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Jaarbeursplein · Utrecht, the Netherlands

A vibrant city stage

From transit hub to the iconic square of the renewed station area

 
 

The Jaarbeursplein square in Utrecht was historically the backside of the station, a crossing place, lacking any significant quality of stay. Located on the west side of the central station, it served as a passage between the station and the Jaarbeurs Exhibition & Convention Centre. However, with the implementation of the master plan for the station area, CU2030, Jaarbeursplein was upgraded to a new role: to become the largest city square in Utrecht, serving as a dynamic meeting place for travellers, shoppers, residents and workers alike.

 
Location
Utrecht, the Netherlands
 
Status
Constructed
 
Year
2012 - 2018
 
Project area
4 ha
 
Client
Stationomgeving station Utrecht Centraal
 
Collaboration
ZJA, Witteveen+Bos
 
Photography credits
Antoine Thevenet
 
 
 

A square in constant transition

As the most prominent open space along the station area, it constantly changed in the 20th century according to the needs of the area, from bus station to bicycle parking. These adjustments, in which space was constantly taken away, resulted in a messy square without coherence or clarity. The challenge was to create a welcoming entrance to the new urban development at the westside of the station, preserving flexibility, though also an inviting place to stay.

 
 
 
Creator of meaningful places

A place for events and quality of stay

As the station area is in constant flux, with ongoing construction projects over decades, it was important that the square itself provides a constant and resting point in the public realm. This extra challenge, ensuring that after the completion of the square it would allow major changes in the buildings on several sides, required strategic solutions. Furthermore, the square connects to other open spaces such as the entrance and former parking lot of the Jaarbeurs and the busy Graadt van Roggeweg. Bringing that the quality of public space at all stages of the development to the square would function as a catalyst for the development of the wider area.

Design

On and around the new Jaarbeursplein everything is extra-large (XL). This can even be applied to the use of the square: it too is XL. The design of the square was orchestrating for various situations. The square accommodates for large flows of pedestrians, cyclists, and major events in the city. It is an event square, though at the same time, the place also had to acquire residential quality as an anchor point for the upgrade of the entire western station area. We envisioned a concept that aims to achieve a welcoming human scale within this XL environment, creating a lively and socially safe square.

Creator of meaningful places
Green structure
Flows
Typology
Access points
 
Creator of meaningful places

The square is designed with a set of long, low steps that connect and define the space, providing a pleasant place out of the wind and in the sun. These steps also serve to separate pedestrians and cyclists, creating a clear division between paved and green areas, and spaces for transitions and places to stay.

The square will have a robust assortment of trees planted, with a variety of species creating variety through the seasons. The trees give both a sense of scale and of diversity throughout the seasons, as well as provide a vertical accent that further integrates the square with the surrounding high-rise. Additionally, they connect the square atmosphere to the experience of Croeselaan and the city canals, both with a similar focus on trees.

Flexibility

The combination of flexibility, sustainability and appearance make it an attractive square for events. It is now the second area we designed to serve as the starting point for the Tour de France. Various new construction projects are currently being realised on the Jaarbeurs side, strengthening the position of the square as the heart and entrance of the renovated city district. Additionally, the area on the north side, where a parking garage used to be, will soon be redeveloped.

Creator of meaningful places
 
 
 

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