MARIAHILFERSTRASSE IN VIENNA*

Vienna’s municipal government transformed the city’s largest shopping street, Mariahilferstrasse, from a major arterial to a partially car-free promenade. The 1.6km-long street is now divided into a number of zones that are fully car free as well as zones that allow limited automobile traffic. The design aimed to redevelop the street for pedestrians and bicyclists while also creating spaces where people can hang out. A number of different clusters with varying constellations of street furniture, green spaces and fountains provide pedestrians with places to stop and rest. Already in the design phase, the street furniture was placed in the newly closed central section to help users get used to the new situation.

*in collaboration with Bureau B+B

Client: Municipality of Vienna
Design: 2013–2014
Execution:2014–2015

ALDENHOFPARK IN HOENSBROEK*

In a district of the town of Hoensbroek that had been struggling with a shrinking population, the Municipality of Heerlen in Limburg had several multi-level buildings demolished to make room for a new park, a community school and life-cycle-proof homes. Neighbourhood residents played an active role in the transformation process. Urban planning, architecture and landscaping were all developed in close connection with each other, taking fully into consideration the geology of the subsoil and characteristics of the immediate surroundings. The result is a village-like area in the centre of Hoensbroek with pleasant residential and recreational options. The park and the community school were realised between 2014 and 2017. The life-cycle-proof homes are still under development.

*in collaboration with Bureau B+B

Client: Municipality of Heerlen
Design: 2011–2012
Execution: 2013–2017

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA OUTSIDE KATWIJK’S NEW PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL

The area outside of Katwijk’s brand-new public swimming pool needed to be redeveloped. Inspired by the dune landscape of the nearby seaside, the design for the redevelopment project included a variety of practical functions, including the parking area and the main entrances to both the swimming pool and a neighbouring church. All of those have been playfully incorporated into the landscape. The use of colours fits in with the sand dunes theme. The brown and sand-coloured paving of the adjacent market square (likewise part of the redeveloped area) reflects the traditional pattern of knitted sweaters from this old fishing village.

Client: Municipality of Katwijk
Design: 2015–2017
Execution: 2017–2019

NATURA ARTIS MAGISTRA IN AMSTERDAM

Two unique assignments were realised at Artis, the Amsterdam zoo: enclosures for red pandas and wallabies, respectively. On the basis of highly specific requirements, optimal habitats were created for these animals. But it was also important to let visitors get as close to them as possible. For that reason, the enclosure for the red pandas, who like to remain high in the trees, is situated below ground level, while the wallabies’ enclosure is separated from the rest of the park by a low wall and a trench. A path cutting through the wallaby exhibit allows visitors to walk freely among the animals.

Client: Natura Artis Magistra
Design: 2011–2016
Execution: 2011–2016