Portfolio 2018

urbanism and landscape architecture

# 2018

Introduction 03

Urban Transformation

BUREAU B+B Office Profile CREATING THE FRAMEWORK

10

Dafne Schippers Bridge, Utrecht

14

KuBAai, Bocholt

20

Aldenhof Park, Hoensbroek

26

Hembrug, Zaandam

32

Central Station Arnhem

38

Army Barracks transformation, Sijsele

Pedestrian Paradise

PUBLIC SPACE

44

Spui - Lange Voorhout, the Hague

50

Mariahilfer Strasse, Vienna

56

De Leet, Ieper

Healthy Places

LIVE, WORK & PLAY

62

Three schools in one, Brussels

66

Achmea Campus, Apeldoorn

Dutch Identity

WATER WORKS

72

Lock Eefde

76

Princess Beatrix Lock, Nieuwegein

80

Bridge control Center, Steekterpoort

Landscape Urbanism 86

Veghels Buiten

90

Blaricummermeent

Bureau B+B links decades of experience to young talent.

This booklet contains a recent selection of Bureau B+B’s projects. These projects have been recently completed, or are currently in development.

Since its founding in 1977 Bureau B+B built up a rich experience. At the same time, we keep attracting young talent. Because the bureau renews itself continuously, it keeps finding fresh solutions to current themes. The bureau is organized as a collective, allowing all employees to develop their own style. The team is made up of people from various backgrounds, personalities and fascinations. Equal cooperation and interdisciplinary exchange are a constant factor at the bureau.

The open, collective company culture causes our style to vary from project to project. Even so, our designs can be recognized by their poetic clarity.

We aim for clear and explainable designs. The framework is powerful, the details are subtle and refined. The designs always contain a remarkable idea or an unconventional intervention that lifts the spatial experience above the functional. A clear, functional foundation creates opportunity for emotion, tactility and the poetic component of a design.

1977

2017

3

4

Bureau B+B/ Poetic Clarity

reading the place Each design starts with research of the existing elements, traditions and culture of the location. We consider a design successful, when it makes people feel at home and invites them to develop their own activities. During the design process we often choose to make hand sketches and analogue models. These models and sketches immediately communicate an idea, without getting lost in details. This allows for intuition and inventiveness.

We read the location and add a chapter, so the story of the place can be told over and over.

5

craftsmanship We love craftsmanship and refined details.

Good detailing and supervision of the construction make our designs future proof.

The identity of a location can be enhanced through details. In order to achieve this we incorporate local materials and design tailor made paving materials and street furniture.

These artisanal details help to create meaningful places. That is why precision and craftsmanship are essential.

6

7

8

Urban Transformation/ Master Plans

creating the framework for transformation

We are not just designers of places: we also direct the process in space and time. It is an open end process, with no definite blueprint. First we activate public life. We improve the accessibility of the area and give people a reason to visit. Investing in public space works as a catalyst for the redevelopment of city areas. It creates the framework in which the program can develop gradually and flexibly. The framework also places the location into a larger context of networks, structures and time. Restructuring the existing city is all about connecting people and places. Spatial design creates the conditions to do this.

9

building, bridge and park all in one

Congenial interdisciplinarity mending the urban fabric and its people

Dafne Schippers Bridge Utrecht, The Netherlands (2013- 2017) Client: Municipality of Utrecht Architects: NEXT Architects, Rudy Uytenhaak architects Engineers: ARUP, Pieters Bouwtechniek 10

Area: 1,68 ha

Integral design The new bicycle bridge over the Amsterdam Rhine Canal connects the new town Leidsche Rijn with the inner city of Utrecht. Within the new design, the new bridge, the building of the school and the Victor Hugo Park are realized as a coherent unity. All elements are interpreted as an unique part of an integral design, which reach into each other like a coherent puzzle.

The bridge which rises up to 7 meters makes it possible to fit the school underneath the bridge-construction.

Because the bridge builds the roof of the school, every side of the school-

building is surrounded by light and space, preventing one side facing blind walls. A wide loop lifts the biker or pedestrian from the park entrance onto the roof of the gym. From there the journey continues through the treetops to a panoramic view. The shape of the building creates a safe and enclosed playground for the children and closes of the park from the canal. In this way the school and the schoolyard are clearly oriented towards the park. A minimum of space transformed into a multifunctional space with a maximum of facilities.

11 A connecting stepping stone within the city

Reconnecting and revitalising neighborhoods through the integral design of a bridge, a school, a bicycle track and a park

12

Reconnecting a neighborhood By integrating the structures into the park, almost the whole park and most of the old tree structure could be spared and at the same time become reorganized as a connecting link between the bridge, the school and the inner city. In this way the coherent design elements overtake a multilayered function within the city structure of Utrecht. Firstly they serve as a renowned stepping stone for the major amount of pedestrians and cyclists between the city center, the outer parts as well as the town Leidsche Rijn.

Secondly the area itself develops a poetic character as a new hub of public space where all generations come together in their usage of the park, the bridge and the school. The new housing structures next to the bridge and the Victor Hugo Park support this development. A forgotten piece of land has been transformed into a new place full of public life.

Congenial cooperation To reorganize the whole area with the new and existing elements into a coherent unit which integrates seamlessly into the urban context demanded intense cooperation between the architect, the bridge designer and the landscape architect. Four different parties of designers were working closely together to realize this congenial idea between architecture, landscape architecture, bridge construction and urban planning.

The project has internationally been embraced as a best practice of the Dutch approach to the seamless integration of cycling infrastructure into the urban fabric, while contributing to social cohesion.

Municipalities, the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency and Dutch embassies worldwide use the project as a case study.

13

unraveling the genius loci

KuBAaI Bocholt, Germany (2009 - present) Client: Stadt Bocholt In cooperation with: SeARCH architects Area: 35 ha 14

In between the city center of Bocholt and the recreational Aa lake lies a forgotten industrial terrain. Despite it’s central location this area has nearly disappeared from the collective memory of the locals. Behind the brick walls one can discover hidden treasures: the river landscape of the Aa, immense industrial halls and a modern textile museum. With these ingredients Bureau B+B and SeARCH developed an urban plan to transform the area towards a lively cultural- and residential area.

Industrial Heritage Bocholt is an old textile town. For more than two centuries the local industry produced the world famous blue and red checked tea towels. A small scale industrial landscape arose along the river Aa, characterized by shed roofs, brick walls, high chimneys and relicts of machines. Brown brick frontsw, dark roof tiles, red paths, a russet train bridge and the verdigris covered reinforced steel banks form today’s identity of hidden places.

Green hedges and the leaves of overhanging shore trees frame the space of the hidden riverside.

These atmospheres form the base for the transformation of the area: the scale of the buildings and the open space, the appearance of the architecture and the vegetation.

Existing historical grid as abstract framework for transformation

1955 - from a bustling industrial side...

2015 - to a forgotten industrial heritage

15 Respecting the traces...

... to unravel the genius loci

Gr mi üne tP H erg öfe ola

he atisc them Drei lätze lp Spie

Wasserskulptur: Betonskulptur mit Wasserelementen

Sol i Arb tärer eite Bau m rbr unn und en

*

Sp B iel de egeg - un n nu d Qu n ar gso tie rte re in n

Sol i Arb tärer eite Bau m rbr unn und en

Textile history as a playground

16

Textiles Zimmer: Stahlgerüst mit textielen Elementen

*

Sol i und tärer San Baum dpl atz

The Podium Bridge connects the two musea

Activation To bring the area back into collective memory existing buildings are being opened for temporary events and uses: a secret garden, a skate cafĂŠ, little markets, concerts and cinemas etc. People are invited and seduced to explore the area. Existing cultural institutes are expanding and transform former backsides towards lively fronts through big squares that can be used for events in public space.

17 Activating the museum square

Transformation Finally the gradual transformation of the built area is guided by the addition of new programme and shaped by public space. Many walls of former halls and few relics of chimneys and machines are kept in order to form a framework for the new development of houses, cultural institutes and gastronomy. Simple rules guide the phased building process and create coherence within the new architecture in order to keep and renew existing atmospheres of hidden treasures and traces of the past.

Simple rule creates a diversity of roofs to form a new roofscape

18

Enhance contact with the river

Ecology and Water The core of the plan is the Bocholter Aa. The river connects the city centre to the outer landscape. The Bocholter Aa is widend to buffer more water with peak rains. The plan enhances the quality of the water through natural vegetation. The vegetation gives a richer flora and fauna but also a more divers perception of the water.

Cleaning the water with natural vegetation

Connection New paths are made along the river Aa to connect the inner city with the recreational areas on the fringes. Two new bridges and the transformation of an old train bridge connect the north with the south shore of the river. The banks of the Aa are revived through new public spaces like a park, a jetty path and a big public flight of stairs.

19

cooperative park

Aldenhof Park Hoensbroek, Heerlen, The Netherlands (2011-present) Client: Municipality of Heerlen In cooperation with: Buitenom Area: 6,2 ha 20

Population in decline Hoensbroek is one of the shrinking Dutch towns that suffer from a declining population due to demographic change. For these small towns this leads to vacancy, less social cohesion and a loss of public facilities and therefore a loss of public life. The demolition of vacant buildings made it possible to develop a new park: The Aldenhof Park. The intention was to transform the vacant space into a social and sustainable green neighborhood hub to revive the neighborhood and

create more social cohesion. In this way the transformation from housing structures into a public space gives the neighborhood a positive boost.

As a reflection to the “lifecycleproof� houses which have been build up next to the open space, a park should be realized which includes all generation facilities and therefore attract all ages of neighborhood residents to create a strong sense of community. Therefore a new school and the community center, which are in the same building, were integrated into the park.

Before

After

2012 - A liveless area in decline

21 2017 - A green neighborhood centre strengthening social coherence

22 A mental map of the neighborhood by Jan Rothuizen

23

The particular geology of the province of South Limburg

Skegs and terraces The park design is based on the particular geology of the province of South Limburg. Vertical fissures in the earth surface, causing some areas to move up and other areas down, are characteristic for this landscape. This creates terraces or skegs.

The existing height difference in the park is highlighted by artificial terraces that vary in height. In the interpretation of the areas geology on to the scale of the park the terraces create different spaces for various activities and at the same time prevent the polluted ground from interventions that could destabilize the polluted soil which was discovered during soil analysis after the demolition of the housing structures.

24 Terraces create different spaces

Sustainability The road that used to run in front of the building is now closed off and therefore let the schoolyard flow into the park. The park is constructed with as many recycled materials as possible and therefore guarantee a high level of sustainability. The paving stones come from a nearby street. The school fences are made from balcony banisters from demolished apartment buildings. Rainwater can easily infiltrate and excess water ends up in a pond in the lowest part of the park creating an ecological water-buffer. Wildflowers are planted to create a natural livelyhood for the bee-colony.

A park for residents by residents The transformation from a residential area to a public park is a gradual process. During the planning process of the project locals were invited to participate within multiple workshops so that ideas and wishes of the future users were integrated in the design. Many elements were constructed together with hands-on participants. A bee-hotel was built, which now serves for practical teaching lessons and school children were involved into the tree-planting process.

The several design workshops and activities create engagement in order to reconnect the neighborhood. In this way not only the park itself but the whole process of participation within the transformation countered the anonymity in the area. All these activities contribute to social coherence and sustainability. To keep this positive social development and let the park serve as a social bridge within the future as well, the residents are partly responsible for the maintenance of the park. With these many forms of engagement the new park became a place for residents by residents.

25

reviving a secret place

Hembrug Zaandam, The Netherlands (2017) Client: The Good Life Development Fund Team:

Our multidisciplinary team made a development strategy for the sale of the Hembrug terrain by the Dutch Government. Based on this strategy we were one of the selected teams to make a bid for the area. The former military terrain was the secret location for the Dutch army to produce artery and ammunition.

Bogdan van Broeck, Stéphane Beel Architects, Coussée &Goris architecten, Ronald Janssen Architecten,

26

Braaksma & Roos Architcten and Witteveen en Bos

We cherish the ‘secret’ and ‘hidden’ qualities of the Hembrug. We don’t force a built connection to its surroundings, but we strengthen current qualities. We make a compact

development for lively neighbourhoods and preserve the green qualities as much as possible.

Spatial concept The spatial coherence and the diversity is secured by a clear spatial figure of two arcs. The urban arc threads all places together to a coherent whole. This more urban circuit is complemented with a wild forest. The second arc, the lost railway, will be transformed into a recreational and productive landscape. This arc will connect the center of Zaandam

Zaandam city centre

lost

trail forest

Urban arc

Concept scheme connecting the site

27 The mistical forest stays ‘untouched’ we just add one pathway and a curtain.

uit te werken met een hiërarchie binnen de structuur van het grid zodat de transformatie wordt ingezet naar een stadsweefsel waarin je makkelijk je weg vindt van de ene plek naar de andere.

Levenskwaliteit ontstaat wanneer het verlangen naar een eigen, aanwijsbare thuis doorsnede wordt beantwoord.

Als je woont in een stad betekent ‘mijn thuis’ vaak niet meer dan een paar vensters in een zee van gelijkaardige ramen in de gigantische gevel van een appartementsgebouw. Door intelligent om te gaan met de bestaande woning inontstaat een gebouwen en door een contextgevoelige strategie van toevoegingen een monument nieuwe compositie van gebouwen met een zeer grote eigenheid en individualiteit die bijdragen aan de levenskwaliteit van alle bewoners. plan Een sociale, experimentele, daadkrachtige, rauwe, groene, historische plek, waar mensen graag wonen en creëren.

JUXTAPOSITION (1)(2) SUBTRACTION

LANEN gevels vormen een verblijfsplek om te spelen, te ontmoeten, ... stedelijke ruimte & bos

doorsnede doorsnede

plan

RECREATIEVE BOOG sport en spel woning – moestuintjes naast wandelen en fietsen in het groen – bosparking

het bos woning in een monument

plan

BOS onaangetast en wild in het hart van de nieu

(3) SUPERPOSITION

Nieuwe gebouwen naast of tegen bestaande gebouwen volgens de orthogonale structuur van de site om plekken te v (2) JUXTAPOSITION

Nieuwe gebouwen naast of tegen bestaande gebouwen Nieuwe toevoegingen in of op bestaande Nieuwe gebouwen naast of tegengebouwen. bestaande gebouwen Deze volgende de orthogonale orthogonale structuur van de gebouwen dusplekken ook van de volgens de orthogonale structuur van de site om plekken volgens structuur van de siteenom tesite. vervolledigen.

doorsnede doorsnede

doorsnede plan

doorsnede

BUITENKAMER LANEN gevels vormen een verblijfsplek openlucht kamer ommet te spelen, ... groente–ontmoeten, verbindend stedelijke ruimte & bos

plan plan

woning naast het bos

te ver

element

woning met uitzicht over woning naast dakenlandschap het bos

woning in een monument plan

(4) INSERTION (3) SUPERPOSITION (3) SUPERPOSITION 1 SUBTRACTION 2 Deze JUXTAPOSITION staan los van het orthogonale grid en negeren dit. Het z Nieuwe toevoegingen innaast of opof bestaande gebouwen.

Nieuwe gebouwen naast tegen bestaande Nieuwe gebouwen tegen bestaande gebouwen Nieuwe gebouwen naast of tegen je op te oriënteren enoftonen een bestaande nieuw typegebouwen gebouw en progr (2) JUXTAPOSITION gebouwen volgens de orthogonale structuur van de site om plekken te vervolledigen. volgens de orthogonale structuur van de site om plekken te ver het terrein, met een kleine voetafdruk.

Nieuwe gebouwen naast of tegen bestaande gebouwen volgens de orthogonale structuur van de site om plekken te vervolledigen.

BUITENKAMER openlucht kamer met groen – verbindend element

doorsnede

doorsnede

plan

woning naast het bos

plan

woning met uitzicht over dakenlandschap

VERBORGEN PLEIN beschut pleintje – vernauwing vanaf Middenweg

doorsnede

doorsnede plan

woning met uitzicht over dakenlandschap woning met panoramisch uitzicht

(3) SUPERPOSITION 4 INSERTION Nieuwe gebouwen naast of tegen bestaande gebouwen 3 SUPERPOSITION Deze staan los van het orthogonale grid en volgens de orthogonale structuur vanbestaande de site om plekken te vervolledigen.

(4) INSERTION Nieuwe gebouwen naast of tegen gebouwen negeren dit. Het zijn accenten om (4) INSERTION volgens orthogonale structuur van de site je op te oriënteren tonen een nieuw type Dezede staan los van het orthogonale gridom enplekken negeren dit. Het zijn accenten omlosen Deze staan van hetPLEIN orthogonale grid en negeren dit. Het zijn VERBORGEN te vervolledigen. gebouw en programma (wonen) op je op te oriënteren en tonen een nieuw type gebouw en programma (wonen) op pleintje – vernauwing vanaf Middenweg op beschut temet oriënteren envoetafdruk. tonen een nieuw type gebouw en program het je terrein, een kleine het terrein, met een kleine voetafdruk. het terrein, met een kleine voetafdruk. doorsnede

plan

woning met uitzicht over dakenlandschap

WATERPLEIN het open water voelen verbreding van de Middenweg –

doorsnede

(4) INSERTION

28

doorsnede along the old traintracks towards the waterfront and The Urban Arc Deze staan los van het orthogonale grid en negeren dit. Het zijn accenten om plan the Hembrug.

The inner forest will stay untouched The amalgam of historic buildings will beplan je op te oriënteren en tonen een nieuw type gebouw en programma (wonen) op woning met terrein, met een kleine voetafdruk. uitzicht byhet concentrating the urban developments and panoramischcomplemented with new developments. The urban infrastructure in these two arcs. The inner forest arises by a concatenation of places, each with its will be made accessible in a respectful manner, so own character. We develop four principels to interact inhabitants can enjoy the natural beauty of the forest. with the existing buildings: (1) subtraction, (2) doorsnede juxtaposition, (3) superposition en (4) insertion. plan The Lost Track Arc By treating the existing buildings in an intelligent way woning met panoramisch uitzicht The Lost Track is the arc where the railway over the and due to a context-sensitive strategy of additions, Hembridge used to be. It will be developed as a park a new composition of buildings will arise with system: a recreational and productive landscape uniqueness and individuality which contributes to the which make a connection between the Hembrug quality of the urban living environment. terrain and the surrounding neighborhoods. This recreational arc is accessible for all the inhabitants.

Within the terrain cars are allowed in limited numbers There is space for sports, playing elements and and only around the Middenweg to drive towards the allotment gardens. parking pockets. The network of bike- and footpaths are however extensive and fine-grained, grafted onto the historical path structure.

woning met panoramisch uitzicht

29

30

The Inner Forest A circular path seemingly floats through the forest.

The path makes the forest accessible without damaging the ecological values of the forest soil.

The circular shape links all different areas within the Hembrug terrain.

The monumental pipeline network forms a start for an adventurous playground spread over the terrain.

31

urban flowscape

Central Station Arnhem The Netherlands (20022016) Client: Municipality of Arnhem In cooperation with: UNStudio, Atelier Lek Area: 45.000 m2 32

Encounter and interaction Arnhem Central Station is located next to the city center. In its previous structure the area was isolated by a main road and the station was a monofunctional space of disorientation. The new design guides travelers intuitively through the area in order to make the usage of public transport as easy and stress-free as possible. Like this the design reflects the potential of the area to be more than a transition hub by inviting people to participate in a multifunctional place to stay. The station and the

surrounding public space, including facilities and meeting places serve as a place of encounter for both inhabitants and passengers. In this way the station is carefully integrated into its urban context, knits into the fabric of the city. The design of the public space aims to make the routing between the station and the city center intuitive. The new central station area in Arnhem turns waiting for a train or a bus into a moment of urban encounter accommodating rest as well as exchange, increasing personal health as well as the public live of the area.

A connected landscape intuitively guiding the station users to the various destinations

Flowing urban landscape

The station area lies on the slopes of the Veluwe massive, dipping into the lower landscape flanking the river Nederrijn. This results in a 20 meter height difference that has to be bridged in public space. Therefore the design of the public space is interpreted as a continuous flowing landscape, seamlessly connecting all the different heightlevels and streams of transportation. Natural stone pavement is laid in various directions, following the undulating ground surface. In companion with the organic station building it suggests a feeling of standing within a flowing topography. Steel figures subtly mark height differences and thereby set the area in relation to the surrounding landscape.

33

Place to stay Bigger height differences are bridged by stone folds in the plane. Fitted with wooden seating, the folds transform into benches that emerge from the surface like waves or sand dunes. In their settings, following the flow of the surface, the furniture lead the people through the open space. With their concave shape they invite people to use them as places of slowing down moments. On account of its flowing topography and surface the station area has been discovered as one of Europe’s skater hot spots. Thanks to the sturdy detailing of the ground plane and the durable street furniture, the arrival of these new users is easily accommodated.

34

35

Details The natural stone pavement follows the undulating surface in different angles. Tailor made paving stones create smooth connections. Scattered on the floor are steel numbers, marking the height difference. Linear illumination and lighting integrated into the handrails of steps enhance the legibility of the landscape. Small lampposts close to areas of greenery and seating create attractive settings. In contrast to this sensitive lighting the main transition spots are lighted bright to enhance orientation and therefore increase safety.

36

37 Sensitive lighting plan creates atmosphere and orientation

diagonally connected

Army Barracks transformation Sijsele Belgium (2017) Client: Winvorm In cooperation with: Next Architects Arcadis Belgium Area: 21 ha 38

The former army barracks in Sijsele will be transformed into a mixed use area with housing, workplaces and recreational facilities. In collaboration with NEXT architects Bureau B+B made a masterplan. The design concept is based on a robust landscape framework that connects the barracks to its surroundings.

The areas within the framework will be developed in a flexible manner, in cooperation with local residents, entrepreneurs and developers.

A robust framework There are not only traces of military use at the barracks, but also of the original country side and a former nursery for plants and flowers. These historical layers are the starting point for the identity of the development.

The design is composed of three landscape zones: A flower garden, the central axis and the landscape chambers. The flower garden is situated along the main street, on the location of the former nursery. The central area of the barrack grounds has a parklike atmosphere.

Three landscape zones

A special experience route along historic traces - opening the site

Here, a historical tree-lined lane will be restored.

It is the backbone of the landscape design and serves as the main connection for bicycles and pedestrians. In the southern part of the site, original hedge structures will be restored, creating landscape chambers. The chambers can host allotments, water infiltration or green housing.

Gradual Transformation The army barracks will gradually be filled in with a mix of functions and target groups. At the start of the project, the site will be made accessible for the community. A special experience route familiarizes the public with the sites identity. Next, the

entrance area will be developed, followed by the green axis, the business zone and the innovation hub. The entrance area consists of a square with trees and a market hall. Residential buildings surround the bustling square. The green axis is designed as a park with recreational facilities. Closer to the houses, the landscaping is more communal, with playgrounds for small children. The final program will be developed in consultation with the residents, entrepreneurs and developers of the area.

39

40 A new markethall for more community cohesion

Sustainability The design of the transformation of the army barracks is sustainable in different ways.

Attention is paid to adjustability, energy, water and mobility. Many existing buildings will be redeveloped. New buildings will have a flexible construction. There is plenty of room on the site for innovative water management. The natural topography forms the base of the water

system. Green roofs buffer rainwater, that subsequently infiltrates in wadi’s and wetlands.

Pavement is permeable where possible. Public space is designed to facilitate walking and biking, and to discourage driving a car. The program will develop in a flexible and gradual manner, making it possible to adjust the plans to changing techniques and understandings.

Sustainable water circulation

41

42

Public Space/ Pedestrian Paradise

the urban fabric consists of much more than just traffic space

Designing public space is all about creating places to be. When people do more than just pass by, a city comes to life.

It is time to re-examine the role of city centers. Bureau B+B witnessed the change of inner cities in the last decades from within. In the fifties, the car made its entrance in the town centers. Wide, elegant boulevards changed into pulsating traffic arteries and the public domain was reduced to the width of the sidewalk. As a counter reaction, many cities chose to ban all traffic from the shopping streets in the seventies. At the same time, homogenous retail chains spread out uniformity over the towns. What remained were streets with phantom pains.

Today’s economic situation signals the end of many run of the mill retail chains. We are convinced that this is a blessing for the inner cities. It gives us the opportunity to search for local identity and new lifelines. Originally, the shopping streets were not meant for one single category of use: vibrancy and mixed use defined the atmosphere. That is why we design streets where pedestrians and bicyclists naturally merge with local traffic, suppliers and public transport. The shared space is more than just traffic space. We create places to be that make people linger longer than their movement lasts.

They do things on the streets, making the city come to life.

43

the healthy core

Renovation public space Spui - Lange Voorhout The Hague, The Netherlands (2016–present) Client: Municipality of The Hague

44

After thirty years, Bureau B+B updates the famous plan ‘The Healthy Core’.

The economic and social circumstances have changed, but the city still requires coherence, identity and quality.

The Healthy Center In 1987 we designed ‘The Healthy Core’ for The Hague, a master plan for the renovation of the city centre.

The concept was based on five linear landscape atmospheres. The Heart Line from Spui untill Lange Voorhout connected the different linear atmospheres. Every linear atmosphere had its own recognizable identity,

forging the city centre into a coherent unit.

Feeling lost The spatial linear atmospheres are function well due to their strengt in identity. The Heart Line from Spui untill Lange Voorhout never functioned very well. The old breakthrough was dominated by cars. The wide and unidentified space make people feel lost in the city. The Spui untill Lange Voorhout now will be transformed into a pedestrian friendly area. This is an oppertunity to B+B explored the meaning of the Heart line.

Current situation, feeling lost

Vision for Spui untill Lange Voorhout

The Heart Line Several highlights of the inner city are situated close to the Heart Line. There is the City Hall, the main shopping streets, the Dutch Parliament and the Lange Voorhout with its cultural program and museums.

The space is designed as a route which guiding visitors from one pace to another. The passages have a closed character to guide people. The character of the different places is given from the historic situation. Buildings, trees border the open spaces.

‘The Healthy Core’ five linear atmospheres and the connecting Heart Line Spui untill the ‘Lange Voorhout’

45

46

Shared Space Boulevard The reduction of car traffic makes it possible to create a shared space boulevard on the heart line. In this shared space, bicycles, public transport and local traffic all use a central lane, subtly marked in the pavement. This leaves generous pedestrian lanes on either side. The heart line is transformed from a place to pass to a place to be.

Full-fledged squares On the crossroads of the heart line and the squares, the design of the street dominates the design of the squares. The squares are undermined by this.

In the proposed situation, the squares are no longer dissected by the street. The traffic lane crosses the square in a modest way. The squares fill all the space and present themselves on the route of the heart line.

47 Spatial clarity and cohesion through timeless design

48 a spatial ancorpoint in the city

49 Minimizing traffic space, maximizing public space

europe’s longest shared space

Mariahilfer Strasse Vienna, Austria (20132015) Client: City of Vienna MA 19 Architektur- und Stadtgestaltung In cooperation with: orso.pitro

50

Area: 42.753 m2 (length: 1,6 km)

For decades the Maria Hilferstrasse was the most well-known shopping street of the city of Vienna. The dramatic increase of car traffic of the last 40 years led to a monofunctional, congested and divided street.

Shared Space Bureau B+B stated that the introduction of spaces of stay, meet and act were essential to transform the monofunctional street into a multifunctional shared space. In order to achieve this, the street is paved from façade to façade on a single

level. Subtle lines in the pavement mark the transition between different zones: A shared zone in the middle allowing for faster movements, and slow zones on the sides. As a result of the new profile pedestrians rule the fast lane of the street and define the speed of movement for the local and public traffic that have to adapt to the movement and amount of the pedestrian traffic. The essence of the spatial concept is a play between spaces of flow and spaces of rest.

Before

Smaller Lanes Wider Sidewalk

Asymmetrical Profile

Places for Public Life

City lounges The asymmetrical profile which creates the different zones of movement meanders with the natural curves of the street. It naturally takes the inner bend the fast lane, leaving a more quiet space in the outer bend. These spaces become city lounges with a variety of outdoor furniture: benches, water elements and planters with flowering trees. The city lounges are islands of tranquility and social interaction in the street and complete the transformation of a monofunctional shopping street into a true public space by being spaces of stay, meet and act.

51 Dialogue furniture

1900- A boulevard

2012 - A street for cars

52 2017 - Pedestrian paradise

An emotional debate The idea of the transformation of the street into a shared space boulevard stirred the residents and led to a fierce debate. A general disbelieve that a car-free shopping boulevard would be good for business, made it into an national political debate. The municipality of Vienna together with the involved planners organized an extensive participation programme.

Information meetings, discussions and a public exhibition about the vision for the street were organized let people contribute their individual wishes. The street was closed to ongoing traffic over the course of a year. During this testing phase the street was fitted with prototypes of the new street furniture in order to give the residents of the city a feeling of the atmosphere.

People immediately took over the street and started using it as the intended boulevard. The street subsequently transformed into a political space that was used to discuss the issue of the referendum alongside many other protests, gatherings and celebrations.

test furniture was placed and tested

53 People took over the street and it was transformed into a political space.

54

Healthy Streets The transformation of the Mariahilfer Strasse has several positive effects on the city. Thanks to the dramatic reduction of traffic, there is less noise and pollution. Now, the street is inviting to walk and bike through, enhancing public health through exercise. Shopkeepers are very positive about the transformation. Business did not slow down: the laid back layout invites people to spend more time in the Mariahilfer Strasse, spending more money as a consequence. At the same time, people can hang out without consuming. The City Lounges offer an attractive and public alternative to the terraces belonging to cafĂŠs and restaurants.

55

a coherent puzzle

De Leet Ieper Ieper, Belgium (2016 – present) Client: Municipality of Ieper In collaboration with: SUM Area: 34.300 m2

56

The historical core of Ieper is composed of the St-Martins Cathedral, the Laken Hall and the Great Market.

In the immediate surroundings however, the grandeur of the center is lost completely. Here, public space is engineered for traffic and space is dominated by parking lots. The green surrounding of the Cathedral is fragmented.

Coherence In cooperation with the Belgium architects SUM, Bureau B+B made the master plan for the urban renewal and

restructuring of the medieval town center. We reorganized the fragmented public space into a coherent city core where the iconic Laken Hall, the Great Market and the St-Martins Cathedral are shaped in their iconic character and at the same work together like a coherent puzzle. Additional planting and water make public space a more pleasant place to be. By highlighting the historical identity while also creating opportunities for contemporary city life we transformed a forgotten piece of land into a worthy part of the heart of Ieper.

57 Reorganizing the fragmented public space into a coherent green city core

Reorganizing the fragmented public space into a coherent city core

58 Before and after

The Leet Ieper was founded along the river Ieperlee. Today, it flows underground, beneath the parking lot on the Peerenboom Square (the Leet). The parking lot is relocated in order to make room for terraces.

This offers the opportunity to recreate the Leet symbolically, as a water feature. Water plants and fountains enhance the water-experience. Now, the Peerenboom Square functions as a natural link between the Great Market and the green area surrounding the Cathedral. In this way, the also adjusted traffic scheme around the Cathedral molds the yet fragmented area together into a green counterpart of the Great Market.

Cultural History Several sights and monuments remind us of the rich history of Ieper; buildings, statues, archways and alleys. These historical relicts are given space to breathe and a prominent view. We build a stage on top of the fundaments of the bishops palace. Inspired by the medieval church garden, the green core is surrounded by a distinctive natural stone border, that partly functions as a pathway, partly as a threshold and partly as a seating element.

59

60

Healthy Places/ Live, Work & Play

healthy places enhance lively energy and human interaction

Healthy design creates a clean environment and stimulates body and mind. It can speed up recovery from illness, enhance independence of children and the elderly and promote exercise. Public space that welcomes cyclists and pedestrians promotes conditions for an active and healthy community.

Schoolyards and hospital grounds should be safe and accessible, but it is also important that there is enough to see and to do. We enhance lively energy and human interaction by setting it in a direct coherence with the surrounding environment, it´s character and atmosphere.

Therefore we set a focus on different aspects which play a key role towards the stimulation of lively energy and the active interaction of humans with the environment: Varied planting that changes through the seasons. Natural planting and water elements that ask people to learn about their environment by regulating the micro climate, reducing air pollution and enhancing biodiversity.

Introducing elements people can take care about and participate in their usage.

61

stacked landscape

Three schools in one Brussels, Belgium (2016–present) Client: City of Brussel In cooperation with: Low architects Area: 5.500 m2 62

In the North of Brussels, a new school complex will be built, containing a day-care center, a primary school, a secondary school and two gyms. This extensive program is ingeniously fitted onto a plot that is in principal not big enough.

A challenging location The school complex will accommodate a day-care center for 72 children, a primary school for 456 kids, a secondary school for 288 pupils and two sports facilities. Each of the schools will have their own recognizable

identity, their own entrance and a separate schoolyard. All of this has to fit on a plot of just over 5.500 square meters. The urban framework poses extra limitations: it has been decided upon to only build alongside of the street, creating a closed city block. The maximum height of the new building is 15 meters. The maximum depth 12,15 meters. In fact: The space is maximally limited. Besides that, a height difference in the plot of nearly 7 meters complicates the project. Granting all wishes within these strict constraints required intensive cooperation and

Translating a dense programme into a staked landscape

careful calibration between architecture, landscape architecture and engineering.

Stacked landscape In order to realize the whole program within the limitations of the plot, part of the building is shoved under the surface. The schoolyards are situated on different levels. The result is a stacked landscape, inspired by Asian rice fields, or the hanging gardens of Babylon. The gyms are built completely underground. The kindergarten classrooms are grouped around a sunken, atrium-like courtyard.

Above that, the primary schoolyard is located. An indoor bicycle parking separates this area from the secondary school. On the roof of the bicycle

parking a lounge area is created with ping-pong tables. A large awning is covering all that. On top of this awning, a vegetable garden is established. The different levels naturally create separate outdoor areas. The transitions provide exciting play-zones with slopes, slides and stairs. At the same time, the whole complex is accessible for disabled people.

63

Integrated watersystem guarantees climate resilience

64 A multi-layered choolyard

Ingenious water retention The City of Brussels is very ambitious when it comes to climate resilience. It requires half of the plots surface to be permeable, so rainwater can infiltrate into the ground. Because of the intensive use of space, it is not possible to meet this demand.

Instead, a system has been designed making careful processing of rainwater possible. Roofs are covered with grass and succulents where possible. Rainwater that cannot infiltrate directly into the ground, flows through gutters and a waterfall into a buffer container. This water is later used to flush the toilets.

In the kindergarten courtyard, the rainwater ends up in a decorative basin, from which it can seep into an infiltration crate and into the ground. The water system connects the separate schoolyards. At the same time it serves as a stimulating, educational playground.

65

naturale workscape

Achmea Campus Apeldoorn, The Netherlands (2011–2012) Client: ADP Architects Area: Campus 10,2 ha Indoor garden 750 m2

66

The new headquarters of Centraal Beheer Achmea insurance company is situated within the forests around Apeldoorn. The lay-out of the headquarters, designed by ADP architects and Bureau B+B is based on the concept of a campus involving the expansion of existing buildings and a new concept for the terrain. The design represents a comprehensive approach to the terrain: a landscape, rather than an office garden. The various office buildings are situated on different places in the forest. A system of asphalt paths, just slightly raised above the

landscape, resembling worn-down paths, oscillates across the terrain.

They connect the different buildings and the Meeting Center. A walk over the terrain always leads the visitor along heather fields, dark pine forests, hills and valleys. All of the interventions reinforce the impression of working in the middle of nature.

The Veluwe as workspace

A continuous landscape The centrally placed Meeting Center with its indoor atrium serves as the focal point on the campus.

The reception, meeting rooms and restaurant are oriented around the garden and offer a view on grassy hills, dunes and valleys of ferns. This is where visitors wait for their appointment, employees meet each other at the coffee machine, informal meetings occur and the Dutch annual feast of “Sinterklaas� is shared with the whole family.

The campus is a continuation of the characteristic landscape of the Veluwe; rolling dunes with juniperus, heather, birch and pinetrees. This landscape will be seamlessly applied to the terrain, resulting in

a natural and relaxed work landscape, with the conference building and a--+trium as the midpoint and highlight. Bureau B+B and HMADP architects have developed together with constructors Ambius and Konijnenberg a seemingly natural biotope that makes the climate-controlled indoor garden into a pleasant entrance for Achmea. Not a literal but a seamless continuation of the surrounding landscape.

67

68

The new garden in the indoor atrium of the Meeting Center

69

70

Dutch Identity/ Water Works

water works shape the identity of dutch landscape

Ever since the early middle ages, the Dutch have been building dikes and mounds in order to make life in the soggy lowlands possible. In the course of the centuries, the waterworks became increasingly ingenious. Today, a large part of the Dutch landscape is characterized by polders, canals, locks and pumping stations. These waterworks don’t just create local identity, they are still very functional. They ensure water safety and facilitate water transport.

In our designs we clearly show the contrast between natural processes and technical interventions. This tells the story of the ambiguous relationship between mankind and water.

71

reviving a monument

Lock Eefde Eefde, The Netherlands (2017–present) Client: Rijkswaterstaat (State Water Authority) In collaboration with: TBI PPP, Mobilis| TBI en croonwolter& dros

72

The monumental lock complex in Eefde will be extended with a new lock. Bureau B+B made the design of the landscape and the lock control building.

Extension The lock connects the river IJssel with the Twente Canal. To improve accessibility of the region Twente and boost the economy, a second lock chamber will be built. The DBMFcontract was commissioned to the consortium Lock to Twente, consisting of TBI, Mobilis|en CroonWolter&Dros.

Monumental ensemble The old lift towers, the current lock and the pumping station date from 1933 and are state monuments. The current control building from 1990 differs substantially from the monumental ensemble in shape, position and material. It therefore has a negative influence on the whole complex. In addition, the current building does not meet the demands of future use. The project team seizes this opportunity to build a new lock control building that will support the monumental character of the lock complex.

73 The lock control building supports the monumental character of the lock complex

74 study models

Sustainability The new technical building will also improve sustainability and the working conditions of the lock operators. The building will be totally energy-neutral, thanks to smart implementation of solar panels. The panels are integrated into the design. Sheet piles and mooring posts that are removed during the extension of the lock, will be reused in the building and in outdoor furniture.

The roof of the building is a viewing platform

75 View from inside the lock control building towards the river IJssel

objets trouvés along the water line

Princess Beatrix Lock Nieuwegein, The Netherlands (2011–present) Client: Rijkswaterstaat (State Water Authority)

76

The Princes Beatrix Lock will be enlarged with a third lock. In addition, the Lek canal will be widened. The lock and the canal both have great historical value, and therefore have to be handled with care. Bureau B+B defined the preconditions for landscape integration.

Landscape Vision Bureau B+B was responsible for the Landscape Vision and the Esthetical Demands for the new lock, the widening of the canal.

Monument The Dutch Water Defence Line is the largest national heritage site in the Netherlands which is nominated by the Dutch government for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The Beatrix Lock was built in 1937 and is a state monument. It is a landmark, that should not be overshadowed by the new lock. The new lock is designed as a ‘cut in the land’, that literally does not stick out.

The Beatrixlock is a landmark

The new lock cuts through the landscape, is dark in contrast with the white, and has a horizontal orientation instad of vertical.

77

Objets Trouvés On the site of the canal widening, remnants of the Dutch Water Defence Line, a 19th century military waterwork, where found. Removing the objects will destroy the continuity of the defense line and set a precedent. To simply relocate the objects would be considered as falsification of history.

That is why the objects are pushed aside in a way that clearly shows their relocation. This way, the widening of the canal becomes a legible part of the landscape´s history. The bunkers lie as ‘Objets Trouvés’ along the line.

78 Relocation of the bunkers

The moved bunker as Objet TrouvĂŠ

The lock of the Dutch Water Defenfence line wil be moved as an Objet TrouvĂŠ

Public support The objects of the Dutch Water Defence Line played an important role in the political process. The National Project utch Water Defence Line is working hard to place the defense line on the UNESCO World Heritage list. That is why they were skeptical about the plans to broaden the Lek canal. Bureau B+B and the National Project worked closely together to find a solution for the valuable objects.

79

large watersystems small seeds

Bridge Control Centre Steekterpoort Alphen aan den Rijn, The Netherlands (2011–2014) Client: Province of Zuid Holland In collaboration with: Blok Kats van Veen architecten 80

Area: 6.800 m2

Bureau B+B and Blok Kats van Veen architects created the most sustainable bridge control centre in the Netherlands. Both the building and the site reflect the highest ambitions towards sustainability. The terrain has a rich vegetation and is attractive for humans and wildlife.

Utilitarian and Rugged The bridge control building Steekterpoort is located at the junction of the Gouwe Canal and the Oude Rijn river. Following the genius loci of the Gouwe and the industrial lock bridge

the site matches the sustainable design of the building and the characteristic qualities of the surrounding landscape.

In this way both the building and the site develope an utilitarian character.

The control centre is placed on a rugged quay with tarmac and concrete slabs. Parking places are located underneath the building or near the slope, hiding the cars from view. The quay is accessible to the public. Long benches are placed on the quay and in the surrounding area.

81

82

Water System The eastern part of the site is covered by flowering meadows on a lazy slope. A winding ditch collects, buffers and filters the water. Diverse riverbank species grow along the ditch, while the dryer areas have a natural field vegetation. The water flows into a concrete gutter in the quay. The inside of the gutter has openings, where plants can grow.

Ecology The ambitions for sustainability of the building are also translated to the design of the site. That is why it was deliberately decided not to plant or sow any plants, but to allow the area to be invaded by wild seeds, spread by the wind, birds, people or other animals. As a result, a colorful flowering meadow spontaneously appeared. The meadow is dotted with different kinds of ash trees with varying leaves, flowers and autumn colors. The ecology can be experienced all over the area. The functioning of the water system is visible in different places. The landscaping instinctivemerges the control centre with its surroundings.

Soil body

Drainage

GOUWE Infiltration basin

Principle of water circulation

83

/

Landscape Urbanism

84

landscape urbanism folding around landscape patterns

Ongoing urbanization makes it necessary to integrate city and landscape. A landscape approach zooms out to a higher level and places the city in the regional context of soil, water, ecology, infrastructure and patterns of occupation. The urban design takes natural processes into account, preventing floods, overheating and other problems.

When designing new residential areas, we fold the new development around patterns and elements of the existing landscape. In this way, urbanism reinforces the existing landscape instead of cannibalizing it. Because the Dutch countryside is very divers, our approach results in unique residential areas with a strong identity.

85

hommage to the countryside

Veghels Buiten Veghel, The Netherlands (2006−2012) Client: Municipality of Veghel In cooperation with: Urban Management, Impuls & partners en LoosvanVliet

86

Area: 330 ha

The spatial brief for Veghels Buiten consists of the phased realization of 2,000 residential units with extra facilities. The plan is not for the new residential area to be developed all at once. Bureau B+B’s master plan is an organic-growth model based on gradual development in accordance with need. The designers interpret the location as a ‘Brabant en miniature’; in the course of the 20th century various attempts to achieve a concentration of urbanization in the area have failed, such that its settlements still have a dispersed character. Veghels

Buiten is conceived as a ‘suburban meteor shower of village-like enclaves’: compact construction in new residential nuclei with ca. 30 to 250 residential units. Each of the nuclei has its own identity. They stand detached in the landscape and are connected by means of a simple new curved ribbon with a rural character and a low speed limit. New ‘side scenes’, based on the old field pattern, obstruct distant perspectives of the surrounding countryside from the visitor, arousing expectations of an endless landscape for therapeutic relaxation.

The dense tree historic structure will be he base for the development

87

Enclaves as a principle A cycling- and walking-path structure that makes use of old sand paths is located between the enclaves.

Extensive cattle farms, possibly combined with hobby farmers and pastures with horses, will form the basis of the landscape’s management. The water system consists of sewage farms, existing drainage ditches and a new ecological ditch structure. The master plan distinguishes between two landscape units: the old land- reclamation area, a small-scale landscape with meandering ribbons and beautiful distant perspectives, and the new land-reclamation area, a regular, more open tree-chamber landscape.

No drastic expansions are done in the old landreclamation area; where possible, small numbers of homes are added, usually behind the existing nuclei.

In the new land-reclamation area, newbuild is a guest in Brabantland, but according to the designers, the landscape here is more flexible and more readily disposed to adapting itself. All in all, there are three

types of enclave, in order of increasing size: the farmyard enclave, the courtyard enclave and the monastery-garden enclave. The typology of the farmyard enclave was inspired by the traditional farmyard. It features a home at its entrance as well as chains and rows of homes distributed on the landscape. The courtyard enclaves were inspired by farmhouses. They are moderately large, consist of one or more courtyards enclosed by buildings and an outer rim of parcels distributed on the landscape.

The monastery-garden enclave is, with a maximum of 12 hectares, the largest of the building clusters. It consists of two residential fields with one or more buildings, inspired by the typology of Brabantian monasteries and gardens. There is room for three or four monastery enclaves. The precise location and number of the enclaves are not fixed, but will have to be determined repeatedly, depending on the landscape structure and availability of land.

The courtyard enclave

88 The different sizes of courtyards within the enclave

89 Organic growth creating a new Brabant ‘Brabant en miniature’

the delta model

Blaricummermeent Blaricum, The Netherlands (2004–2012) Client: Municipality of Blaricum In cooperation with: LoosvanVliet Area: 175 ha 90

Since 2004, Bureau B+B has been working on the Blaricummermeent, a new district with 750 homes and an 18.5-hectare industrial site, located on undeveloped grassland by Lake Gooi.

The project’s first priority was to create a village-like residential environment, but with a high density. This vision became translated into a plan in which two networks are superimposed.

The first is a finely meshed pattern of homes on straight streets with a narrow and green profile and a wide range of residential typologies, including opportunities for working

at home and hedges as property demarcations. A receding building line and the mix of types result in an informal quality. The second network, which lies on top of the first, gives structure to the district and appears to have been inspired by themes from the English landscape style: a meandering river with an island in it, winding secondary roads that almost never cross at right angles and an aristocratic tree-lined lane as the main road.

Where the roads converge, squares are created, with large and striking trees.

91 Informal qualities with english-landscape inspired themes

The central river that meanders through the plan area connects the existing body of water in the neighbouring district, Bijvanck, with Lake Gooi. The river was inspired by a presumed lateral branch of the river Eem, which must have flowed here centuries ago. The district is divided into two ambiances. The Delta section is located in the district’s northernmost part and is oriented towards the water. The river’s water level is here linked to that of Lake Gooi. Living in, on and by the water is the central aspect here; in the main, villas with flat roofs are planned for this part of the district. Because the river is wide here, having an average width of 50 to 100 m, it is accessible to larger boats, which can moor alongside the villas. Floating homes with studios are being realized beside a pier. The Stroom (Dutch for river) section is located in the southern portion of the plan area and borders on the existing district Bijvanck. This section is more oriented towards greenery, by or near the river, such that its elevation is close to that of the surrounding districts.

92 Bridges connect the area over the river

93

94

GEDEMPT HAMERKANAAL 96 1021 KR AMSTERDAM TEL +31(0) 20 6239801 WWW.BPLUSB.NL E-MAIL BUREAU@BPLUSB.NL

urbanism and landscape architecture