De Binnenstad van Groningen

De binnenstad van Groningen History & Theory of Urban Design By: Bruce Timothy Mans

School of Planning (Dalhousie University) For: Susan Guppy

Introduction Situated along the northern periphery of the Netherlands is the city of Groningen. A visit to the city today would reveal a unique mix of medieval structures, towering churches, walkable plazas, and modern buildings – all densely packed within an outer canal called the Diepenring. This arrangement did not come by accident. Groningen has a storied history regarding its carefully constructed binnenstad (downtown), dating back to the 10th Century. During the past one thousand years, Groningers have expertly constructed epic buildings and charming open spaces, and drafted unique laws and regulations to both protect and perpetuate these places.

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Outline This paper will outline the most important physical elements of Groningen as they were introduced into the city throughout time. This history will be divided into two sections - prewar history and postwar history. Thereafter, this paper will analyze how Groningen has recently enhanced this medieval heritage and contributed to its contemporary livability with carefully thought-out plans and innovative policies.

It should also be noted that all text and visual references are specifically listed in the end of this document.

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Pre-war History

Martinikerkhof Groningen originated as an esdorp; a Dutch word with no English equivalent. Esdorpen are typically small villages centred around a square or church, and surrounded by farmers fields. In the case of Groningen, settlements were centred around a square called Martinikerkhof and a church called Martinikerk.

The earliest records of Martinikerkhof can be dated back to the fourth century, while the first version of Martinikerk was a wooden structure built in the 800s. This area originated as an important burial ground and the religious centre of the village, and subsequently became the focal point for all future development.

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Martinikerk Although beginning as a modest Dutch esdorp, Groningen became an important trade centre in the early Middle Ages. Development around Martinikerkhof began to pick up speed. In the early 12th century, Martinikerk was rebuilt, replacing the old wooden structure with a larger Romano-Gothic basilica.

Similar to most medieval European cities, gothic elements began to be incorporated into most forms of architecture.

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Martinitoren In the 1400s, Groningen’s increasing prosperity saw it become a member of the Hanseatic League and built impressive gothic structures, including the tallest structure in Europe at the time – Martinitoren.

This tower was attached to Martinikerk, and was built between 1469 and 1482 and was rumored to be over 100 metres tall before it was reduced to 69 metres by a Spanish and Walloon raid in 1577. The tower was eventually restored its current height of 97 metres soon thereafter.

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Der Aa-Kerk The early 12th century also saw the erection of another major gothic-style church in the city, which was built toward the westside of the binnenstad and named Der Aa-Kerk. Similar to the Martinitoren, Der Aa-Kerk has also had a tumultuous history. War, lightning, and an engineering error brought down the church on three separate occasions.

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Grote Markt Aside from building large and impressive gothic-style buildings, Groningen was also busy establishing another important place in the 12th century. This era saw a new major square created to the southwest of Martinikerk. Grote Markt (sometimes known as Breede Markt) was paved and became the main marketplace and social gathering spot of the city, joining Martinikerkhof as the only other main open space.

As time progressed, Grote Markt became more and more established as the heart of the city, hosting the best and worst historical events of the city, including local and national celebrations, political gatherings, executions, riots, and battles.

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Vismarkt Vismarkt is the third major open space in the binnenstad of Groningen. Vismarkt (meaning fish market) was first used in the 15th century, and marked the beginning of the square as a formal open space in Groningen. Vismarkt became an important market place for selling and buying food – particularly fish.

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Goudkantoor In the 17th century, Groningen saw an influx of neoclassical buildings. Among the most elaborate of these is Goudkantoor, built in 1635. Initially, the building was intended for tax collection purposes and was called Het Collectehuis. In 1814, the building was converted into an office where gold and silver could be hallmarked, lending itself the name of Goudkantoor.

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Korenbeurs More neoclassical buildings were also erected in the area. Korenbeurs, a new building used for exchanging corn, was built adjacent to Der Aa-Kerk, in the west end of Vismarkt. Although initially built out of wood and quite modest in stature, it was upgraded into its current neoclassical facade in the late 17th Century.

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Stadhuis Evidence of a city hall can be traced back to the 13th century; however, Groningen’s current city hall, Stadhuis, was built in 1792 on west side of Grote Markt, overlooking the square with Martinitoren on the other side. The neoclassical building has been renovated and reorientated several times throughout its history.

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Rijksuniversitiet van Groningen In 1614, the Rijksuniversitiet van Groningen was established. The university became an integral part of the city, drawing intellectuals, academics, and students from all over the world. The Academiegebouw (the academy building) was originally built in 1614 but eventually was demolished in 1846 due to its poor condition. It wasn’t until 1850 that the second building was erected, which only lasted 56 years before it burnt down. The third and current building was built in a neoclassical style in 1907.

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Post-war History

1940s - Wereldoorlog From April 13-16, 1945, Groningen was the stage for a huge battle between Canadian and German forces. Grote Markt, in particular, was at the centre of destruction as German occupation had its headquarters in Scholtenhuis, a well-known residence on the east side of the square. Four days of fierce urban warfare finally saw the Germans retreat, but left much of the city and the majority of Grote Markt in destruction. The north and east face of the square were thoroughly destroyed, while a total of 270 buildings in the city were destroyed or damaged.

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1950s - Grote Markt After the war, plans were created for the reconstruction of Grote Markt and its surrounding area; however, no one could agree on what to do. The Mayor wanted a bigger Stadhuis, while the Catholics and communists advocated for the demolition of the Stadhuis. The Liberals wanted more space for retail trade, while the socialists were interested in a new cultural centre. It wasn’t until 1952 that a plan was approved, and construction allowed to begin.

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Before

After

1950s - Grote Markt (continued) This plan saw Grote Markt become slightly larger. New buildings were allowed to be bigger, and the northeastern entrance to the square was widened by seven metres. More modern buildings were built in place of the demolished historic buildings. These choices have led to much controversy, as some people feel that new modern buildings did not fit in with the historic character of the square and should be torn down and replaced by buildings with historic facades. The modern buildings along the east wall of Grote Markt have been particularly criticized by Groningers.

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1960s - Nieuwe Stadhuis Another post-war plan was to build a Nieuwe Stadhuis on one of the oldest streets in Groningen, the Waagstraat. This new building is located behind the current Stadhuis in order to make room for administrative purposes. The plan was designed by JJ Vegter in 1962, and involved a connecting glass bridge between the two buildings, with a large staircase extending onto the street. This design was heavily criticized by many people because it significantly reduced the social purpose of the area. Eventually, this criticism led to the Nieuwe Stadhuis being torn down in 1994, replaced by a the new Waagstraat complex which will be discussed later.

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1970s - Traffic Circulation Act While Groningen was determining how to rebuild most of its’ city, it was also dealing with the increasing prevalence of the motor vehicle. At this time, Grote Markt was beginning to experience high daily volumes of traffic. Between 1955 and 1968 car traffic increased threefold and in 1964, the square handled approximately 23,000 vehicles every day. In the late 1960s, municipal executives needed to determine how to deal with the advancement of the motor vehicle. Groningers were split on the issue: some wanted the city core to become more automobile friendly, while other were sensitive to the negative effects of traffic congestion. Of these two sentiments, municipal executives began to lean more towards the latter, where “a liveable, small-scale inner city ... with a mixture of living, working and shopping functions favouring pedestrians, cyclists and public transport” had more value instead. This change in thought triggered a new plan that limited automobile use in the binnenstad, eventually banning it in the Traffic Circulation Act of 1977.

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1970s - Traffic Circulation Act (continued) Alderman Max van den Berg commented on the Traffic Circulation Act in De Volkskrant newspaper of 24 May 1977: “I was shocked to learn what was going to happen to [the binnenstad]; a wide tarmac road for car traffic cutting through the city. Although I was more than prepared to block this within the municipal executive, this had become impossible. Everything had been decided on, the contractor contracted. So I was slightly moved when the first bit of tarmac was removed last week.” In a recent review of these past bold moves, interview respondents indicate that moving from an auto-friendly to a pedestrian-friendly space helped the city culturally, socially, and physically. “People can do more in the space because they can walk around without having to worry about cars, pollution, accidents, and so forth”.

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1980s - Districts Another significant binnenstad initiative saw many of the streets resurfaced in the 1980s. Before that, Groningen’s streets were made up of old, dark stones and ranged in size and shape throughout the city. Apparently inspired by Kevin Lynch’s recent districts idea, newer yellowish bricks replaced the old grey ones in an attempt to create a common identity within the binnenstad. Public response to this action was mixed. Some confirm that the purpose of creating a united identity was successful, while others feel like the project was not a good financial investment.

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1990s - Waagstraat Complex As previously mentioned, the Waagstraat district had been plagued with the Nieuwe Stadhuis in the the early 60s. For over thirty years, residents of Groningen had complained about the space, eventually leading to a redesign contest (voted on by the public) in the early 1990s. An Italian architect called Natalini won the bid and construction began in 1994. A new development would replace the Nieuwe Stadhuis with a three new blocks, including a new shopping and restaurant plaza, and an office complex. The complex was uniquely integrated with Goudkantoor with a glass shelter extending from one of the new structures. Construction of the project was completed in 1996 and Groningers began to immediately enjoy the space for social purposes once again.

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1990s - Groninger Museum At the same time, a new plan was being drafted for a new museum on the an artificial island within the southern portion of the diepenring (the outer canal). The Groninger Museum was built as a gift from Gasunie (Dutch Gas Company), and was built in a postmodern style. The museum is one of the first buildings seen by travelers, as it is directly across the main train station as visitors enter the city.

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2000s - Groninger Forum Currently, the city has plans to improve the eastern wall of Grote Markt and build a new Groninger Forum behind the space. The site design plans to improve the vibrant nature of the prewar east wall of Grote Markt, and provide a new postmodern style building tucked in behind the marketplace. This new structure is intended to become a common cultural meeting place for Groningers to attend lectures, debates, films, and exhibitions. “There are catering establishments, exhibitions, screenings, a movie theater, many books, magazines and CDs to borrow, and presentations by poets and musicians, multimedia presentations, and areas to work and lounge in�. This project is expected to be completed by 2014.

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Urban Analysis

Urban Analysis Today, the binnenstad of Groningen is a wonderful collection of architectural diversity, vibrant streets, and unique gathering places. It has a marvelous repertoire of medieval architecture, including ornate romano-gothic churches, elaborate neoclassical buildings, and more recently, modern and postmodern institutions and shopping places.

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Urban Analysis (continued) It has vibrant streets. Each intersection and street segment has a unique identity, as no space is the same. The geometry, aesthetics and use of spaces are continually changing, while engaging and interacting with its users. Yet, while the perceptions of specific dimensions and uses of spaces may adjust from one to another, they are all united by a common thread of yellowish brick pathways.

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Urban Analysis (continued) Finally, Groningers have unique gathering places. For over a thousand years, they have maintained and enhanced their large open spaces where they can share exchange ideas and commodities, and gather for the best and worst of times. Grote Markt, Vismarkt, and Martinikerkhof continue to host a variety of differing social functions and are undisputedly the heart of Groningen.

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Urban Analysis (continued) Indeed, over one thousand years of history are evident in today’s Groningen. Embedded in its contemporary urban fabric are incredible stories of natural disasters, historic battles, and times of glory. Yet, despite this dramatic history, Groningen does not live in its past. It does not desperately cling to its medieval roots like so many other European cities do – afraid to ruin old artifacts with progressive development. Rather, it continues to make history, uniquely integrating contemporary designs with structures over half a millennia old. In short, it values its past, while aware of the importance of the present.

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Urban Analysis (continued) Most impressively, Groningen is a city that is quick to realize its own error. The city has a track record of continuously contemplating and evaluating what has worked within the binnenstad, and what has not. During the past century, several trends and developments occurred that had the potential to significantly threaten the livelihood of today’s Groningen. A Nieuwe Stadhuis destroyed the social use of an important area . Motor vehicles began to suffocate important cultural spaces. Had they been retained and protected by stubborn munipal executives, these trends and developments would have resulted in a very different Groningen.

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Urban Analysis (continued) Instead of accepting these errors and moving on, Groningen corrected its mistakes with immediate action and bold, innovative planning policies.

In 1977, the Traffic Circulation Plan eradicated vehicles from the binnenstad. Although controversial at the time, municipal executives realized the threat of the vehicle and took action. The Nieuwe Stadhuis lasted only thirty years before it was replaced with a more appropriate Waagstraat complex in 1994.

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Urban Analysis (continued) Today, plans for a new Groninger Forum are taking shape and will have a significant impact in the city. While not supported by all Groningers, the plan for this new structure seems to fit well with the surrounding area and the historical use of the space, leading to a good chance of successful integration. If, however, the Forum does not end up working as planned, it is safe to assume that Groningen will not hesitate in correcting it as it has so often done so in the past. Groningen is aggressive and innovative with its public policy, while contemplative and critical of past development. These rare qualities, if retained, will undoubtedly perpetuate the charm and vitality found in the Groningen of today.

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Introduction (p. 1)

Outline (p. 2)

Photo:

Map:

Martinikerkhof (p. 4)

Martinikerk (p. 5)

Jan van den Broek (2010) 1000 Jaar Groningen.

Retrieved at www.groningerarchieven.nl Map: Scheepvaartmuseum (1649) Kaart van Groningen

Jan van den Broek (2010) 1000 Jaar Groningen.

Retrieved at www.groningerarchieven.nl Photos: (top left) Foppens: Les delices des Paisbas (1743) Groningen Martinikerk. (top right) Het verhaalvangroningen.nl (unknown) Martinikerk. (bottom) Aheroy (flickr.com) Martini church.

Martinitoren (p. 6)

Der Aa-Kerk (p. 7)

Grote Markt (p. 8)

Jan van den Broek (2010) 1000 Jaar Groningen.

Retrieved at www.groningerarchieven.nl EO van der Werff (2007) Martini: kerk en toren.

Assen: The Netherlands.

Photos: (left) Akbar Simonse (flickr.com) Martini Tower. (right) blikopgroningen.nl Grote Markt Groningen.

Jan van den Broek (2010) 1000 Jaar Groningen.

Retrieved at www.groningerarchieven.nl EO van der Werff (2007) Martini: kerk en toren.

Assen: The Netherlands.

Photo: Gerrit Stel (flickr.com) Der Aa-Kerk.

Jan van den Broek (2010) Grote Markt Historisch.

Retrieved at www.groningerarchieven.nl Martin Buijs (2010) Architectuur in de stad Groningen. Retrieved at http://members.multimania. nl/gebouweningroningen Image: Otto Eerelman(1920) De Paardenkenring

Vismarkt (p. 9)

Goudkantoor (p. 10)

Korenbeurs (p. 11)

Jan van den Broek (2010) 1000 Jaar Groningen.

Retrieved at www.groningerarchieven.nl Images: (top left) Wegman (flickr) Vismarkt. (top right) Gerrit Stel (flickr) Vismarkt. (middle left) Daniel (flickr) Vismarkt. (middle right) Melilei (flickr) Op vismarkt. (bottom left) S. Berghuis (1857) Vismarkt. (bottom right) C Prank (1754) Vismarkt met Aa Kerk

Jan van den Broek (2010) Grote Markt Historisch.

Retrieved at www.groningerarchieven.nl Martin Buijs (2010) Architectuur in de stad Groningen. Retrieved at http://members.multimania. nl/gebouweningroningen Photo: Marketing Groningen (flickr.com) Goudkantoor.

Martin Buijs (2010) Architectuur in de stad Groningen. Retrieved at http://members.multimania. nl/gebouweningroningen Photo: StephenTamminga (flickr) De Korenbeurs

Stadhuis (p. 12)

Rijksuniversitiet (p. 13)

1940s - Wereldoorlog (p. 15)

Jan van den Broek (2010) Grote Markt Historisch.

Retrieved at www.groningerarchieven.nl Images: (top left) M Krooshof (1810) Stadhuis. (top middle) Kiekert (flickr) Stadhuis. (top right) Kiekert (flickr) Stadhuis. (bottom) Franklin (flickr) Stadhuis en Grote Markt.

Rijksuniversitiet van Groningen (2010) Groningen: universiteitsstad. Retrieved at http://www. rug.nl/museum/geschiedenis Photo: 22388246 (flickr) RUG.

Jan van den Broek (2010) Grote Markt Historisch.

Retrieved at www.groningerarchieven.nl Photos: (left) Nord Nederlands (1945) Verwoestingen. (top right) Beeldbank Groningen (1945) Parade der SSVerf端genstrappen in Groningen. (bottom right) Beeldbank Groningen (1945) Stadhuis.

1950s - Grote Markt (p. 16)

1950s - Grote Markt (p. 17)

1960s - Nieuwe Stadhuis (p. 18)

Jan van den Broek (2010) Grote Markt Historisch.

Retrieved at www.groningerarchieven.nl Photo: Gerb. Janssen (1945) Herestraat.

Jan van den Broek (2010) Grote Markt Historisch.

Retrieved at www.groningerarchieven.nl Photos: (top left) Allesoorlog.nl (1940) Grote Markt. (top right) Foto Noord Nederlands (1900) Panorama van de Grote Markt. (bottom) Watsje Wikipedia (2010) Grote Markt.

Jan van den Broek (2010) Grote Markt Historisch.

Retrieved at www.groningerarchieven.nl Photos: (top three) Hetverhaalvangroningen.nl, Nieuwe Stadhuis. (bottom) seniorennet.be (1989) Nieuwe Stadhuis.

Gurdo Musch (flickr.com). Oude Ebbingsestraat

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Schoepcaartmuseum (1649). Kaart van Groningen

1970s - Traffic Circulation (p. 19)

1970s - Traffic Circulation (p. 20)

1980s - Districts (p. 21)

S. Tsubohara (2007) A traffic plan to make residential areas car-limited − traffic planning in Groningen.

University of Groningen, the Netherlands.

Jan van den Broek (2010) Grote Markt Historisch.

Retrieved at www.groningerarchieven.nl Fietsberaad (2010) Continuous and integral:The cycling policies of Groningen and other European cycling cities. Utrecht: the Netherlands.

Photos: (all) Beeldbank Groningen (unknown) Untitled.

Christopher Boyko (2001) Groningen’s Binnenstad: Informed Perceptions on its Design. University of Groningen, the Netherlands.

Fietsberaad (2010) Continuous and integral:The cycling policies of Groningen and other European cycling cities. Utrecht: the Netherlands.

Photos: (top left) K Huitsing (flickr) Markt. (top middle) Lesneyman (flickr) Fietsen. (top right) M Thomas (flickr) De Korenbeurs. (middle left) loonatic (flickr) Fietsen in GM. (middle) S Pathuis (flickr) Vismarkt. (middle right) drbakker (flickr) Grote Markt. (bottom left) tocan (flickr) Grote Markt (bottom middle) Gory73 (flickr) Oostzijde. (bottom right) Watsje Wikipedia (2010) G. Markt.

Christopher Boyko (2001) Groningen’s Binnenstad: Informed Perceptions on its Design. University of Groningen, the Netherlands.

Photo: Kodia (flickr) Herestraat.

1990s - Waagstraat (p. 22)

1990s - Groninger Museum (p.23)

2000s - Groninger Forum (p. 24)

Jan van den Broek (2010) Grote Markt Historisch.

Retrieved at www.groningerarchieven.nl LD Badia (unknown) Adolfo Natalini:Waagstraat, Groningen. Retrieved at http://www.floornature.com/progetto.php?id=4554&sez=30 Photos: (top) Guido Musch (flickr)Goudkantoor. (bottom left) Arend Jan Wonink (flickr) Waagstraat. (bottom right) Henk Tammens (flickr) Waagstraat.

Martin Buijs (2010) Architectuur in de stad Groningen. Retrieved at http://members.multimania. nl/gebouweningroningen Photo: Groningen Museum (2008) Groninger Museum

Groninger Forum (2010) Over het Groninger Forum. Retrieved at http://www.groningerforum. nl/over-het-groninger-forum Images: All images from groningerforum.nl

Urban Analysis (p. 26)

Urban Analysis (p. 27)

Urban Analysis (p. 28)

Photo: toxan (flickr) Vismarkt.

Images: Bruce Mans (2010) Groningen In-

Photo: Frenklin (flickr) De Grote Markt

Urban Analysis (p. 29)

Urban Analysis (p. 30)

Urban Analysis (p. 31)

Photo: stormblast (flickr) Diepenring.

Photo: itisaai (flickr) Vismarkt.

Photo: ivlys (flickr) Groningen Station

tersections (Based on GIS data from Groningen Gemeente)

Urban Analysis (p. 32) Photo: industrialbirds(flickr) Feel the Groningen!

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