PRELUDE

2013
The Prelude concept treats the Hoendiep and Suikerunie area in Groningen as a free field where landscape and city meet. Open space is the most valuable, while access and a clear point of attraction need to be added. Prelude is a strategy for the first stage of a gradual spatial and social process to connect the free field to the urban fabric by a bridge and strip that create space. Recognising the uncertainties about the future development of these plots, the design focuses on the essential starting point, with a connector and attractor to trigger an adaptable form of urban use The local community is encouraged to plant Miscanthus at the site, for harvesting and use as material for green concrete to built the bridge step by step, so that it becomes an attraction as it grows.

2013-2014
After the competition, Europan Netherlands organized a first meeting with the municipality of Groningen and the Prelude project team, which was quickly followed by a kick-off meeting, a presentation to local entrepreneurs, and an exhibition in the city's urban planning office. Exchanges with the city's services made it possible to define the outlines of the mission, the objectives and the schedule. The project launched consisted in the construction of a temporary bridge allowing access to the site of the old factory, to be completed within six months.

2014
The city's request in a very short time period required a great capacity to adapt. In the competition proposal, the team had indeed suggested a slow development, in order to allow a fluid adaptation in time of the uses, while not disturbing the living environments. After the opening of the bridge in August 2014, the city of Groningen tried to initiate pursuits on housing projects or for an educational institution. However, the municipality ultimately did not follow through and the project-process.