Weezenlanden Noord Gebouw A
The city canal of Zwolle is one of the most distinguished in the Netherlands. It borders the development area for which Urhahn, in collaboration with Moke Architecten, created an urban development plan. The new neighbourhood bridges the formality of the courthouse and provincial office with the green character of the canal and the atmosphere of the adjacent neighbourhoods. Key to its success? Underground parking.
Programme
Housing construction, facilities, parking
Architect
Ludo Grooteman
Team
Teresa Vacca
Status
In development
Year
2017 – now
Location
Zwolle
Client
Openbaar Belang
Green and blue in the heart of the city
The new residential neighbourhood forms a green link between Park Weezenland and the green structure of the canal. The buildings are scattered across a park-like public space with a variety of winding paths and small gardens. That same green structure also supports rainwater retention. The natural storage capacity of the ground layer is large enough to handle heavy rain showers and to gradually release water into the water system. The Almelo canal is the new neighbourhood’s natural border on the north side.
The key to success: underground parking
The Weezenlanden Noord district simultaneously feels like a residential area and a park. The connections between the houses consist not of roads but primarily of paths. This is made possible by the extensive underground parking structure.
Human scale and variety
The buildings in the neighbourhood almost all vary in height, while three of them tower above the rest. The homes and amenities in the plinth provide the neighbourhood with a lively and transparent appearance, which is important for a pedestrian area. In contrast, the tall buildings feature finer detailing, creating a sense of small-scale intimacy. In combination with the pathways, greenery, courtyards, and gardens, this is a pleasant place to live and relax.