'urban beads' - architeria.eu

MVRDV PRESENTS 'URBAN BEADS' FOR ALMERE, NETHERLANDS


In the larger context of the presentation of the new Almere Port area, Dutch housing association
Stadgenoot and the city of Almere presented the MVRDV project for Olympiakwartier, introducing
an ambitious new urban density and variety into the fast growing city near Amsterdam. MVRDV
is architect for a part of the new development.

Almere, founded in 1984 on reclaimed land, is growing fast into becoming the fifth largest city
of the Netherlands. After realizing a new city centre Almere now is building a new urban neighborhood
“Olympiakwartier”, at its Western border close to Amsterdam, which will introduce urban density.

MVRDV will design a series of different elements that will be used to compose nine dense urban
blocks. The elements will achieve great variety in design and function and will be accompanied by
a series of ‘specials’ that will be designed by Dutch and international offices under quality supervision
of MVRDV and housing association Stadgenoot.

The strategy is comparable to a bead necklace which can be composed of a variety of different
or repeating elements. The elements can be exclusive and inexpensive, large and small and repeat in
different colors or materials. The plan allows for individual development of the elements within the grid:
a dense urban mix of living and working within some of the elements, flexible elements facilitating
transformation and development leading to a complex urban condition. Retail, an urban square and
gardens are also part of the comprehensive plan.

Housing association Stadgenoot commissioned MVRDV to be architect and planner for 60,000m2
work space, 120,000m2 housing (1,000 homes), 15,000m2 education, 2,000m2 commercial space,
2,640 parking spaces and various public spaces.

Frank Bijdendijk, director of housing association Stadgenoot said “We asked MVRDV to develop in
a short timeframe a plan which offers a great variety, flexibility and high quality of the building blocks.
The result is magnificent. Stadgenoot is very confident that this plan will give Olympiakwartier
the exposure the quarter deserves.”

MVRDV’s project foresees in sustainable features such as natural ventilation, efficient use of daylight,
mechanical parking facilities and ecological facades. Together with British engineering firm Arup an
innovative ecological element is in development which will contain the latest in energy efficient and
green technology.

Completion is expected in 2016, the Amsterdam based housing association Stadgenoot commissioned
MVRDV and development company Kristal for the project. Dutch architecture firm Mecanoo
has designed the urban masterplan and the city of Almere is supervising principal.