautifully combined with restoring connections in nature and reducing noise pollution.

‘The Butterfly Effect’ – an ultralicht web above the highway

As part of the Design Challenge ‘Our Energy Our Landscape’, the multidisciplinary team of VenhoevenCS, DS landscape architects and Studio Solarix developed a surprising proposal in which generating clean energy is ingeniously and beautifully combined with restoring connections in nature and reducing noise pollution.

HABITAT

Green Architecture

HABITAT is the result of a joint effort by DS, VenhoevenCS architecture+urbanism, IVAM (University of Amsterdam) and Wim Timmermans (lecturer Larenstein) as part of The Green Architecture Competition. HABITAT is […]

HABITAT

Green Architecture

HABITAT is the result of a joint effort by DS, VenhoevenCS architecture+urbanism, IVAM (University of Amsterdam) and Wim Timmermans (lecturer Larenstein) as part of The Green Architecture Competition. HABITAT is […]