Europan 10

Competition | Utrecht | 2009

In collaboration with André Guenter/andArchitecture

Second prize

The population of Kanaleneiland, a typical Dutch building structure from the 50/60’s, nowadays is a colorful ethnic mix, consisting of mainly large families with relatively low incomes. Unemployment, poverty and youth crime add up to a critical situation within the community. Architecture cannot solve the social problems within the quarter, but provide a better use of the existing structure and create a more varied choice of spaces for self initiative. The situation in Kanaleneiland must be improved by a combination of social, economic and political means.

The macro structures are detailed and adapted to a wider range of uses and users, contributing to the individual and its needs within modern society. The borders between public, collective and private space are being clearly defined. Large public spaces are privatized, forming entrance gardens and intensifying the remaining public area whereby social surveillance is improved. Decorative green will be turned into useful private green. Sustainability asks for a reuse of the existing block structure. The built situation is changed by means of internal restructuring [changing apartments into townhouses with private access and a parking deck], renovation, adaption and application of add-on's like spaces for living/working relations. The building stock will therefore be more diverse, hopefully resulting in a more varied population and urban use of Kanaleneiland.