The Green Chain

The green heart of future development

Assignment: The studio's primary focus was to design a multifunctional public park that would serve as a new landmark and engage a broad audience. It sought to create unique, sustainable park concepts that stood out from existing designs and addressed community unity, green landscapes, biodiversity, diverse activities, and the translation of complex ideas into attractive and understandable designs. Essentially, the studio aimed to develop innovative and appealing public park concepts that positively impact their surroundings.

Research

Defining an iconic park is quite challenging, especially when it's in an area within the city that is yet to have a public park. The fundamental question here is, what makes an iconic park truly iconic? To gain insights, I conducted a small research study, examining well-known parks from around the world to broaden my understanding of how to design one.

I discovered that every iconic park possesses something truly special, something that deviates from conventional expectations of what a park should be. While these distinctive features are deliberately designed, I believe the true uniqueness of a park lies in the experience it offers, the surprises it presents to visitors. Designing such an intangible feeling or experience can be exceptionally challenging, but the most effective approach is often to embrace and build upon the history and stories associated with the site. These stories can be enhanced and brought to life through the incorporation of objects, pathways, sightlines, or other thoughtful elements within the park's design.

In the end, the goal is not just to create a physical space but to craft an emotional and memorable experience that resonates with visitors and becomes a cherished part of the city's identity. This is why I endeavored to visualize the DNA of the Noorder IJplas, allowing me to propose a design rooted in its unique stories.

Introduction to the Noorder IJplas

Based on multiple site visits, interviews, media research, and data analysis and mapping, a vision for the Noorder IJplas has been formulated. This approach is human-oriented and values the identity of the places within it as well as the identity of both Zaandam as well as Amsterdam. The Noorder IJplas possesses a unique DNA, and therefore, this vision also focuses on preserving and enhancing it.

The concept of "The Green Chain" prioritizes ecology(1), the creation of a vibrant waterfront(2), establishing both a physical connection between Zaandam and Amsterdam (3) and an emotional connection with the Noorder IJpark (3). This plan revises the Noorder IJplas plans and emphasizes key elements: a historical dike as a spatial connector, a green ecological connection to the polders of Oostzaan, a lively and active waterfront, a green oasis amidst urban boundaries, harmony with existing buildings, a (quiet) tramline surrounded by greenery and water, and the unique experience of the electricity pylons. The aim is to create a vibrant, sustainable environment that benefits both the community and the environment that prepares the area for developments.

Typology & structure

The current structure of the Noorder IJplas and its surroundings is complex, with existing homes and plans for future residential development. However, there is a concern that simply building a large quantity of new housing may not automatically create a vibrant community. The plans for Havenstad and Achtersluispolder often lack sufficient consideration for the transitional phase. It is essential that the redevelopment not only accommodates new residents but also enriches the entire surrounding community. This calls for a balanced approach that considers the interests of all stakeholders and aims to create a vibrant and inclusive Noorder IJplas that enhances the overall quality of the area.

Human-scale connections

The Noorder IJplas is currently isolated due to poor slow traffic connections, with the A10 highway acting as a barrier. However, this isolation provides a unique opportunity for redevelopment. By improving both physical and ecological connections and utilizing historical elements like the Oostzanerdijk and the southern quay hidden behind industrial structures, the Noorder IJplas can become a vibrant waterfront community, allowing its unique identity to thrive.

Soil & ecology

The Noorder IJplas area boasts intriguing soil and ecology, despite current challenges in water and soil quality. Its diverse and unique wildlife, unusual for an urban setting, thrives in an interesting and varied landscape. By enhancing connectivity to the surroundings, the area can further expand its already substantial and diverse wildlife population, promoting nature conservation and growth.

Concept

Prioritize Ecology

By weaving natural elements into the urban fabric several urban issues can be foreseen. By focussing on ecological connections in urban areas, healthier and more sustainable environments will develop, ensuring a better quality of life for both people and the planet.

Lively waterfront

A lively waterfront enriches the urban landscape fosters economic growth and recreational opportunities. It becomes a focal point for social interaction and leisure activities, enhancing the overall appeal and livability of the area. A thriving waterfront is the heart and soul of urban development.

Physical connection

Physical connections are vital. They facilitate mobility, as well as accessibility. These connections include roads, bridges, public transport, and pathways. A well-connected city promotes economic growth, social cohesion, and overall functionality.

Emotional connection

Emotional connections create a sense of attachment to the environment and fosters a sense of identity, making the space more livable and meaningful for its residents and visitors. It creates a (green) buffer as well as an attractive transition zone inbetween two one-of-a-kind cities.

Masterplan

Bicycle street

A clear bicycle connection is crucial for fostering sustainable transport & improving overall community health.

Water activities

Water activities in provide recreation, relaxation, & environmental benefits, enhancing the quality of life.

Boathouses

Integrating existing inhabitants & creating transition zones fosters harmony, minimizes disruption & enhance community engagement.

Electricity lines

Integrating the high voltage lines preserves the park’s unique identity while creating one of a kind places.

Public transport

A public transport line connects people to nature, enhancing accessibility & providing a unique experience.

Active waterfront

Active waterfronts enhance urban vibrancy, offering recreational opportunities & a sense of community connection.

Calculations program

In this plan for the area of the Noorder IJplas, building envelopes has been drawn. Through a number of key figures a program could be determined:

Maximum percentage built area (%)
Deviation between working and housing (%)
Avarage of the size of a single home (m2)
Average of a single job (m2)

I conducted an analysis of reference projects to determine the maximum allowable building coverage percentage for the plot, which resulted in a figure of 75%. Substantial research has been undertaken regarding the integration of residential and commercial spaces, indicating that a 60-40 distribution is advantageous. I have maintained an average residential unit size of 100 square meters. Additionally, I have allocated 30 square meters for workspace, a value consistent with the planning guidelines established for Havenstad.

Calculations green

The primary impetus behind this project stems from the green connectivity aspect. However, it is imperative to assess the actual extent of "green" integration. The municipality aspires to consistently achieve a minimum of 60 square meters of green public space. It has come to my attention that this threshold cannot be met within the existing plans, such as those for Havenstad.

By addressing this concern proactively at an early stage, we can ensure the provision of an ample amount of high-quality public space upon project completion. To this end, I have conducted an analysis to quantify the deviation of green space within the designated area.

Presentation poster

Honourable mentionsAnastasiia Paliiy | Urbanist | Teacher

Google Sites

Report abuse