December 20, 2024 Competitions, News
Station area · Utrecht, the Netherlands
New public spaces and revived connections
Overview of projects contributing to the redevelopment of Utrecht station area
Strengthening urban dynamics and cohesion
Due to complex and fragmented ownership and the many functions within the area, the plan was conceived as a series of interconnected projects that could be executed independently and in their own time: an elevated entrance plaza, a connecting elevated public space, the Catharijnesingel, the Jaarbeursplein, and the Croeselaan. Each project is based on its own qualities, opportunities, programme, and role within the overall plan. All of them connect directly with the surrounding environment and can serve as a foundation for potential new developments. In this way, each design contributes to the dynamics and cohesion of both the station area and the city as a whole.
Meeting space between city and station
A key objective of each design was to prevent and address issues that arose from the scale expansion of the 1960s. All the interventions we designed are therefore focused on social safety, avoiding back-end areas, and creating connections with the surrounding environment. Our concept of an elevated public plaza as a connecting link between the station area and the city centre is the intervention that brought many of the area’s puzzle pieces together. This intervention created new public space on the elevated level, as well as space directly underneath for the largest covered bicycle parking facility in the world.
Central space for special events
We transformed the Jaarbeursplein from an introverted traffic square into an inviting, central meeting place with water features, trees, and space for large-scale city events. The square acts as a catalyst for a new urban area that will be developed around it in the long term.
Elevated urban boulevard as connector
On the other side of the tracks, the Forum serves as the main integrative intervention; an elevated public urban boulevard with ample greenery and informal, pleasant seating areas. The Forum functions as both a passageway and a place to linger, connecting the station area with the surrounding offices and residences. The elevation ensures a safe, clear separation between the pedestrian zone and space for logistics and public transport.
Natural connection to the city centre
The transformation of the traffic artery Catharijnebaan into Catharijnesingel not only restores the original watercourse but also re-establishes the natural connection between the station and the city centre. The renewed Catharijnesingel brings greenery, nature, water, and tranquillity deep into one of the busiest areas in the Netherlands, providing the city with an inclusive, attractive park that everyone can enjoy.
Reviving qualities and creating new opportunities
The redevelopment of the station area allows the potential and qualities of many places in and around the area to be rediscovered and utilised. At the Croeselaan, we infuse the newly created dynamism of the location with a high-quality green structure, including a sculpture garden for artworks removed during the transformation and a care area for trees.
We are also currently working on the expansion of the Moreelsepark, where we are ensuring a car-free, nature-inclusive, and attractive integration of existing monuments and new developments based on the historical structure.
In this way, a gradually rolled-out vision for the Utrecht station area not only returns connections, qualities, and public spaces to the city but also lays the groundwork for the (re)discovery of opportunities and qualities.
Moreelsepark
