Gerwin de Vries
Meer over: Gerwin de Vries
Founder / Landschapsarchitect
gerwin@fluxlandscape.nlWerkspoorkwartier
Flux has created a design for the outdoor space of the Werkspoor Cathedral in Utrecht. The Werkspoor Cathedral was part of a factory complex in Utrecht where trains and bridges, among other things, were manufactured. The current Werkspoor Quarter, on the west side of Utrecht, will be developed into an urban and mixed-use area. The Werkspoor Cathedral will be a striking and public place within this area. With the addition of workplaces, catering facilities, and an event site, the Werkspoor Cathedral will become an important destination within the city of Utrecht. Flux aims to make the area around the Werkspoor Cathedral attractive, open, and inviting.
Project details
To prevent the various functions from dividing the area into separate parts, Flux proposes a carpet of paving that can be used flexibly for multiple functions and incorporates plants and objects. The carpet is characterized by a diagonal line, inspired by the diagonal railway tracks in the old floor of the industrial railway cathedral. Stelcon slabs, basalt gravel, and scoria stones give the carpet an industrial look, while plants create a wild appearance. All seating and play elements are made from old railway beams, and the old railway lines in the area are incorporated into the carpet. They were used to transport parts to and from the site and show how the area used to function. Intensively used areas such as entrances and program concentrations are subtly distinguished by a refinement in the paving. The most important part of the plan is the transformation of the harbor into a public space with steps leading down to the water and a terrace.
The Werkspoorpad is an initiative and design by Flux and forms a 2.5 km walking route through the Werkspoorkwartier. The path connects a number of important locations such as Zuilen station, the Werkspoorkathedraal, and the Hof van Cartesius. Parking will be organized differently, improving the quality of life for pedestrians and cyclists. The path is characterized by sturdy concrete bands with text and distance markings and can be further expanded in the future.
