Amersfoort-Amicitia (NL)

SITE / CONTEXT

Amersfoort, in collaboration with the owner of Amicitia, is committed to revitalize and restore the urban fabric. This initiative aligns with the city’s vision of a cohesive inner-city experience through context-sensitive architectural design and integrated and connected green spaces. Amicitia offers a unique chance to redefine urban living through an iconic housing project that serves as a gateway to Amersfoort’s historic city centre. Project should creates a vibrant building by combining housing with commercial and/or semi-cultural spaces at the ground floor, fostering social interaction and community cohesion. The proposal should integrate sustainable urban renewal with economic feasibility and historical preservation, fostering and contributing to the overall liveability of Amersfoort’s city centre.

QUESTIONS TO THE COMPETITORS

Restore the urban fabric
The City of Amersfoort seeks to restore the urban fabric of the Amicitia building, transforming it from an underutilized space into a vibrant urban location. Create a design that aligns with the urban fabric and the small-scale nature of the city centre. Develop a vibrant street-scape where all sides of the building integrate seamlessly with their surroundings also in height (hoogbouwvisie), avoiding closed facades and fostering inviting, lively, and active functions. The new proposal should allow for physical accessibility and may be organized into distinct buildings volumes while offering diversity of functions.

Connection to the park and the green urban ring
Aligned with Amersfoort’s goal to enhance urban liveability, the city plans to reduce car traffic and prioritize green spaces. Develop a design that emphasizes and strengthens the connection to the surrounding greenery as part of the Plantsoen Oost. Create a recognizable landmark along the Stadsring that enhances the entrance to the city centre while maintaining its own identity, fostering a greener, more connected city centre. The design should contribute to the city’s appearance and attractiveness. The location must become an integral part of the of the historical urban fabric, not only visually but also functionally.

Architectural Integration and expression
The architectural design should integrate seamlessly with the surrounding urban context while serving as a prominent, welcoming landmark at the gateway to the historic city centre. Develop a program that complements the city centre’s offerings. The design should accommodate economically viable functions, addressing housing demand. Also consider integrating hospitality, culture, social facilities, or other value-adding uses, with retail as a secondary option.
The housing program, currently comprising 26 to 28 rental units. The new program envisions a volume consisting of ±12,000-15,000m2, pushing the spatial limits of what is permissible within the urban context. This ambitious scale requires a thoughtful programmatic interpretation, ensuring a balance between innovative spatial design and a feasible business case to sustain its development.

Reactivating the Inner Courtyard
The inner courtyard has desolate atmosphere. Design teams should propose strategies to reintegrate the courtyard with surrounding spaces, transforming it into a vibrant communal area that promotes social interaction and a sense of belonging.

Historical context and appearance
The design may feature an iconic design for a strong connection between the city centre and the green ring. Retaining the historical facade or the building is desirable but not mandatory; however, any proposed demolition must be substantiated with clear justification and reasoning.