Amersfoort-Kop van Isselt (NL)

SITE / CONTEXT

Amersfoort is reimagining its urban landscape to create vibrant, sustainable and inclusive growth. The transformation of the Kop van Isselt area presents an opportunity to reintegrate industrial legacy into a dynamic district. This mixed-use development envisions 2,000 to 3,000 new residences, creative industries, and public amenities, fostering a lively and sustainable urban ecosystem. Propose bold yet practical solutions for the comprehensive transformation of this area by repurposing industrial heritage structures, integrating diverse mixed-use programs, enhancing ecological connectivity. The goals is to create a distinctive central urban area with a renewed identity, creating vibrant public spaces that reflect adaptability and sustainability while addressing local and urban-scale needs.

QUESTIONS TO THE COMPETITORS

Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Heritage
The historic industrial buildings at the heart of Kop van Isselt are earmarked for adaptive reuse, becoming vibrant hubs for creative industries, public functions, and recreational activities. These structures will anchor the district, blending their architectural heritage with modern, functional designs to shape the identity of the central public space. A comprehensive building envelope strategy should explore how these buildings can be transformed to unlock their full potential. This may include lateral expansions, vertical additions, or innovative architectural interventions that preserve their historical significance. These strategies must demonstrate financial viability by harmonizing innovative design with pragmatic solutions that ensure long-term success.

Eempark as the Green Heart
Eempark is designed to be central to the district, connecting neighbourhoods through leisure spaces for sports, picnics, and pathways for cycling and walking. It will strengthen biodiversity by linking the green belt (Groengordel) from the Soesterkwartier to the Eem, forming a ecological corridor that boosts biodiversity and connectivity. Propose a visionary conceptual design for the central public space that integrates urban vibrancy with green infrastructure. Incorporate a terraced landscape for effective flood mitigation and highlight enhanced accessibility to the river Eem to foster both recreational and ecological opportunities. Bicycle and pedestrian pathways must ensure seamless connections to the central buildings.

New and interesting ways of living
Transform the existing single-floor buildings (all buildings within the reflection area) to accommodate approximately 160 housing units, contributing 16,500 m2GFA of residential space (excluding parking). Landmark NeNaFa and fabriek van Van der Meiden can rise to 14-16 floors but ROVA shed is classified as a municipal monument, the interior is also protected. The change must be done in conjunction with the monumental values. New building volumes can be added on top, alongside, or through the existing halls, all while preserving and celebrating their industrial character. This integration of residential spaces should foster a lively community atmosphere by introducing new and interesting ways of living through innovative typologies that redefine urban lifestyles.

Creative Incubator and Community
To meet the growing demand for creative and health-oriented spaces, the proposed building envelopes (all buildings within the reflection area) will feature a creative incubator ±2,500 m2 will provide much-needed maker spaces, fostering innovation and collaboration. Additionally, health centre ±1,000 m2 will deliver a pharmacy (160 m2), general practitioner (410 m2), physiotherapy (100 m2), dentist (250 m2) and midwifery practice (40 m2). The new building must exemplify circular design, renewable energy, biodiversity at its core.