The new approach to Nijlân focuses on synchronizing stakeholder investments with an adaptive spatial strategy. Analyses of dust and residue show that the district is full of new raw materials and thus present new opportunities. Every opportunity is taken to work on the strengthening of social, economic and ecological vitality or sustainable urbanization.
The design created by FABRICations, Dyke & Co and O + A is not a final image, but a customizable set of interventions. It starts with the radical rejection of the dominant vehicle structure allowing pedestrians and cyclists to take possession of the public domain. A system of connective paths create green space for meeting and allow neighboring features to cross-link. The aim is to fully exploit the potential of public space as a meeting place.
This framework of trails offers a landscape full of the opportunities to lease large areas of green space to active citizens, hobby clubs and organized forms of urban agriculture. Local agricultural products are grown in collectively managed gardens and orchards. So by playing in the co-producing and self-organizing ability of residents and other interested parties, the costs of landscape maintenance can be used to strengthen social structures in the district.
Location: Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
Program: Public space & urban development
Year: 2013
Commissioner: Atelier Rijksbouwmeester, Gemeente Leeuwarden
Partners: Dijk, O+A
Design Directors Eric Frijters, Olv Klijn
Team: Nuria Ripol
