Courtyard living Spijkerkwartier Arnhem
A completely paved and hardened lot In the middle of the neighborhood Spijkerkwartier in Arnhem will be a transformed to a lushy courtyard garden in the next few years. The neighborhood Spijkerkwartier is well known for its 11 public hidden courtyard gardens which are maintained by local residents. In cooperation with local residents we decided that the heart of the new construction project of the Rietgrachtstreet must be an 12th lushy public courtyard garden.
Together with Hoogte 2 Architects we designed the urban plan – the classical street profile is restored and behind that is a hidden world which contains a combination of higher and more industrial buildings which refer to the disappeared grain storage ‘Spijkers’. The neighborhood acquired its name from these ‘Spijkers’.
It is envisioned as a car free public space, where kids can play outside. Through an entrance gate of wisteria you’ll enter a green hidden wonder. A nice place where you can meet neighbors. The largely native plant species are designed as an natural looking composition. This project Is 100% nature inclusive and green: just as many houses for people as animals and the green area will be as big as the lot. Wherever possible, the façades are overgrown with climbers. The existing floor of the present printing house will be broken in pieces and reused between the planting as stepping stones, an adventurous route for kids.
That's how we add nature to the city
where kids can play outside without the danger of cars. Where it Is buzzing with liveliness, birds and Insects. The neighborhood is designed with input of the local residents and fits In the local character: a lot of contrasts with unexpected surprises, where meeting each other is In the heart of the neighborhood and the green hidden wonders are captured by the neighbors.
