Bastiaanpoort is located in the Zuidpoort area in Delft's city centre. Although the block is completely surrounded by new buildings, it is still within historical canals of Delft’s. The property is situated on a prominent spot on route between the historical centre of Delft (from the Beestenmarkt) in the direction of the new shopping centre at the Zuidpoort area: the Bastiaansplein. It features the transformation between the different moods like old and new and between canal and shopping centre. It also exposes the change in size and functionality: from low small scale buildings in the city centre to stacked high rises (double storey shops and apartments above).
The existing block is torn down to make room for new construction and a commercial plinth comprising three storeys for rental apartments. There is a diverse housing supply with 63 apartments. Larger apartments with partly indoor loggias are located on the Gasthuislaan. On the busy side of the Bastiaanpoort, shaded by surrounding buildings, are smaller units and at the sunny Bastiaansplein are spacious corner apartments. The functionalities in the plinth also align the differences in condition and qualities of the public space.
The Delft canal served as an inspirational source, a starting point for a number of game rules for a façade without being too literal. Important aspects are:
- Clear structure: plinthe, rise and frame
- Verticality
- Contrast between brick and whites, for instance by utilising other materials like stone or concrete.
These aspects has led the architects to creating an abstract grid or relief that defines the building mass and makes it legible. Inspiration for the grid was based on the works by Delft visual artist Jan Schoonhoven. It forms the basic structure whereby elements like balconies, shop windows and signs, window frames, closed façades and service entrances each have their arena. Using examples of existing Schoonhoven-reliefs, the design of the grid abstracts the Delft canal embankments.
View Original