Leidsche Rijn Centre plan
Leidsche Rijn is developing a city centre. JCA’s urban development plan for this area references a Central European urban structure and atmosphere, including shops on the ground floor with apartments or office space above. The different city blocks are designed by six architects simultaneously, shoulder to shoulder. Ludo Grooteman is responsible for the architecture of three buildings.
Programme
Shopping, living
Architect
Dok Architecten; Ludo Grooteman
Team
Pieter Lievense, Rik Lambers
Status
Completed
Year
2007 – 2017
Location
Utrecht
Client
ASR / Vesteda
Photographer
Thijs Wolzak
Unified diversity
Various characteristic exterior spaces colour the public area. A large square on the north side and a curved park on the east side cross the city centre and provide soft touches to the dense urban structure. Moreover, each city block has its own form and layout, and intimate shopping streets and small squares define the centre. The architecture is both traditional and contemporary. One of Ludo’s buildings has gently curved balcony bands that appear playful and classic. For another building, he designed wavy floors that nod to Amsterdam School architecture.
Terraces and outdoor spaces in the heart of the city
The third building features prominently ascending terraces that add a euphoric accent to the new park below. The terraces offer residents comfortable and beautiful outdoor spaces on the park side, while the plinth provides a smooth transition between the ground floor and the first floor.