europan 9 , Nederland City Almere Location Almere Poort, IJmeerkwartier Population 180,000 Study site approximately 10 ha Site of project approximately 2 ha

TOPIC Almere is situated in the southwest of the Dutch province of . The city was originally an autonomous centre, but it will gradually transform into a "dual city" with neighbouring Amsterdam. In this context Almere has to focus on valuable economic facilities, new infrastructure and new residential environments. The site is situated at a traffic hub, on a "main slow-traffic route" and can be accessed from the water by means of landing stages. A boulevard is planned, intended for pedestrians and cyclists with occasional access for motorcars. Public transport is available by bus (approx. 400 m) and train (approx. 1,500 m). The dike level of 5 m+ along the future boulevard could possibly be utilised for parking facilities. It is important to safeguard the public area from erosion caused by the diverse users. Flexibility in the public space and in the architectural elements is a pre-requisite. A link can be sought with the solar housing projects in the Columbuskwartier district where ingenious solutions are applied to reduce the use of (fossil) energy. The public space will have a mix of users such as motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, residents, employees, tourists, bathers and sunbathers.

TERRITORIAL SCALE : CONURBATION Almere lies roughly in the centre of the , and it is bordered on three sides by water. To the north lies the Markermeer, to the west the IJmeer and to the south the Gooimeer. To the east Almere is bordered by an open polder area. In the future Almere will develop in a westerly and easterly direction. A growth of 60,000 homes by 2030 is projected. The transformation to a "dual city" with Amsterdam, on the opposite side of the IJmeer, requires improving the connections between both centres in the future; the decision-making process for this is at a national level.

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URBAN SCALE : STUDY SITE The study area is situated in Pampushout, a woodland area planted some thirty years ago, that forms part of the green structure of Almere. The woodland is approximately 500 ha in size, it is situated between the autonomous centres of Almere Poort and Almere Pampus and is composed of woodland sections with various tree species. The study area itself is an area of 2,000 metres by 300 metres, totalling 60 ha. On the southern side lie the Homeruskwartier and Columbuskwartier, two districts with single-family housing and shopping facilities on a district level that is still at the planning stage. The area extends to the west up to and including the dike along the IJmeer. The dike is six metres above ground level. It is important to note that the ground level of the study area - the former seabed (clay) - lies three metres under Amsterdam Ordnance Datum. Programmatic intentions: It is an extension of the urban tissu of the city.

PROXIMITY SCALE : SITE OF PROJECT The intervention area is reserved for 100 larger and smaller apartments in the higher-priced owner-occupied sector that are included in the programme. The intervention area is situated at the pivotal point mentioned previously and comprises both woodland and the dike and the water on the other side of the dike. The designer can opt to incorporate these elements - either in combination or not - in the design. Programmatic intentions: Given the prominent location at the top of the future boulevard - which will be flanked by apartments with varying building heights as well as a wide range of facilities in the base - at the top end of a woodland and of future coastal developments in Almere Pampus, an interesting mix of programme components linking up with this situation is conceivable.

page 1 2 3 4 europan 9 Almere, Nederland

page 1 2 3 4 europan 9 Almere, Nederland

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