Mixed Life in De Nieuwe Defensie

The city had broadly decided to redevelop a former industry and military site along a canal in walking distance, but on the backside of the central train station, into a ‘healthy neighborhood’. The design team of architects and landscape architect interpreted the ‘healthy’ motto in favour of humans and more. The successful pitch envisaged an environment for flourishing flora and fauna, as well as a home for people of different income levels. A neighborhood that is diverse, yet strong in character.
Careful mixing of all forms is key. The three masterplan blocks are broken down into building sections that mix different typologies: public housing with effi cient gallery access sits along a range of market housing types. The future residents are the center of the design with flexibility in the unit plans and spaces for individual appropriation. The transition between private and public is carefully designed to ensure protection and comfort. A small number of materials and facade designs, together with an overall inclusion of natural spaces leads to a diverse, yet controlled overall image. In order to create such a multi-layered, yet buildable and economically viable project, we worked as ‘construction team’ from the start of the design process together with the lead developer, and the construction company.