The period of design and development of this new living area with 340 houses in Bloemendaal, took over 16 years of research and discussion and construction. DS was involved in the landscape and urban strategy, made the landscape design and took seat in the quality committee for the private villa’s in the westside of the park.
First landscape then architecture is the motto of the process. Park Brederode is a clear example of this design attitude. Landscape is designed first and it has enough strength as it is. The architecture of the buildings adapts to the landscape, they follow the strict rules made to make them fit, thus making the landscape even stronger. The landscape architect is involved throughout the process, reflecting on the architectural proposals and adjusting plans for public space. In the development process the landscape design works as a frame for both urbanisation and architecture.
The landscape design is strongly narrative, based on the sites rich history, dating back as far as the Middle Ages. In the 18th and 19th century two famous Dutch landscape architects, J.P. Zocher and L.A. Springer made designs for part of the park. During the century it was a psychiatric institute. Relics of all these different layers in time are still traceable, giving meaning to the new settlement built to last for the next century.
Park Brederode is situated on the edge of the Kennemerduinen, not only part of the protection zone towards the sea but also of the main ecological structure. The park provides the many protected species with a new habitat, new nature is being built.
The result is a design based not only on good proportions and forms but even more on history and nature, an adaptive landscape that gives more than it takes.