Energiepark Leiden is a remarkable part of Leiden on the fringe of the historic city center. It is characterized by its location on the canal and historical heritage featuring the power plant with its striking chimney. This area will transform into a dynamic place where sustainable living, recreation, space for greenery and biodiversity, culture and creativity come together. GROUP A was involved in the development plan, urban characterisation study and structure design of a sub-plan. The designs came about through close cooperation with developers, municipality, designers and residents and users.
GROUP A was commissioned by the Ontwikkel Combinatie Energiepark to develop the urban characterization study as part of the feasibility study of the Energiepark area transformation. With an area vision and location outlines of various subareas as starting points, a coherent design was established. In this design, the integration and positioning in the city center of Leiden, the routing for cyclists and pedestrians, the position and differentiated mass composition of the new buildings, the preservation and reuse of historical heritage, a mobility plan and phasing aspects have been optimally coordinated. The urban characterization study was created in collaboration with the various stakeholders and designers.
Backbone Energiepark
Situated in the midst of the area to be transformed is the large monumental power plant building. For now, the power plant is still in operation and divides the area in two. In the future, the Energiepad, a park promenade for pedestrians, will connect both parts. The Energiepad is spanned between the western entrance to the Energiepark and the Ambachtsplein, a place where crafts, hospitality and makerspaces provide a lively and dynamic environment.
Energetic, Connected and Healthy
The Energiepad also forms the connector between the park and the residential buildings. The new residential neighborhoods have a pleasant living environment with a size and scale that matches the historic city center. Particular attention was paid to creating a living environment that offers opportunities to meet and promote ownership in order for residents to cherish their home. A number of narrow streets, new and restored historic connections, provide a refined urban fabric of routes and strengthen the relationship with the park.
From Core Values to Design Principles
Following the development plan, GROUP A developed the urban characterization study in collaboration with the municipality. This plan is committed to strengthening the contrast between the architectural features of the historic inner city and those of the industrial heritage and more innovative new construction. Commissioned by Steenvlinder, GROUP A created a structural design of a sub-plan with many different housing types.
Facts
Client
OCE (Ontwikkel Combinatie Energiepark), consortium with Steenvlinder, BPD (Bouwfonds Property Development) and MBEG (MeyerBergman Erfgoed Groep)
Assignment
Development plan, urban characterization study and structure design of a sub-plan (assigned by Steenvlinder)
Location
Leiden
Area
ca. 4.5 hectares with a park and ca. 41,000 m2 GFA program
Function
Living, working, makerspace, culture, hospitality and social program
Start design
Q3 2020
Completed
Q4 2022
In collaboration with
OCE, Gemeente Leiden, Erfgoed Leiden, Nieuw Leids Bolwerk, Stijlgroep, GAAGA and Antea Group
Visuals
YuconVR
