From industrial site to vibrant urban district
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The Witsenterrein forms part of a larger urban transformation along the Alkmaar Canal. The area is set to evolve into a mixed-use residential and working district. Studio D was asked to develop a future-proof design for the housing and the adjacent public realm.
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How do you design an attractive living environment that adds value at the scale of the city?
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At the heart of the large-scale transformation along the Alkmaar Canal, a living and working environment emerges, interwoven with a robust network of public spaces, routes and greenery.
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Research into programme and associated building volumes formed the foundation for the design choices and principles. This resulted in a clear, scale-sensitive framework in which living, working and meeting reinforce one another.
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A new urban ensemble between water and city. The plan strengthens the connection between the existing neighbourhood and the Alkmaar Canal.
At the centre of the plan lies a generous public space that clearly extends beyond the scale of the neighbourhood. Conceived as an urban square, it adds value to Alkmaar as a whole. Through its location and design, it acts as a connecting element between city and water, with pedestrian and cycling routes providing an intuitive link to the surrounding districts.
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Connections
The pedestrian and cycling route runs along the water in both directions. The square forms a new resting point along this route.
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Connection to the water
The tree line along the waterfront, partly present on the western side, is extended further. At the level of the square, it takes on a more playful character, creating increased visual contact with the water.
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Placemaking
The programme within the new residential building includes an active ground floor with hospitality and workspaces. The public realm accommodates events, sports and places to stay.
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The main building is designed with a stepped massing: taller along the canal, gradually stepping down towards the lower surrounding buildings. The façade is composed of a rhythmic grid structure, creating articulation and variation. The ground floor is slightly set back from the upper levels and accommodates a diverse programme.
Active ground-floor frontages enhance the vibrancy of the area and stimulate interaction between inside and outside.
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The Witsenterrein is not an addition to the city, but a new layer in its story.