Merwede
by MARC KOEHLER ARCHITECTS, VENHOEVENCS, LINGOTTO AND JANSSEN DE JONG PROJECTONTWIKKELING in Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Data Info
Author MARC KOEHLER ARCHITECTS, VENHOEVENCS, LINGOTTO AND JANSSEN DE JONG PROJECTONTWIKKELING
City Utrecht
Country The Netherlands
Year 2016
Program Mixed Urban District
Technical Info
Site area 240000 sqm
Gfa 0 sqm
Density 0 far
Population density 12000 inh/ha
Home Units: 6000
Jobs 0
Streetsroad: 0 %
Buildup: 0 %
NonBuild-up: 0 %
Residential 0 %
Business 0 %
Commercial 0 %
Civic 0 %
Description

    Urban Planning Principles

     

  • The district aims to become one of the largest inner-city, car-free areas in the Netherlands, covering an area equivalent to 34 football fields.
  • It plans to accommodate 12,000 residents, attracting a diverse demographic, including elderly residents, starters, and families.
  • The design allows residents to move freely without cars, prioritizing pedestrian and bicycle movement.
  •  

    Architectural Diversity

     

  • The architecture varies in size, height, and design, creating a distinctive roof landscape.
  • The buildings gradually increase in height from the canal side to the European-facing side.
  • The district comprises over 200 buildings, contributing to a unique cityscape known as Coulisse City.
  •  

    Diverse Environments

     

  • The district offers a range of environments from quiet residential areas to vibrant public spaces.
  • Facilities include schools, sports halls, cultural centers, and catering establishments.
  • Adaptive reuse plays a role, with spaces like the bicycle depot transformed into a market hall featuring restaurants, cafes, and creative activities.
  •  

    Sustainable Features

     

  • The car-free design encourages peace, space, and greenery, while reducing the carbon footprint.
  • Merwede Park along the canal and slow traffic routes enhance connectivity.
  • The development aims to achieve near energy-neutral status with the largest underground WKO system (thermal energy storage) in the Netherlands.
  •  

    Mixed-Use Design

     

  • Blocks 13 and 14 are designed to offer a mix of living spaces, public functions, and cultural programs.
  • Special attention is given to a flexible cultural center, encouraging community engagement.
  • A variety of housing types are available, including ground-level houses, lofts, work-live homes, apartments, and penthouses.
  •  

    Green Integration

     

  • Vertical streets and green routes connect different spaces within the blocks, promoting easy movement.
  • Modular and standardized building systems support the Open Building system, allowing for flexible programs and adaptability over time.
  • The overall approach prioritizes sustainability, balancing modern design with community well-being.
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