De Schakel school – Huge community square 4400 m2 tiles, complete transformation into Amsterdam’s first tiny forest, community sports-square and vegetable gardens
Project information
Year: 2021
Status: Construction Completed
Location: Amsterdam Zuid-Oost, The Netherlands
Surface: 4400 m2
Client: ZONOVA
Team: Renet Korthals Altes, Thomas Tiel Groenestege
Partners & Collaborators: Studio SOMA
Description
Around primary school De Schakel in Amsterdam Zuid Oost, Together with Studio SOMA we designed 3 complementary but connected schoolyards around Primary school De Schakel. One completely paved square has been transformed into an oasis of green, including Amsterdam’s first Tiny forest! The front square has an urban character aiming at inclusivity & moving. It includes 2 sporting fields, a green wall, play elements challenging for every child, and a racing track including Amsterdam’s first speedometer. Great fun
Challenge
3 locations around school, Public space, semi-public space and a semi-private space. Very diverse needs and requirements. Budgets different. How to design three complementary spaces but ensure visual and physical connection?
Process
Children have given strong input during participation: the importance of sports – specifically basketball and softball -, more trees & flowers, and even dance & performing stood out. We have combined all these diverse needs in the design. During the implementation process we have worked hard to get all realised, with extra funding from the municipality and funding organisations.
Result
All constructed and planted, growing well, kids enjoying, rangers of their tiny forest, cooking with their harvested vegetables, running, climbing, exploring.