In the city of Brielle, a historic fortressed city, both the inhabitants and the counsel were divided about the development of a former outdoor soccer complex, laying between the fortressed city and the origin of Brielle: the inner lake. A housing district of 350 dwellings was planned under the influence of the industrial zone of the Rotterdam harbour. The plan led to a traditional urban scheme with a high sound wall of houses, along the shore of the lake. This would end the connection between the city and the lake and the possibility for recreational use for the existing inhabitants.
Stijlgroep first listened and then produced a list of 10 “commandments” of existing spatial qualities that should remain within the area. Instead of taking away the landscape from the existing users, it offers them a mutual landscape that insures access to the inner lake. The existing neighbourhoods, once again, would take residence in this landscape and new neighbourhoods would too in the same scale. Together leading to a new balanced development, benefitting all. Making sure the identity of the historic city would remain, a new small fortress village is “sent ahead to protect the city” at the entrance of the development, on the border of land and lake. Resistance broke, since all stakeholders were heard and satisfied. The industry noise could be neutralised by sound scaping the landscape and the quality of living environment.
Location: Brielle, The Netherlands Client: Municipality of Brielle Date: 2009 - 2010 Category: Strategy, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Public Space
