First group hand in

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Connecting the islands

Fig. 1 Conceptual model of the project area

Groningen is situated in the northwest part of the Netherlands. The project area is located in a former industrial area and isolated by infrastructural elements. This project concept focus on connecting the site to the surrounding facilities and the city centre. This is made possible through various structures of new green areas, built structures with mixed functions water and path systems.

city center

project area

Fig. 2 Location of project area in Groningen

In general - the project area

The municipality of Groningen recently acquired a vast land of approximately 125 hectares corresponding to a recently shut down sugar plant. The site is located on the west border of the city and takes part in the mosaic of functions creating the outskirt of the town. Thus, the case area is juxtaposed to industrial, logistic and housing zones; further away are important park and sport facilities. These functions are present side by side but not interlocked, the project can play a role in the establishment of a diverse and coherent periphery.

Furthermore, the main area has a triangle shape pointing towards Hoogkerk. The two cities are only divided by the flow fields, now brown lands, related to the sugar plant and peat production/agricultural fields. These lands are a unique opportunity to plan the future junction of the two cities, design their relationship. The case area is directly linked to them and can act as transition between built urban

connections north- south

east- west

Fig. 3 Diagram showing the connection from the site to surroundings

and urban green spaces.

The sugar plant was directly connected to water, rail and road infrastructures: what was probably an advantage in the past can be today perceived as a weakness regarding the accessibility of the area, which will be turn into a quality again in the project.

However, the isolation observed from the sky has to be confirmed on site.

The most important is the water struc-

ture which exists in its current aspect for more than a century. The main canal going out of the city through the case area is of course completely man made hence the possibility to transform it and enhance its urban quality through the project. The project shall not be shy with the water structure, just as the Dutch are.

Group 1: By Antoine Magnon, Fredrik Berggren, Natalie Silva Garancsy, Liangliang Lin

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Finally, very few industrial left overs testify of the former function of the site. A tabula rasa has probably been operated by the municipality which, yet, does not expect building before 15-20 years. Meanwhile, activities are organized such as treasure hunts or visits and nonofficial uses take place daily (e.g. walking dogs). These different practices start creating common memories of the site and help the integration of the area into the urban fabric and the city perception.

Towards an interlocked and coherent periphery

The sugar plant site, even if located in the middle of industrial area, is for the municipality the opportunity to complete and improve the periphery of the town. The vicinity of several important urban facilities and the student dynamic related to the university growth are considered in the project through the opening up movement from and across the area to its surroundings. The green strip on the model represents this movement and its major directions: north-south to connect peripheral elements to each other and east-west to offer a new link between the dense city center, green areas and further away Hoogkerk.

They are drawn according to the current space opportunities, mainly leftovers wasted by industries. These connections are mainly dedicated to soft modes of transport, especially pedestrians and bikes but give also access to cars and public means of transport (public boats becomes a real option).

The main circulation is symbolized by the red stripes and run within the green corridors.

Fit into the water management tradition

The water is a key element in the construction of Dutch cities. Amsterdam has become a very famous touristic place partly because of the pleasant life taking place along the canals.

The future structure is based on the development of a similar water structure (represented by the blue structure on the model). The water will support recreational uses (creation of harbors for small boats and kayak‌) , increases the properties values and deal with water pollution. From this very urban role, the water can support more natural functions and be the base for the development of a nature like: where the flow fields are standing now, a wetland can be created both to mark the city limits and operate the transition with Hoogkerk.

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Fig. 4 Layer of green corridors on the site

Fig. 5 Layer displaying path system on the site

Fig. 6 Layer of water structures on the site

Fig. 7 Layer showing build structure with mixed functions

The aesthetic of brownland

Dealing with an industrial waste land obviously bring us to a specific aesthetic where natural processes of re colonization already take place and influence the population perception. The strong presence of water could contribute to an important development of vegetation which can save up lots of efforts to human if well managed and created a unique environment.

The first development phase of fallow land is actually 15-20 years; period during which the municipality does not plan to build anything. Managing the natural development of the area is a first step in the new existence of the area, brings undeniable biodiversity improvements and secures the ground from rushed and brutal constructions.

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urban situation

semi urban

wetlands

semi urban urban situation Fig 8. All above layers combined

Fig. 9 Inspirational picture of a spider web, resembling the overall water structure

Fig 10. Inspirational picture of Venice showing an intimate relation between water and buildings.

Group 1: By Antoine Magnon, Fredrik Berggren, Nathalie Silva Garancsy, Liangliang Lin

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Hoendiep Foreword 5.1 5.2 5.3

Fig 1. Modelpic in plan.

This paper presents our initial work with the site. Our focus has primarily been on identifying issues along with existing potentials and values as well as a quick analysis of this initial design proposal. It also intriduces a grid that we wish to work with in the next phase.

The municipality of Groeningen aspires to become a regional hub for sustainable development and innovation. The territory of the former sugar factory (Suikerfabriek) is intended to serve as a catalyst for this developmental advancement. In concurrence with the municipality’s interim plan

for the area, the proposal should be considered temporary or transitory in character as to allow for a gradual development of the former industrial area and its optimal utilization in the future. However, the site should not disregard the objective to attract the public and subsequently connect the periphery with the centre.

Therefore, our project plan is conceived bearing in mind the transitory character, sustainability objectives, as well as the original characteristics of the site that can be used to create a sense of place and thus prompt the feelings of both wander and belonging.

Issues

The major issue on the site pertains to the problem of limited permeability.

Access to the area is currently insufficient. Former Suikerfabriek is cut-off by the channel in the North, and in the South by the railway. The access from and to the city is rather restricted in the East as the area is cut-off by roads with dense traffic.

In order to ensure a better use of the site, our plan is to construct two bridges that would directly connect Suikerfabriken with Hoendipen in the North (Vinkhuizen District) and indirectly with the city centre. The areas of Hoendipen, Suikerfabrik and

Stadspark could also be additionally merged with a placement of a train station along the existing railway. Several pedestrian paths and bicycle routes, most of which positioned along the waterfronts, could be placed, allowing greater permeability of the site.

Potential

The access to the channel is presumably the strongest and most obvious quality of the site. Furthermore, the site’s proximity to the city centre and Stadspark, its size, but also existing structures of the former sugar factory, which can be adapted to various uses (cultural amenities) and thus serve as major attraction points, are the qualities that can be greatly exploited. In addition, the existing river basin could be potentially transformed into a city bathing area that could attract a great number of people, both from the city centre and the periphery (suburbs).

Strategy

Fig. 2. Overview map. Defining our chosen area and situating it in context with the centre of Groningn to the north east and the open country to the west and also in the big model.

Our central strategy is thus to primarily plan a comprehensive integration of the site into the existing urban fabric of the city on one side and the open landscape on the other. Secondarily, integration of various functionalities and activities that the site could hypothetically accommodate: to explore, gather, play, engage, relax and perhaps to live and work in the future. Finally, our approach is to consider the site as a FOREWORD to an unwritten book, to an autobiography of the future population of the city of Groeningen.

Group 2: By Susie Frederiksen, Marie Glad, Camilla Kjærgaard Hansen, Dusan Milovic

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Fig. 3.1. When visiting an area – whether as a tourist or a frequent guest – one would have specific spots that would be more attractive and intriguing. The points in the diagram indicate the spots from where one could have the best overlook of the area and can easily spot the places of special interest. It would be from these spots, that one would potentially take the best snapshots of the place from different angles.

FIg. 3.2. The major question is how to valorize the site, what tyupe of functionalities and activities could attract a greater number of people!? Succeeding in attracting the people would increase the site’s value and consequently tempt the market to invest in the area. Integration of various functionalities and activities that the site could hypothetically accommodate: to explore, gather, play, engage, relax and perhaps to live and work in the future is thus one of our major strategies.

FIg. 3.5. Bearing in mind the sustainable objectives of the project, our plan is to endow the area with a lot of green areas and oases. The diagram represents the areas of denser vegetation and those of thinner vegetation – the darker the hatching, the denser the vegetation; the lighter the hatching, the thinner the vegetation.

FIg. 3.6 The water is one of the greatest qualities of this place. Therefor we propose to engage as much as possible with the edges of the water and include them as an active player in the project.

The promenade along the water edge with several activities should be the connection between the area and the water.

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Fig. 3.3. The heavy traffic (both the railway in the South and the main traffic road in the North and East) that is surrounding the area is the major barrier between the site and the rest of the city of Groningen. The proposed pedestrian and bicycle paths streching under the flyover (overpass) in the East will connect the site with both the city in the East and hinterlands (open landscpae) in the West. Establishing horizontal connection in this way will enable the site to become a strategic merging point, where nature meets the urban and where the center meets the periphery. The proposed bridges and the passage throught the railway (along the swail) will, on the other hand serve as a vertical communication between the North and the South, connecting the residential/commercial district in the North with the commercial area and the Stadpark in the South.

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FIg 3.4. Protecting certain building structures of the former sugar factorywill enable historic preservation to play a significant role in creating the future identity of the place. Furthermore, the project will aim to preserve some of the footprints in the concrete terrain the former factory has left behind. Various elements, hspaes and feature that are found in the groud will be integrated into the new lendscape grid, allowing for the dialogue between the past and the future, old and new, industry and nature... The circles in the ‘History’diagram indicate levels of preservation in the existing terrain. Darker circles indicate more preservation, whereas the lighter circles represent a lower level of preservation.

Fig. 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 Conceptual sections showing volumens, space and their interrelation.

Fig. 4. Grid and plan. We plan to use the grid to organize the distribution of different spaces and create more intimaticy.

Group 2: By Susie Frederiksen, Marie Glad, Camilla Kjærgaard Hansen, Dusan Milovic

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The Wet Mosaic Project

A concept model of the redesigned space put into the context of the surrounding area.

The project is located in a space on the western border of the city of Groningen, which is a former industrial area. The area is used for creating a green space with urban character and thus respecting the border of the city.

Thus, the Wet Mosaic project also connects the center of the city and the rural area outside the city border.

The main purpose of this design is to provide local recreational opportunities and enhance the character of the otherwise industrial area. This is achieved by creating different kinds of spaces focusing on various recreational activities.

By having a more urban character, the project respects the Stadspark, which

“The Wet Mosaic connects the city center with the rural area.” is currently the most important green area of the city, but is more natural and

romantic. The two should therefore create a non-competing open spaces.

Use of water is one of the main features of the design, but it doesn’t only act as a framing element, it is also one of the main attractions of the park. A great part of the concept is achieved by using water in various forms for both visual and recreational purposes, and in various shapes and sizes.

The main canal in the north is the current one, used by boats, but there will be also a recreational part reserved.

Another canal is running through the center of the whole area. This one will be used explicitly for recreation and thus provide a safe play area. The third canal, already existing, is framing the area in the south and dividing it from the railway.

triangle in the north, with stairs on the edge which are designed for sitting.

In the south the terrain is elevated so that an edge would be created as a barrier for the railway noise. This terrain is covered with lawn. There is a canal running through both the Plaza and the Park. This canal will be shallow, only designed for recreation, for example a safe wimming area for children.

A mosaic of different surfaces in the area of Plaza.

The Plaza This is the name of the main, central area, which is the core of the whole project. It is situated on the southern bank of the canal and bordered by a road in the east and water in the west.

Most of this area is covered by a mo-

saic, which is composed of different materials such as wood, gravel, granit, grass and water surfaces. The mosaic is formed by rectangles of various sizes and therefore creating a playful space for relaxation.

The canal is formed into the shape of

The Park Another part of the design is placed to the east of the central road. It is the biggest area on the model, nearest to the city center. It is connected to the city and to the near housing area by a bicycle path along the canal. In the western part, the mosaic from the Plaza is blending into the green area of the Park and so providing a gradual, not sudden increase of green.

The lake is in a shape of a triangle, called Water Mirror, following the concept of geometric forms in the park. The lake is supposed to be a central point of recreation in this green area, which is covered around by lawn

Group 3: By Audrey Atchade, Norman Heidoetting, Lucie Provaznikova, Monika Rekos

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and randomly by groups of other vegetation, which are reflected from the surface of water.

The southern part of the Park, divided by a canal, is private, containing five apartment houses and gardens for the use of their inhabitants.

The Wetland The western part of the area is a wetland, respecting the current problem of flooding and trying to find an effective solution. This is done by extending the canal into the shape of a huge circle, following the concept of geometric shapes. This circle is conneting the three directions of the canals.

A system of bridges and a walking platform provide a view to all sides of the area. From the platform there is a view on the other, northern side of the canal where stairs to sit and rest are situated. The stairs create an entrance into a small space betweeen buildings where a light forest is placed. This can be seen from the platform on the other side as a green island in urban area.

South-eastern view with the Plaza in the foreground and the Wetland in the background. The Plaza is a good place for recreation, offering access to the main canal and to the small recreational canal.

Down on the right: A reference picture showing the character of the walking platform above the wetland in the western part.

Down on the left: A reference picture showing the inspiration for the part of the canal in front of the housing area.

Another south-eastern view, showing greater context. The central road is dividing the Park on the right and the Plaza on the left.

Group 3: By Audrey Atchade, Norman Heidoetting, Lucie Provaznikova, Monika Rekos

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Merging Profiles ferry terminal

cultural ferry terminal

Green corridor: connecting spaces

square green corridor bath

market place

water managment

access cultural

vegetation train station

Water structure: expands into the area green corridor

Concept model: Merging Profiles

Living green: grows across the area

As stated in the design brief “Groningen wishes to be an experimental garden for new urban development”.

The design intent is to produce a sustainable plan for the Sugar Plant Territory in Groningen.

Taking into consideration the nearby university facilities, local commercial districts and further afield residential areas. It is situated in a central area to the existing city centre and would prove an advantageous area for redevelopment.

Green lines (landscaping), Water lines (exisitng body of water) and increased residential zones are the three priority issues being addressed in the preliminary design concept.

1 Concept The design aims to create a hub whereby the city and open spaces beyond the site can be connected and intertwined for maximum use and effieciency.

“...the site will increase accessibility and connectivity”

2 Green lines A strong green corridor through the site will increase accessibility and connectivity. Enhancing the space for residential and public open space (POS). Providing an escape for the existing commercial district. The green areas will connect the city, the landscape fringe and existing Stadspark.

The theme for the green corridors will resonate with wildscapes that are largely unfamiliar in the Netherlands.

In an abstract sense this theme will draw on the historical context of the site. Where dandelions would reach skyward out of concrete cracks a whole urban wildscape will grow and evolve in areas of the vacant industrial site. Softening the hardlines and definitive concrete construct.

3 Water lines The existing canal creates a pulse and rhythm through the city pattern.

Emphasis will be given to this vein by drawing the canal into the space.

Creating more moments and activity on the waterfront.

Including but not limited to resi-

dential vantage points along the water edge and public open activity spaces.

4 Connecting lines The connecting lines are defined by non-negotiable boundaries of the existing trainline and main canal. Creating a triangular area to be redefined and redesigned into a unique junction for the city and the landscape beyond.

Water and green areas: merge together creating a uniform space

5 Transit lines New transport terminals will be injected into the area. Lending to accessibility and increased connectivity between different areas of Groningen.

For example connecting the open arable landscape on the city fringes with the existing city centre.

Cycleways and walkways will be developed and integrated into the site.

Allowing fluidity across and through the space, connecting with exsiting pathways. At this stage priority has not been given to vehicular traffic.

However, it is intended that the area be accessible by cars and service vehicles. Car parks will be integrated where applicable leaving majority of the area a traffic free zone.

Transit lines: improving and increasing accessibility

RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC AREAS

Residential and public areas: define different zones

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Precendent: Michael Maltzan manipulating land form

Model: Showing where the living green spaces meet building footprints

Precedent: Piet Oudolf plant palette

Section 1: Sketch design expansion of the main canal

Precedent: Piet Oudolf plant palette

Section 2: Sketch design showing the green corridors

Material palette: corten steel

Model: Showing how the water structure reaches between residencial zone and the green corridor through the area

Material palette: concrete

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City fields

Modelpicture showing the greening of the area and how the grid plantings over time can interact with activities and temporary use.

In the Netherlands you will find polders used for watermanagement and fields for production as a very strong structure in the cultural landscape.

The Cityfield is a transformationprocess for the former Sugar Factory in Groningen that rely on a concept of production. Trees and temporal use are crops and the harvest over time will be new social city spaces and relations between the site and the city.

Through the use of plants in a dynamic and spatial way, areas for activities are created. This stands in relation to the exixsting buildings where activities are already taking place and these users can kickstart new activities around the area.

“...become an experimental garden for new urban developments.�

By transforming the monofuntional factory area into a multifuncional urban greening project it will attract new

users and can be used as an asset in the city context. In this context the Universities within the city can be a stakeholder in the process and the big amount of students related to these can be the future users of the area. As a part of the existing city strategy the University can use parts of the area to improve the branding of the city as a city of talent. Together with the initiatives taking place on the site the area can become an experimental garden for new urban developments.

In the city context

The surronding areas can reflect on the site in a dynamic manor and strengthen the new identity.

The area has dominant boundaries made by infrastructural elements.

These needs to be preserved but a connection over the canal will ease the transformation at the site from being introvert to extrovert and being more accessible for users coming from the city.

The railway is running next to the

UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY

INNER CITY

WETLAND

INDUSTRY

NEW SUGAR FACTORY STATION 50.000 students distributed over two universities which corre-

INDUSTRY

sponds to 25% of the citizens.

App. 200.000 citizens in Groningen.

Areas surrounding the site can have a direct effect on the area.

site into the city where the station is located, why passangers travelling by train will have a visual contact with the site passing by. On the other site of the railway the Stadspark is found which is a romantic park and is also used for concerts and horseracing.

Another nature area next to the site is the wetland used for water storage in connection to the sugar factory. This area could be transformed into a new naturearea with its own characteristic used for recreative purposes with boardwalks that gives another realtion to water than the surrounding canals.

New connections

Across the site an Europan area is located that can have an impact on the projectsite. The existing buildings and the Europan area can interact and be emphasizing the activities going on.

Further on it can be the entrance to the site from the north.

The connection to the city could be important to create in the early stage of the process, because the site is temporary and is supposed to be build on in 15-20 years. This way the impor-

Group 5: By Lisbeth Feldskou, wrj935 - Matilde C. Gomes, fzg216 - Nicolai L. Mortensen, ndq423 - Rasmus Weitze, nsj864

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Urban greening

The open and empty surface at the site is transformed into a massive green area with spatial qualities and room for activities.

The concept of planting is to establish vegetation in a grid structure with varying species that will support the development process on the site and will be greening the area in a short period of time due to the masses of plants.

“The spatial development is created as the grid is transforming” In the beginning the plant grid already creates areas and start defining future use. The trees will quickly form spaces where activity and recreation can take place.

The spatial development is created as the grid is transforming and the closely planted areas contrasts with the areas where plants are removed and open spaces emerge both by strategic planning or by coincidence. In

The concept of planting the area in a grid structure supports the development process on the site and will be greening a big surface where buildings can be implemented in the end of the process.

these clearings the nature can be left to its own for succession, activities or recreation.

By using the trees as building elements supports the idea of temporality, where the site is “empty” until build on in 15-20 years. That way the area is in a process where there is value on short and long terms and the existing vegetation can be used strategically for implementing buildings in an area with fully grown trees.

Tree nursery

The trees that are removed over time from the gridstructure are replanted throughout the city as well as they are reused on the area in new structures.

The grid plantings has the function of a nursery as well as green elements.

Small trees are planted in rows and can develop over time while thinning is occuring to create beautiful and healthy trees.

As this thinning happens the trees

that are removed will be replanted in and around the city. This way the city will be greener while the site is developing and creating open areas concurrently with increased activity. This way the idea of sustainability is a part of the development.

By moving the green structures outside the area and showing the citizens what is going on at the old sugar factory, the identity of the site will be strengthened and hopefully a rise in the number of users.

Sketch collage

STARTING PHASE

DEVELOPMENT PHASE

URBAN GREENING

TEMPORARY USE

ATTENTION

BUILDING PHASE

NEW FUNCTIONS

Replanting tress that are removed from the site will strenghten the site identity.

Group 5: By Lisbeth Feldskou, wrj935 - Matilde C. Gomes, fzg216 - Nicolai L. Mortensen, ndq423 - Rasmus Weitze, nsj864

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An Invitation To Experiment CO

NN

EC

TIO

NL INE

EXISTING OPEN SPACE

ATTRACTION AREA

ATTRACTION AREA

EXPERIMENTAL AGRICULTURE Fig. 1. The overall idea is to connect the city with the rural area (yellow dashed line) and to create an area of attraction (yellow marked area) based on the existing buildings. The landscpae provides a framework for activities of creative expression and eksperimental agriculture.

Interior of the landscape

The overall idea is to connect the city with the rural area and to create an area of attraction based on the existing buildings. The landscape provides a framework for activities of creative expression and eksperimental agriculture.

The landscape as well as the constructions should be multifunctional.

Some added constructions are temporary and can be moved to different places in the area others are permanent.

Attraction area

A centre area is created around the old buildings of the sugar plant. This is where the citizens of Groningen and tourists can meet and interact with the projects that are happening in the sugar plant territory. The main elements in the old building is a restaurant, exhibition spaces, rooftop gardens and temporary garden. Other areas can retain all kinds of activities such as market with locally grown vegetable and local made art and crafts, relaxing recreational areas and water activities.

Existing open space

The rest of the area we want to keep as open as possible for experimentation.

The place provides room for exploring.

There is space for the artists to work freely with the landscape. The rough expression of the industrial area invites to create new things, pioneering, exploring, regenerate a landscape and is contrast to the more planned area.

Time perspective

The project is a temporary intervention that leaves a structure in the landscape for future interventions. Experiments vary in length, some take a few minutes, some last a few months while others last for years and could last a whole life time. Our project is a starting point, it sets the framework for all sorts of new ideas.

Connectivity

The site is connected to the surrounding areas with bridges and tunnels for bicycles and pedestrians. Cars can arrive from east. Shopping and industry is located both south and north of the area. Further away is the Stadspark to the south and housing areas to the north. The city centre is located approx. 1,2 km east of the site.

Experimental agriculture

The flooding fields on the west part of the area are to be used for agricultural experiment on a bigger scale. The overall structure draws inspiration from the old agriculture land as a design concept. There are also possibilities for aquaculture.

Target group (users)

The area is open to the public and everyone with a interest in arts and agriculture are potential users. Artist and agriculturist will be the initiators for activities on site, interacting with local citizens.

EX

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Fig. 2. Connection to the open landscape with possibilities for experimental agriculture.

Group 6: Linda Bonde, Sidsel M. Genee, Julie Lysemose, Simon Kallenbach Rasmussen

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ATTRACTION AREA

ATTRACTION AREA

Fig. 3 The two areas of attraction are connected across the canal.

EXISTING OPEN SPACE

Fig. 4. The west-east pointer connects the city and the open landscape. It also marks the line between the canal area and the existing open space, leaving part of the industrial area untouched.

ZERNIKE UNIVERSITY COMPLEX

UMCG (UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL) NOORDER PLANTSOEN MARTINIKERK GROTE MARKT VISMARKT DER AA-KERK

HOOGKERK SUGAR PLANT

ART ACADEMY OOSTERPOORT GRONINGEN GRONINGER MUSEUM GRONINGEN CS

STADSPARK

Fig. 5. Map showing the location of the site in Gronningen. Our area of interest is the marked area. Arrows indicate how the site is connected with the surroundings. (Googlemaps)

Fig. 6. Inspiration to temporary garden projects. (Photo: Melbourne food and wine festival by Hassel, www.landezine.com)

Fig. 7. Poetry of contrast between existing industrial structure and modern additions. (Photo: Landschaftspark Duisburg Nord by Latz and Partner, www.landezine.com)

Fig. 8. Contrast in materiality between the rough industrial surface and the polished pavement (Photo: The Coal Loader by Hassell, www landezine. com)

Fig. 9. Example of how landscapearchitecture and agriculture can meet. (Photo: Boustrophedon Garden

by PLANT, www. landezine.com)

Group 6: Linda Bonde, Sidsel M. Genee, Julie Lysemose, Simon Kallenbach Rasmussen

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The Sugar Plant Territory

Reintroducing the memory of the sugar factory

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O N T O O H D w P U L O E L D C D R MO O ) W D H E T D I E W E N E B S I D E L C (COU P IF SPA TO r ate

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“A good caption tells the reader what is on the picture, but also helps telling the whole story. If you read the summary and all the captions you may grasp the main content. Credit shortly if the picture is not by group members.”

Fig.1-4 View of conceptual model.

Reintroducing the memory of the sugar plant. The project area located in Groningen, a student city in the north of the Netherlands, used to be a sugar factory and is set for a transformation. The main design concept for this transformation is to respect and refer to the historic use ‘sugar production’.

Various functions, which follow the municipality’s vision of Groningen as a ‘talent city’ will be shaped within this post industrial site. The main design elements are: a grid system, water channels, student silos, cube houses and a factory square.

Groningen

Groningen is the largest city in the north of the Netherlands, located close to the borders of Germany. It has a population of 193.250 inhabitants of which 20% are students. (Hanze Online, n.y). The city has the largest student population density in the Netherlands and is the ‘youngest city’ of the country, with 20-24 being the

average age, and half of the population is under 35 years old (UL Online, n.y).

It is also the cultural heart of the north of Netherlands, with various museums, vibrant nightlife and festivals.

site small business and industr y single family housing housing complex recreational area agriculture

“Transforming an old industrial site into new use” The Sugar Plant Territory

Just outside the western ring of Groningen city, between the inner city and Hoogkerk, the Sugar Plant Territory is located. The adjacent surroundings consist of small businesses and industries, large infrastructure and a mix of residential housing, allotment gardens and recreational areas (fig.5). The site consist of 133 hectares (ha) mainly sedimentation and agricultural areas to the west. Near the ring a 20 ha area is covered with concrete. transportation,

Groningen

small business and

agriculture

industr y

Hoofkerk

site

recreational

train station

housing complex

area single family houses

Fig.5 The diagram illustrates the adjacent surroundings of the Sugar Plant Territory, as a mix of industry, small business, residential areas, green areas and infrastructure Group 7: By Nick Dyhr, Sara Folveg, Hulda Davidsdottir, Joost van Haaster 30-04-2014

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Fig.6 Forest and park areas of Groningen

cleaning and production took place in this area. Most of the production buildings are demolished because of European regulations. Left are the old chimney, one of the oldest production buildings and a smaller building.

The sedimentation basins (60 ha) to the west, serves as a good ecological environment for birds and bats. The production activities at the sugar beet factory was shut down in 2009, and now the site has to fill a new role (SEEDS, 2012)

Municipality vision “City of Talent”

Fig.7 Allotment cemetaries

gardens

and

The municipality of Groningen has a strategic partnership with the University of Groningen, Hanze University Groningen and the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). By collaborating with these institutions Groningen wants to position itself as the knowledge and innovation centre of the northern part of the Netherlands. The two main topics at which this collaboration is focusing are Energy and Healthy aging.

“Fuga. Et voloratusda et voluptios quis”

Fig.8 Sport facilities and schools

Fig.9 Roads and railways

Energy: Groningen is located close to Western Europe’s largest gas field and has therefore been known as an energy hub. Many corporations such as GasTerra, Gasunie and NAM have settled in the region of Groningen.

Fossil fuels are however temporary and the Dutch government has chosen the northern Netherlands as the centre where research into the production of new forms of energy is encouraged.

The universities in Groningen work together with the companies on how to develop the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources.

Healthy Aging: The inhabitants in the Netherlands are getting older.

It is estimated that half of the Dutch population will be over 65 by 2025.

The universities in Groningen are collaborating with the Healthy Ageing Network Northern Netherlands (HANNN) to promote a healthy lifestyle and in this way promote healthy aging.

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Fig.11 Shows a “wordcloud” highlighting several words in focus.

Creating new urban spaces, flexible for future needs.

Improving access and a new identity with respect for the history.

The design is based on a grid to organize elements on site, including the water and create connection between the inner city of Groningen and Hoogkerk. The grid has a 10m x 10m dimension which is a multitude of the 2,5m x 2,5m concrete elements which can be found on site (fig.12).

The water element refers to the use of “gutters”, canals to transport sugar beets on site, during the production, not to mention the canals of the Netherlands in general. The site faces the canal creating a backside towards the railway. From here, the site is decending in hight towards the canal (fig.13) From east, the urban elements enter and west the vegetation spreads (fig.14,15) Other elements refers to the production and history of the site, as the form of “sugar cubes” and the ‘student silos’. A path for soft pedestrians connects the inner city of Groningen, across barriers, the old sugar factory and the wetlands, before reaching Hoogkerk. (fig.1)

References Wwbsites http://www.google.dk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&sou rce=web&cd=1&ved=0CC4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F %2Fwww.seeds-project.com%2Fwp-content%2Fupl oads%2F2013%2F08%2FGroningen-Sugar-FactoryMatrix-1.pdf&ei=saFfU8PZEuqkyQOw8YCoCQ&usg= AFQjCNGU14qZJAFyYDOwMb0wHC4bSJueTw&sig 2=fC3Bp5wF-_lOIg3H0s02UA&bvm=bv.65397613,d. bGQ http://www.cityoftalent.nl/en/content/healthy-ageing http://www.cityoftalent.nl/en/content/energy https://www.hanze.nl/EN/about-groningen http://www.ul.ie/international/uploads/Erasmus/ Hanze_University_Groningen_-_Nice_to_know_ Need_to_Know.pdf

Fig.12 The diagram shows how the design is based the grid system, originated from the existing.

Fig.13 The sites faces the canal in north, creating a back towards the railway. From here, the site is decending in hight towards the canal.

Fig.14 The diagram shows how the vegetation spreads from dense in west towards more open in east.

Fig.15 The diagram illustrates how the urban elements spread from dense in east, towards more open in west.

Conceptual focus Fig.10 Water and wasteland

The design transforms the former sugar plant territory, into a site addressing topics as Connection to the urban context in general and the city centre in particular.

Group 7: By Nick Dyhr, Sara Folveg, Hulda Davidsdottir, Joost van Haaster 30-04-2014

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Fields of Knowledge

“A good caption tells the reader what is on the picture, but also helps telling the whole story. If you read the summary and all the captions you may grasp the main content. Credit shortly if the picture is not by group members.”

The historical layers

Remaining on the site of the Sugar Plant are few, but very characteristic buildings. The buildings are the remains of a larger factory and will be preserved as the heart of our project, an element of the former production identity. The pattern of fields, at one time present all over the Netherlands, are the guiding lines for buildings, canals and streets, on site and in the periphery. This pattern is interpreted and used as the base for our future design, relating to the historical directions of the site and the rest of the city.

“What happens when a site changes against its intention?”

“The old agricultural field-borders and canals.”

The site has a history of productions: fields producing crops, and later a refinery producing sugar. Continuing the art of production and adapting to a society producing knowledge, we will focus on the opportunity of experiments. Fields of experiments and innovation – fields of knowledge.

Testing and recreation

A site for full scale experiments can be created in collaboration with the universities of Groningen and the municipality and be beneficial for students as well as the general public. It is a satellite of knowledge based activities combined with a park or recreational area. It is a place to visit, constantly changing based on the current experiments and activities. The frame and design has to be flexible to contain such changing activities.

One of the site qualities lies in the location, the outskirts of the city, and can therefor include a huge variety of projects. Such as: testing of design, citizen participation, workshops, arboretum and biological databases, a

library of materials, interactive experiments, engineering experiments, sports facilities, teaching and health related experiments. These are just examples, but ultimately, the needs of the users should define the activities.

“A site for full scale experiments” It is important to make room for more recreational activities as concerts, market days and open sky movies, to create an inspiring environment for participants as well as visitors.

Build structures

To keep an order to the dynamic site, we propose some rules for the building structures. The existing factory buildings will not be surpassed in size or height, and will be at the core of the site, as a centre. In this area more public functions can appear like cafés and room for exhibitions. A square surrounds the old buildings, connecting them to the canal front and the building height will be the orientation on the site, as landmarks.

Secondary buildings, buildings to facilitate experiments, need to be flexible as the projects change. We propose using containers or other similar moveable modules as building blocks.

Arranging these flexible structures in a belt breaking the more strict system of the old fields, a loose but still defined area has been developed. Letting the containers stack and rearrange according to the current project, they provide flexibility in size and use.

Vegetation:

Some field areas will be reserved for vegetation, not only making sure to add to the recreational aspect but also to create volumes and spaces in a completely flat area. The vegetation can vary in expression and use, incorporating plantations, forest or zones reserved for natural succession.

While some experiments will probably include some sort of vegetation, we think it is important to create more or less permanent areas only for vegetation, to secure a balance and a rhythm of the site.

Group 8: By Lærke Keil, Sebastian Naumann, Louise Lunde, Christian Ankerstjerne

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The Water

The meeting with the water can develop a mixed use of recreational area, the face outwards, as well as a room for activities. To facilitate this we create a large wooden deck and floating decks, to extend the use of the water. Water activities and experiments can also work as an attraction for the public, either to observe and relax or to participate and be involved in the experiment. We will seek to keep the waterfront as one long and accessible area for recreation, but with room for experiments and activities along and in the water. It could be kayaking, pedalos, experimenting with plants cleaning the water etc. The canal also connects the sugar factory site to other sites, which further on can be implemented in the development of the waterfront and the area in general.

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Green bicycle path connecting to central Groningen Movement on water: pedalos/ kayaks

Nature trails into the open land

New pedestrian bridge

Connections and movement

Possible rail crossing or future station?

Activation of canal edge

Internal path network providing access to all site areas

Experimental fields and vegetated zones, divided by a built zone.

Organization of areas and uses Central square around factory remains

Swimming lake Two remaining factory buildings and a brick chimney are put to use, and lend industrial identity to the new site.

Historical layer 2: Remains of the sugar factory

Connections

Lying in the outskirts, the site is actually in between the city and farmland, operating as an in-between area.

By creating pathways along the water, some crossing the site, city and farmland are connected. We would like the site to be very permeable, providing access to all experimental fields and we have been inspired by the idea of railroad tracks intertwining, when shaping the path network on the site.

We imagine a bicycle path providing access from the city centre to our site, and we imagine nature trails linking our site to the open land west of the site. A bridge for bikes and pedestrians

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The trace of demolished silos and buildings are reinterpreted in a new square as center of the site.

The old characteristically narrow field divides have influenced the directions and shapes of the landscape. We use the grid to divide our new site into sub-areas.

Historical layer 1: Old field divides and canals that have shaped the landscape

“The image of railroad tracks dividing and rejoining has inspired our path network on the site.” has been planned in the north end of the site, connecting the old Sugar Plant to the retail area north of the canal.

Working with access, it can be considered if a small train station or a bridge crossing the railways will implement our site even more in the surroundings and provide connections to the park further south of our site.

“A collage of reference photos demonstrating how we imagine the framweork of fields and temporary building modules supporting a wide array of activities - from technical to social sciences, and from serious workplace to recreative space.”

Group 8: By Lærke Keil, Sebastian Naumann, Louise Lunde, Christian Ankerstjerne

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Concept model The transformation of the Suiker Unie site in Groningen city adresses three main issues including coorporation between Groningen municipality and the two unviversities, re-engaing the city by activating the site and improving the connection from the city to the agricultural area.

Cooperation

UNIVERSITY CITY

KNOWLEDGE UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY

UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY

AGRICULTURE

UNIVERSITY CITY

UNIVERSITY CITY AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY FIELDS UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY

AGRICULTURE

UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY

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Groningen is known as one of the best and most popular university cities. In order to make the university known internationally, the two universities and the municipality have joined their forces under the common denominator : ‘Groningen, City of Talent’. In conjunction with Marketing Groningen, they have started a campaign under the motto of: “Here is space for talent. Space for learning, for working and for growing. For further personal development and making the best of yourself.”

In the light of this, there is a great opportunity to transform the old Suiker Unie site into an area, where students and researchers from the two universities can develop new knowledge in a unique setting.

At present, the universities are especially investing heavily in research into current issues in society related to sustainability such as energy and water, healthy ageing, medicine and food.

UNIVERSITY CITY

UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITYUNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY

R IVE UN

Groningen is a university city in the northern part of the Netherlands with almost 25 percent of students in the total population. The two universities contribute to make Groningen a dynamic and attractive city.

An old Suiker Unie, which is now closed and owned by the municipality, has a strategic position, both close to the universities and linked to agriculture production.

The project aims to use exactly these potentials to make the Suiker Unie site an “experimental field” where the universities and municipality can cooperate. This proposal could therefore reactivate the vacant industrial area and engage people with the site.

In addition to this, the city does not need more housing, offices or industrial areas and does not plan any program for the Suiker Unie site for the next 15 to 20 years. This project could there-

fore be a low cost way to use the area and at the same time adding values and programs for people and students who live there.

FIELDS OF KNOWLEDGE EXPERIMENTAL FIELDS FOR STUDENTS

Concept diagrams Group 9: By Trine Baarsøe Pedersen, Melissa Svendson, Esben Elleby Snitgaard , Maxime Cloarec

UNIVERSITY CITY

UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITYUNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY

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KNOWLEDGE UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY

UNIVERSITY CITY AGRICULTURE

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UNIVERSITY CITY

UNIVERSITY CITY AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY FIELDS UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY

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UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY

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ACTIVATE THE AREA FI E At the present, the Suiker Unie site RSITY CITY is actually not used, only few vacant ITY UNIVERSITY CITY buildings NIVERSITY CITY are remained from the old TY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY industry.

Previously fenced and only SITY CITYUNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY KNOWLEDGE UNIVERSITYproduction CITY used for industry purposes UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY the site remained disconnected to its UNIVERSITY CITY student thesis workshop food production UNIVERSITY CITY surroundings.

In addition to this, the CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY UNIVERSITY CITY the railway and the canal UNIVERSITYhighway, CITY TY CITY constitute strong barriers and make the site difficult to access.

FIELDS OF KNOWLEDGE In order to re-engage the city with EXPERIMENTAL FIELDS FOR STUDENTS the site, the project proposes to use and Y SIT R E transform this area into a public space IV GE UN ED L flower production which OW therefore becomes an active innovations pilot projects KN TY part of the urban fabric. The accessibility will also be improved creating a Experimental fields, pilot projects, researches and food production - catalogue of uses promenade along the canal and a path network.

Y SIT

water test

energy test

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Experimental fields

The site will be divided into two areas, on the one hand, a series of experimental fields and on the other hand a new piazza in relation with the exist-

the area becomes dynamic and experinces will constantly change.”

food production

water test

flower production

energy test

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ing buildings. The site will be a new public space where universities and citizens can share knowledge and enjoy the newly reclaimed area as a new part of the city.

Experimental fields: The field of research is an area that will consists of several small fields.

Students and researchers are responsible for their own field and can use it as they want as long the activity is related to the university. The exact activity will of course depend on the student’s interests and could for instance be research for thesis, workshops, homework etc. As the students obviously will be replaced over the years due to their studio, the area becomes dynamic and experiences will constantly change.

Experimental fields along the canal Piazza: The central part of the whole Suiker Unie site will be transformed into an area for indoor studies and more recreational use. The vacant industry buildings will be used for this and thereby give the students a great opportunity to have a base close to the fieldwork, but also a frame for the social life with events and everyday life next to the canal. In addition to this, a piazza will allow the organization of events and activities.

Action plan

The idea is to start the project in the western part, close to the city and then to extend it further in the eastern part of the site.

The project is a process starting with a “test center” that can be extended throughout time.

industrial building

1. Suiker Unie territory Sugar Plant Territory

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2. Test centers Sugar Plant Territory

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4. Future Experimental fields

Sugar Plant Territory

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Action plan showing the process

Future

Group 9: By Trine Baarsøe Pedersen, Melissa Svendson, Esben Elleby Snitgaard , Maxime Cloarec

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Knowledge into Production

This photo shows our concept model with the flowing path goimg through the area.

This paper investigates the site of the Sugar Plant Territory located near the center of the city of Groningen in the Netherlands. By connectng spaces through a strong path axis, the design hopes to intergrate a large student population with an old agricultural site.

High student population

The city of Groningen has a population of almost 200,000 people, of which 25% of them are students. The University of Groningen (Rijeksuniversiteit) and the Hanze University of Applied Science are the two higher educational institutions in the city.

Housing is often unaffordable and too

“Housing is often unaffordable and too expensive for the students” expensive for the students, there is simply not enough of them. The site’s close proximity to the city centre and nearby University facilities offers potential as a new student accommodation zone.

The Netherlands is generally a flat country, which is one of the reasons why bicycling is so common amongst all ages across the country. This also applies to the city of Groningen, but here the city center is divided by the canal, making it harder to pass and get to where you are going. 50% of all trips in Groningen are made by bicycle.

Goals

- Reconnect the isolated former factory area to its surroundings.

- Make large student population a driving influence on the development of the site.

- Create more dwellings for students.

- Reinterpreting the original forms of the Sugar Mill area.

The site is to include three major functions; new affordable student accommodation and research facilities, eclectic public spaces, and transitional areas.

Production and Research Space

Groningen was and still is an influential trade city. The site - Sugar Plant Territory - was used to process sugar.

It closed down in 2008/2009. The west side of the area, the flooded fields, was where the sugar plant released waste material from sugar beets. Now it is not used, and with the sugar factory gone, the area will slowly dry out.

The suggestion is therefore to activate the flooded fields by growing vegetables and fruit, and use the site area to distribute it, sell it and gather people around the activity on the site. In this sense there will be a link to the production field by introducing a commercial use that includes the students living there and other residents that have an interest in urban agriculture.

The link to the history will be visible and the future will be open and influenced by the students, and the people living there.

Geometry as Connection

Conceptual geometric connections were established based on the orientation of the existing buildings and paths that bordered the site. After identifying key potential entry points, these linear connections were challenged and broken down to allow for more visibility and accessibility, with the existing industrial tower as the focal

point for movement. Barriers to pedestrian movement have isolated the site and connecting the former sugar factory area to its surroundings is seen as a vital step in bringing the site to life.

Opportunities to repair these connections include a pedestrian bridge over the canal (which is currently planned), a path under the major highway on the east and a link crossing the railway which leads to a large recreational park to the south.

Linear Patterns and Voids

In order to strengthen the contrasting geometric connection lines, a linear pattern of the agricultural fields that lie to the west, was superimposed over the site. This pattern is a recurring image in the Dutch landscape and was used as a framework for further design. The voids are to be filled in with paths, parks, community gardens, buildings and informal recreational activities. The lines themselves could also be imagined as a row of trees, walls and paths similar to that of the dyke forms that are common in the tidal zones which were formerly used in sugar beet production. Alternatively

Group 10: By Michael Alderman, Amra Ljubijankic, Signe Lilleskov Nielsen, Sif Peiter Lund

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the lines would be removed if there wasn’t a suitable reason for keeping them, they are a design tool to test and create new spaces.

“This ´flowing path´, like water, will begin to both cut away from the grid and also mould into it.”

After establishing where the major path and openings should be located, the spaces left (voids) would be flexible to changing functions. This ´flowing path´, like water, will begin to both cut away from the grid and also mould into it. The edges, where the interactions between open path space and the linear pattern occur, will have differing and interesting forms that will encourage varying experiences.

Conceptual spaces

The linear patterns of the design deliberately contrast to the existing park, Stadspark, to the south of the site where the curving paths and rolling lawns begin to mimic an idealistic nature.

While experimenting with test models, the need to strip back some of the detailed elements became clear. This was to reveal a clearer conceptual design that allowed room for changes, as further information was gathered.

This illustration visualizes what will be connected. The major path will connect the existing campus and the existing fields.

The smaller paths that cross, will connect Stadspark and the shopping area to the site.

This diagram illustrates the barriers bordering the isolated site. Here are opportunities to create new entrances that cross these barriers including the highway, rail line and canal. The design will strengthen existing path networks and create new paths to encourage pedestrian actvity.

The diagram represents how different programmes may interract on the site. In the east the student housing has a high concentration to link up to the campus at the other side of the N370 road. Towards the agricultural area, there is an oppornity for a research hub.

This is the form of the flowing path. The flow connects open spaces and pathways. The large square next to the pedestrian bridge is an opportune site for a market space and is the focal of the site, marked by the old Sugar Mill Chimney.

The linear pattern is shown here, and is the foundation for further designed spaces. Each row caters for differing functions, which will be determined by how their context. A path that meets a building may encourage a new open space.

Group 10: By Michael Alderman, Amra Ljubijankic, Signe Lilleskov Nielsen, Sif Peiter Lund

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Fig 1, Conceptual model, “the Sugar Plant Territorium”.

Dear Anti We have read your letter and done some studies of your private playground, The Sugar Plant Territory. We can understand that you say “there is nothing to worry about”. Anti, you are a lucky girl spending time close to the Amazonas Canal where you can join the flamboyant boat “The African Queen”. You can hide in the willow tree and explore the old sugarhouse with your friends.

But Anti, our studies of your playground have resulted in some new ideas to make your sugar plant territory even more interesting for you and all of your friends. We would like to add some more materials, textures and colours combined with a lot of vegetation and connections to the city of Groningen. We intend to make your playground even more playful and colourful and we hope that you and your friends will experience a lot of new things here. Cultural, visual, physical and sensual experiences ….

THE SITE The Sugar Plant Territory is situated in an industrial area close to the city center of Groningen, which is a University city and the 6TH largest city in the Netherlands. According to the Atlantic, Groningen is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world.

City Center SITE

City Park

Fig 2, The Sugar Plant territory is situated vest of the city centre of Groningen

Fig 3, Conceptual model

Fig 4, Reference picture, Île Seguin, Paris

The surroundings of the old sugar plant are characterized by industrial areas, wetlands, housing areas and a public park; Stadt Park.

The landscape is low and flat and dominated by canals and river deltas.

The area was the location of the sugar factory Suiker Unie, which closed in 2008.

by using materials of metal, bricks, steel and concrete combined with glass. The glass will strengthen the reflections from the water and the colours of the wetland with grass, soil and different organic structures.

The area will have a natural connection to the city of Groningen with easy accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, trains and cars.

The area is turned into a green, cultural island which can be used both as a recreational area and as a place for experimenting and experiencing all kinds of cultural events and exhibitions.

An industrial and creative island with a large potential.

HISTORY AND STRATEGY The strategy is to build upon the historical traces of the sugar industry. We redesign the old sugar house by adding modern materials to the old building and create buildings that contains a strong visual identity and a natural connection.

The landscape strategy is based on the idea to improve and expand the existing green structure of the city of Groningen with respect of the natural species. The aim is to increase the biodiversity in an area with an industrial atmosphere.

CONCEPT The overall concept of the site is to create an island of culture near the city of Groningen with buildings for cultural events, activities and recreative experiences that will attract a mixed user group.

We would like to keep the industrial feeling that is significant for this area

Group 11: By Justyna Chmielewska , Lasse Bøtker Hansen, Inger Marie Mulvad, Caroline Grenaa Németh

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Diagram 1, Connections between the centre of Groningen and the city park.

Diagram 2, System of canals and wetzones. The black indicates vere we intend to change the watersystem.

Diagram 3, Connecting the site to the city bikepath system.

Diagram 4, Railwvay, highway and canals proclaims the idea of an isolated island.

BORDERS The borders of the sugar plant territory have two functions: - defining the island - making connections to the surrounding areas The borders are defined by water, a highway and a railway. All these components are defined by movement, sound and light. The area in its present appearance is isolated from the surroundings and seems like an island, which we emphasize by enhancing the elements that create the borders.

Fig 6, Visulization

Therefore the western canal will be completed and the southern canal is broadened.

Bridges, paths, and a railway station will link the island to the surroundings and make connections.

CONNECTIONS The island will be connected to its surroundings both by a green structure, bridges and pathways.

The green structure connects the island to the city of Groningen and to the Stadt Park. The link to the Stadt

Park is emphasized by creating a green promenade running along the north south going canal. The island will be connected to the city’s existing bike path system and will also lead to both the city center and the Stadt Park. The railway is linked to the site by adding a station and thus changing it from a border into a means of accessing the area. There will be pedestrian/bicycle bridges crossing the canals.

A promenade with wide stairs and the green structure will emphasize the surroundings outside the island.

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Fig 5, Reference picture, Île Seguin, Paris.

Fig 7, Visualization Group 11 : Justyna Chmielewska, Lasse Bøtker Hansen, Inger Marie Mulvad, Caroline Grenaa Németh

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Connecting across the canal with various bridges that are an extension of the landscape

Central zone and ‘bridge’ across site, connects city centre, the site and Stadspark.

Residential area, apartments

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The main arterie Business area

Experimental area mixed with other uses

Railway

Connection to stadspark

Retaining old historical buildings, central building for events and exhibitions

Concept plan: The design is centered around a main ‘bridge’ and consists of a mosaic of mixed use buildings and park space.

This project looks at three issues and opportunities for a former sugar plant factory area in Groningen: Crossing barriers, improving infrastructure and creating temporary use spaces. The main design approach is creating a bridge across the site, which both acts as a connection to the outside as well as a center for the activities on site.

The area of the former sugar plant factory in Groningen is a site defined by many fixed barriers with surroundings of mixed use. The barriers are made up by a canal, a railway and a raised highway. It is located in a mostly industrial area but is at the same time very close to residential areas and the city center of Groningen.

Issues

In our analysis of the sugar plant territory we have found the three following issues to be of great importance to a further development of the area: Crossing barriers, improving infrastructure and creating temporary use spaces.

“The site acts like a barrier between its surroundings.”

The project site is quite cut off from its surroundings because of different kinds of fixed barriers. To successfully develop the site, it therefore seems necessary to connect the site to nearby places by crossing the barriers.

The project site lies between resi-

dential areas, green areas and industrial areas but at the moment the site acts like a barrier between its surroundings instead of a corridor. By improving the infrastructure on the site the area will no longer act like a barrier and will benefit the local neighborhood as well as Groningen in general.

The city of Groningen is a major university city, but universities tend to be quite closed to the public. The project area could play a role in breaking down the barriers between the general public and the university research world by creating a public space for experimental projects that involve the universities and energy science centres.

Concept

We imagine the site to contain both

research space, park space, residential space and business space. By allowing for diverse use in the site area and focusing on it as a transitional zone the site can engage many different activities and people.

The crossing of the barriers have had a great impact on the design, which is planned around a bridge going from northeast to south, connecting the area with the city centre and the university.

The bridge is mostly symbolic and not a normal kind of bridge, but more a center for the area. It however also acts like a real bridge across the canal and the railway. The real bridges are imagined to become landscapes within themselves so that they become more than just a connection but rather an extension of the site. The main bridge that will connect to the city centre will

Concept section: The height of vegetation and buildings gradually decreases. The proposed landscape is highest at the highway going down to a flat wetland.

Group 12: By Olivia Day, Signe Hvergel Peterssen, Kristine Understrup, Troels Bak Wahlgreen.

u n iver sit y of copen hagen

landscape planning 2014

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The connections beyond the site acting like veins through the city.

Connecting the sugar plant with the city.

Filling out the mosaic pattern with vegetation and buildings.

Dispersing paths connecting the rest of the area via the ‘bridge’.

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continue the landscape and vegetation across it whilst also consisting of buildings allowing for a mix of uses.

The buildings and vegetation are situated together and defined by a system of paths. We envision an overall gradient in height across the site from east to west, as well as, a change in density with buildings and vegetation. This gradient through the elevation of the site slowly opens up and leads to the old purification area that has become a bird habitat. In connecting to this large open expanse we hope that the area can be enhanced and developed as a wetland habitat for native wildlife.

We imagine the area to be varied through the site, sometimes enclosing thin pathways with dense trees, while sometimes opening up to large spaces that are available for events, exhibitions and other transient uses.

Visualization of a path next to one of the experimental areas leading to the main arterie Group 12: By Olivia Day, Signe Hvergel Peterssen, Kristine Understrup, Troels Bak Wahlgreen.