ECO HARBOR: CONNECTING NATURE AND COMMUNITY LEYWEG
Vaibhav Kumar Bansal
5735904
Studio mentor : Robert Jan & Timur Karimullin
Date : 30.01.2024
Contents
Introduction & Goals
Summary of the project
Historical development
Goals, Vision & strategy
Urban Analysis
Neighborhood statistics
SUET Analysis
Site Analysis
Urban Design project
Vision
Programs & activities
Site program
Masterplan
Synergy
Public Space Design
Concepts & refrences
Plans, sections and details
Visualizations
Materialization & details
Evaluation
Goals evaluation
Envi met analysis
1923 Polders: Part of the village of Loosduiden
1932 Leideweg farmland road formally established
1950
Open competition for the design of a neighborhood & shopping center
1953
Completion of shopping center 1990 Changes in Urban plan
1998
Renovation & redevelopment Pedestrianisation Addition of 3 shopping blocks
lines 2003
Historical Development
Here is a chronological narrative illustrating the developmental trajectory of this area, showing how its equilibrium was disrupted by urban interventions over time.
This area was once intricately linked with The Hague Long Lines. However, as a result of intervening urban developments, this connection has been broken. Historical Timeline
Source:
› Spyridonidou, P. (2023). The shopping mall as an urban catalyst: The case of Leyweg Winkelcentrum. TU Delft Repositories. https://repository.tudelft.nl/islandora/object/ uuid:9e35fc57-5148-4b51-acbc-a657c7eb801d?collection=education
› Topotijdreis: 200 jaar topografische kaarten. (n.d.). Topotijdreis. https://www.topotijdreis.nl/
The hague long
Site Strategy Goals Vision
Harmony of nature & design
In the pursuit of a harmonious blend of nature and social interaction, the design for Leyweg envisions a neighborhood where residents can seamlessly integrate the experience of nature into their daily lives. The goal is to create an environment where the beauty of nature is not confined to parks or distant locations, but is woven into the fabric of the streets and plazas along Leyweg. By infusing shopping streets and plazas with abundant natural elements, these spaces transform into vibrant social hubs.
Site is completely paved and have very less room for infiltration & natural elemts
Weekly market areas
Green & permeable pavements
Social interaction spaces
plantations for micro-climate
Organised single cable system for more permeability
No spaces for social interation, found only some seatings in a big plaza. People were just passing by for either shopping or public transport.
Urban Analysis
Current statistics reveal a concerning social backdrop, with 60% experiencing loneliness and only 20% finding the neighborhood pleasant. Carla Fernanda Barbosa Teixeira’s research on Green space configuration emphasizes that impermeable surfaces contribute to Urban Heat Island effects & highlighting the impact of landscape design on urban microclimates and human behavior. This also aligns with the case of “Hotterdam” by Alex Wandl that how these surfaces causes heat waves.
Suet analysis concurs, indicating a lack of nature and green spaces in the neighborhood. The envisioned street transformation during SUET involves permeable surfaces, green elements, and solar roofs, aiming to address these shortcomings and enhance the overall urban environment.
The social interaction map indicates that the majority of individuals use these areas either as thoroughfares to access bus or tram services or visit during the weekly market.
Source:
› Van Der Hoeven, F., & Wandl, A. (2015). Hotterdam: How space is making Rotterdam warmer, how this affects the health of its inhabitants, and what can be done about it. In hotterdam. https://doi.org/10.47982/bookrxiv.1
› Teixeira, C. F. B. (2021). Green space configuration and its impact on human behavior and URBAN environments. Urban Climate, 35, 100746. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. uclim.2020.100746
› Prettig wonen in Den Haag. (n.d.). https://dashboards.cbs.nl/v2/prettig_wonen_in_den_ haag/
› Group work SUET
Delving into Human Behavior: A workshop conducted in the studio was replicated in this neighborhood to discern how individuals interact with a key square, particularly on the bustling day of the weekly market.
Civil Enerygy Ecology Water
People came for shopping
People came for restaurants
People only Passing through
Multifaceted impact of bridges on Urban Evolution
Upon closer examination of this disrupted connection, it becomes evident that an ecological and green link is absent in this specific strip, adversely impacting the area. The prevalence of high paved surfaces contributes to the urban heat island effect. Substantiated by Envi-Met PET analysis, the scarcity of greenery in the area is identified as a key factor contributing to the elevated environmental temperatures.
This observation also presents an opportunity for intervention, identifying larger hotspots where significant green spaces can be introduced to enhance the overall environmental quality and address the existing challenges, as depicted in the section.
Site plan showing disconnection of ecological zone connection
Ecological & green zone plan illustrating a broken strip in Leyweg area
Vision
Preliminary Ideas for Enhancing Inclusivity
Energy efficient street furniture
Permeable sidewalks
Bioretention Bike lane Permeable pavement
Anatomy of Green Street
Water flow conceptual sketch
street trees
Bike rack with permeable pavement
Green Corridor: Connect, Create, Thrive
The vision is to cultivate a green corridor adorned with acupunctures, seamlessly connecting both ends without compromising the central supermarket. Integrating light activities tied to the neighborhood ethos aims to alleviate congestion, fostering a more community-centric environment.
Identifying key neighborhood activities through a space activity chart, vacant buildings are now repurposed to accommodate some of these functions & rest of them can be induced later with time. Initiating the process, preliminary sketches visualize the streets and highlight the essential elements of a vibrant green corridor by delving into the anatomy of a green street.
Source: › Learn about Green Streets | US EPA. (2024, January 16). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/ G3/learn-about-green-streets
Mature
Existing
Not present Present but not efficient No data found
Green Oasis: Inviting Spaces for People to Sit and Connect
Dynamic Social Gatherings on Major Event Days
Activity Plaza: Outdoor Recreational Oasis
Embarking on a leisure walk of curved streets, with a delightful stroll through nature’s embrace. Encountering diverse elements, lush greens, and playful pedestrian paths. Inviting ambiance of cafes and restaurants with a sense of relaxation.
I reorganized the shop logistics by limiting vehicular movement on the street. A key addition is the electric cart dedicated to the central supermarket, efficiently navigating the designed curves for seamless accessibility.
Transformative Masterplan Enriching Biodiversity and Community Interaction
This masterplan envisions a transformative space, featuring a rooftop garden, a kids’ play school, and a restaurant atop the central supermarket. Half of the area is dedicated to vibrant flowers and shrubs, fostering biodiversity by attracting birds, flies, and insects, as depicted in the render. Thoughtful placement of trees, considering their sunlight requirements, adds a dynamic element. Weekly markets thrive in the green pockets, transforming into socializing areas or installations on other days. Another render showcases a blue area for children to play, also serving as a water detention space during heavy rains.
Street sectional view
Activity plaza
Bird eye view of supermarket rooftop
An experiencial trail
In the detailed design phase, I focused on a key acupuncture point with significant foot traffic. The existing gray, grid-dominated environment inspired a shift towards vitality. Introducing greens, varied pavements, and a dynamic hierarchy aimed to break the monotony.
In another sketch, despite green pockets, the prevalent gray character persisted. To counter this, I envisioned a departure from the grid structure, drawing inspiration from meadows and proposing flowing levels, possibly incorporating a green trail experience.
The first two refrence images highlight lifeless squares and offer references from Eastern and African contexts, catering to the neighborhood’s demographic, with 55% identifying as Eastern.
The wind rose diagram significantly influences the design, revealing that the building on the southwest plays a crucial role in blocking the prevailing winds towards the plaza.
Source:
› Simulated historical climate & weather data for The Hague. (n.d.). Meteoblue. https:// www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/historyclimate/climatemodelled/the-hague_ the-netherlands_2747373
› Google images
Revitalizing Urban Grids: Infusing Life and Greens in a Central Acupuncture Point
Leidsplein, Amsterdam
Dam Square, Amsterdam
Istanbul Square, Turkey
Badhra plaza, India
Sowwah Square, Dubai
Playing with levels and curved edges
Process Analysis
Existing condition - Gray identity
Green Square with existing streets intersecting
Inducing green pockets - Some green in a gray envelop
Providing a new identity
A Plaza of Varied Patterns and Harmonious Spaces
The unconventional diagonal pattern in the plaza, intentionally varied in spacing, sparks curiosity and encourages exploration. Offering diverse spaces, it allows people to experience a range of emotions in different areas. The intentional fluctuation in pathway width adds an element of interest. In the top view, a harmonious blend of materials and nature is evident.
Each building’s unique activities guided the allocation of spaces, ensuring smaller pockets counterbalance the central trail’s weight and cater to individuals leaving the buildings. For instance, a tree shaded seating area outside the restaurant invites people to sit outside and have food., while a separate seating area provides a space for relaxation after exiting the community center. Converging point of streets leads individuals from different directions to the church through experience of the trail.
Conducting a shadow analysis highlighted the crucial role of trees, providing essential shade for seating areas. In January, the entire plaza falls under the shadow of surrounding buildings, while in June, it effectively shields individuals from direct sunlight, creating comfortable spaces for people to sit in the cool tree shade.
Way to the trail
Plaza view in the day
Plaza view in the evening
Crafting Sections, Materials, and Illuminated Atmospheres
Crafting distinct sections with part plan, specifying materials, and drawing inspiration from various references. The subsequent renders showcase the potential for creating an interactive and social atmosphere in the day & evenings. With strategic lighting layouts, the area, currently dormant after shop closures, transforms into a lively hub, inviting community engagement from different perspectives.
B - Cycle path & pedestrian details
A - Market plaza details
C - Turf details
Plant species
Materials
Evaluation
Ecological Inclusivity : Transforming Urban Spaces with Ecological Sensibility
In response to the urgent demands of the climate emergency, prioritizing a nature-inclusive environment is crucial. The shift towards adopting an urban ecosystem model underscores the need for incorporating the layers of biosphere, hydrosphere, and pedolithosphere within the urban built system.
This comprehensive approach seeks to revolutionize the postWorld War planning mindset, advocating for a departure from the
conventional model of extensive paving neighborhoods combined with a large park. Instead, it promotes a more nuanced integration of nature within neighborhoods, challenging the typical planning style of that era to enhance environmental resilience and establish sustainable urban habitats. A biodiverse environment has been curated by selecting specific tree and plant species, fostering a habitat that attracts birds, flies, and insects.
I believe I have successfully achieved the goals set during the initial stages of the project, through SUET and studio design methodologies. The creation of a socio-ecological environment stands as a testament to my commitment to balance human needs with ecological integrity. While aiming to establish a central vista connecting both ends of the neighborhood. Prioritizing environmental concerns, I conscientiously avoided demolishing any structurally elements just to make a design statement. Instead, I crafted an indirect green path leading to another focal point, offering an alternative, environmentally conscious approach to creating a connecting vista.
Would you prefer the presence of an interactive plaza that offers seating and encourages social interaction?
Would you utilize a community center if it were available in the area?
Depends on the services
Do you believe the introduction of a kids’ play school is suitable for this location in the neighborhood?
Would you consider visiting daily for socializing and dining if there were a pleasant plaza with new eateries?
Initially, the environment was characterized by extensive paving, leading to high PET analysis result of maximum 59.19° C. However, after the introduction of various green elements and permeable pavements, the maximum PET significantly dropped to 30.49° C. This stark contrast underscores the efficacy of a nature-inclusive design in mitigating the environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable and comfortable urban environment.
The air temperature analysis further supports the comfort and suitability of the area for relaxation. The incorporation of nature and thoughtful design elements has contributed to creating a space that is consistently comfortable for individuals to sit and unwind.
what do think the transformation of this space into the proposed design?
Social Inclusivity : Evaluating Neighborhood Interventions and Design Enthusiasm
A comprehensive physical survey was conducted on 29th Jan sought to capture public opinion on the neighborhood interventions implemented, evaluating the appropriateness of the prepared design. Gathering feedback from 27 participants through render presentations of the proposed site, a majority expressed enthusiasm for enhanced interaction opportunities. Many participants welcomed the idea of additional eateries and a pleasant ambiance, reducing the need to travel to the city center.
Positive sentiments were particularly highlighted among parents, who found the prospect of a play school very appealing. Notably, the community center and plaza received widespread approval, with residents expressing satisfaction at the prospect of having local community services and a lively evening space, eliminating the need to travel long distances.
Source:
org/10.5220/0005711202810289
› Urban Microclimate lecture Envi-met
Envi-met : Transformative Impact
Pezzoli, A., & Bellasio, R. (2015). Analysis of Thermal Comfort for Cycling Sport: A Case Study for Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. Enviroware Concorezzo. https://doi.
Expectations and Learnings
Coming from a different background and having previously embraced a different ideology of work, my experience in this program has been marked by a significant shift in perspective. My expectations when I applied to TU Delft were centered around the idea that the Netherlands, with its rich history of urbanism, would provide the ideal environment for learning in this field.
In the past quarter, I've undergone a significant shift in my approach to urban planning, leading to a more structured and systematic understanding of this complex field. Before coming here as an architect, I was accustomed to working within a highly confined zone, where restrictions and limitations often defined the scope of my projects. Consequently, I’ve come to recognize that effective urban planning is not a linear journey, as I once thought. It's not about simply progressing from territorial to neighborhood and street levels in a predetermined order. Rather, it involves a dynamic and iterative process that often requires revisiting and zooming in and out of different scales.
An illuminating shift in my perspective occurred during the design process of the Leyweg vista. Initially, I perceived the project’s impact as localized within the immediate urban area. However, a crucial realization prompted me to zoom out to a larger scale, recognizing the importance of understanding ecological connections. It became evident that only a segment of Leyweg was disconnected from the broader ecological zones. This experience served as a valuable lesson, emphasizing that small-scale neighborhood projects transcend rigid boundaries and necessitate a holistic approach
Unifying Voices: Crafting a sustainable Vision Together
Collaborating within a group setting is an intricate process that demands not only individual commitment but also the ability to synergize diverse perspectives and talents. The effectiveness of our group work hinged on open and structured communication, where all four of us actively engaged in discussions, valuing and integrating each other's ideas. This collaborative experience has underscored the effectiveness of our teamwork and our collective ability to assimilate distinct concepts and transform conflicts into innovative solutions. As part of my role, I focused on energy systems, conducting research on energy levels within the neighborhood and exploring various sustainable projects that could be integrated into our overarching goals.Our journey culminated in the development of a unified and comprehensive vision in SUET that artfully summarizes the diversity of perspectives and ideas contributed by our team.
Refining My Vision: Assessing Gaps in Urbanism
In evaluating my individual project, I identified areas necessitating further analysis. Specifically, I acknowledged the absence of assessments pertaining to existing activities in both the neighborhood and the broader city, impacting the Leyweg area and the community. Moreover, my project predominantly concentrated on social and ecological perspectives, inadvertently overlooking aspects such as climate charts and sun direction analysis. Faced with time constraints and the comprehensive nature of the work, strategic limitations were made. However, despite these constraints, I successfully conveyed my vision through effective design and illustrations, culminating in a satisfactory overall experience.
Theoretical Foundation: Nature in Urban Design
From the project’s inception, my primary goals revolved around sustainable development and fostering community interaction. The overarching vision aimed to artistically transform the urban landscape, using nature as a catalyst to elevate the area into a vibrant public realm, promoting connectivity and development. As the project evolved, it became clear that this vision harmoniously aligned with the theoretical framework, effectively justifying the work within this context. The emphasis on socio-ecological inclusivity, particularly regarding biodiversity, provided additional validation for the project’s theoretical foundations, ultimately underscoring the pivotal role of nature in urban design.
My reflective text encapsulates the convergence of diverse themes, from redefining urban perspectives to contributing to a unified and comprehensive structural plan. Personal evolution in urbanism, shifting from rigid boundaries to holistic thinking. Valuable group collaboration experiences and project insights. Embracing nature for resilient city development.
