Urban plan, Wildemanbuurt Amsterdam
The unique aspect about this project, is the process! We don’t call it participation, but co-creation. The residents provided valuable input for the urban plan, mainly during the monthly ‘Wildeman Meet-ups’. There, they discussed pressing issues such as resettlement, nuisance, health issues, loneliness, existing trees and play facilities.
General Extension Plan Amsterdam
The Wildemanbuurt is part of the ‘Algemeen Uitbreidingsplan’ (AUP). The neighbourhood is highly valued for its spatial structure that has remained intact. AUP features considered important by residents were the view from the houses onto large green courtyards and play facilities for small children. In addition, residents considered parking close to the houses and privacy in the spacious plan a quality. Finally, residents also consider trees and green areas important in the neighbourhood: the buildings are in green surroundings and not the other way around.
As the landscape architects at Team W, we are proud to have contributed to the urban plan for the Wildeman neighbourhood in Amsterdam. The plan provides for the demolition of all 656 existing homes, which will be replaced by 1200 to 1300 new homes. Of these, 50% will consist of social rented housing, while the other 50% will be filled with medium-rent and free-sector housing. This will create a mixed neighbourhood that current residents look forward to. In addition, liveability will be improved by developing good housing (energy-efficient and well ventilated) and safety will improve because the ‘blind’ facades will be replaced by houses that look out onto the street, thus creating the ‘eyes-on-the-street’ demanded by the neighbourhood.
The new framework for the development is based on the principles of the ideas of the AUP (light, air and space) and the special language of trees. Attention has been paid to a shared central park, various sports and play areas along the water and in the courtyards, other neighbourhood facilities, water infiltration zones and, of course, sufficient parking.
Read MoreTrees and climate adaptation
Existing monumental and large trees have been integrated into the design, preserving ecological systems. A number of monumental trees are currently paved upto the trunk. A study on the life expectancy of the trees was conducted by a professional firm and they indicated if the trees were given better living conditions they have a long life expectancy. So we have committed to providing ample green growth areas for the trees. All existing and new trees are in spacious green areas and the monumental trees are even in large green areas. This way, the trees can age well! We need to take good care of the city’s trees.
Along with many new trees to be planted, an important climate adaptation measure is thus taken. Comfortable places in the shade for children to play during hot days reduce heat stress in the neighbourhood. More buildings are applied in the neighbourhood, but by applying more green, the paved surface decreases by 2335 m2. And my adding more diverse greenery, local biodiversity will also benefit from the green redevelopment.
Wadis will be integrated into a number of green play streets and green areas in the regular streets. In this way, rainwater can naturally infiltrate into the soil. We developed the AUP ideas to today’s standards, where more qualitative and quantitative greenery with collective spaces will create a liveable neighbourhood!
Project
Urban plan, Wildemanbuurt Amsterdam
Year
2023-2024
Client
Municipality of Amsterdam and developer Stadgenoot
Area
72.000 m2
Collaboration
Ahmed Oueld Hadj and Rodger van Leeuwen (Dutch Architect), John Breen (BREEN Stedenbouw), Coen Smit (Studiospacious), Municipality of Amsterdam and developer Stadgenoot, pictures model: Tim Stet
Location
Amsterdam
