A neighbourhood where people are happy

MWKZ 04 – Defensieterrein

Location: Utrecht, the Netherlands
Client: BPD Ontwikkeling BV

Program: 23.000m2 gross floor area, 190 residential units (of which 90 social housing units), commercial and collective spaces, 12.800m2 parking garage

The neighbourhood of the Defensieterrein is unique because of its central location in the heart of the city of Utrecht. At the same time it provides green spaces, attractive meeting places and iconic historic buildings on the Merwedekanaal. This is a neighbourhood where social, economic and ecological aspects are inextricably linked to each other. A green, diverse and inclusive area where small and large scale, residents and entrepreneurs, poor and rich all go together. In short: a unique and healthy 21st-century inner city district in Utrecht! Our aim is to strengthen and preserve these unique qualities in the further development. What are core values ​​that characterize the area and how can you translate these aspects into the architectural expression? In this document (the preliminary design), MLA + answers these questions. Together with ANA architects we are responsible for the architectural development of blocks 1 and 2 in the first phase of this development.

Block 1 and 2 form a sustainable, urban and attractive building ensemble. With a wide variety of housing types for urban families, starters and older residents who would like to stay in Utrecht or want to come there in the near future. A coherent yet varied and layered design with a great deal of attention for living with large outdoor areas, movement and integration of green … … in other words: a neighbourhood where people are happy.

Stages:
2018 – present: all design phases including applying for environmental license and aesthetic supervision of implementing phases

Team:
MLA+: Evert Dorresteijn, Sarah Wolff, Bas de Boer, Thomas Smit, Lizzy van Zon, Jochem Kolthof

SVP (masterplan)
Okra (landscape)
ANA Architecten
EFFEKT
CROSS