Brouwersplein – Ambitious climate adaptation plan for community square
Project information
Year: 2020
Status: Construction Phase 1 Completed
Location: Haarlem, The Netherlands
Surface: 3600 m2
Client: Gemeente Haarlem
Team: Renet Korthals Altes, Thomas Tiel Groenestege, Emma van Helden
Partners & Collaborators: Studio Soma
Description
Design climate adaptive community square Haarlem:
An integral vision for ‘just a playground renovation’ was received with such enthusiasm by the Haarlem Municipality, they extended our assignment into a preliminary design for the whole square.
Together with Studio Soma and in co-design with de gemeente Haarlem, we designed a climate-proof, multi-generational, multi-functional community square. A square where playing is combined with water detention, where socializing happens in a cooling oasis, where sporting and community-activities will be combined: a climate resilient Brouwersplein!
Interesting discussions with residents about the ‘future vision design’, good feedback from community has been received and all will be taken into consideration if next steps are taken.
Challenge
A design which will integrate solutions for:
Rain water detention problems in the area
Heat stress in this area
Social safety issues on this square
Lack of sporting facilities
Slightly deteriorated playground
Wish for natural play
Process
Community consultation. Child participation. Strong collaboration with municipal urban and landscape designers.