Zuiderpark-Stadswalzone

's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands

Add To Collection

Other Projects by Studio Leon Thier

Add To Collection

Campus The Hague, University of Leiden

Add To Collection

Leiden University Campus The Hague

Zuiderpark-Stadswalzone

's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands

Firm

Studio Leon Thier

Type

Landscape + Planning › Public Park Urban Green Space
Transport + Infrastructure › Bridge Parking

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2015

Photos

peter de ruig fotografie (4)

Zuiderpark-Stadswalzone in The Netherlands

The project Zuiderpark-Stadswalzone in ‘s-Hertogenbosch in The Netherlands makes a bold statement on all fronts!
It includes: restoration of the ancient moat; an as large as possible underground parking garage underneath; its access via a spiral ramp in the centre of bastion “Baselaar”; a trail from the “Zuiderpark” and the parking garage to the city centre via a path that literally skims the water and travels through the old fortification wall; a brand new city entrance on medieval ground level. All in all, an almost impossible project that could only succeed through a thoroughly integrated approach.

As a resident or visitor of the city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, one will enter the parking garage St. Jan via a spiral ramp in bastion “Baselaar”. After parking your car in the spacious and comfortable parking garage, you will find your way to the main staircase via a corridor which features various pieces of art. Coming up this main stairwell that is located on the side of the moat, you will experience a superior view over the water towards the restored fortification wall and the tower of the “Judasbrug” (Judas bridge). From the main staircase, visitors can continue the trail towards the city centre by crossing the moat using a foot-bridge that leads right through the city fortification wall. Here you will arrive at the medieval ground level, located approximately four metres below street level. From this level, city visitors continue the route to the centre via a gentle slope in the “Casinotuin” (Casino garden). The route from the main staircase of the parking garage to the centre of the city takes visitors through five centuries of local history.

Upon entering the parking garage, one will see a huge mural depicting ‘s-Hertogenbosch with the word “Welkom” (Welcome) on it. That word “Welkom” was the central theme for the development of the design of the parking garage. The latter is not merely seen as a functional temporary storage area for cars but also as a lobby for the branding of the city itself. Who doesn’t greet old friends and new visitors with a warm welcome?

A second theme that was integrated into the parking garage was the provision of comfort and safety for both drivers and pedestrians. In order to prevent the parking garage from being filled with a lot of columns, it is constructed with a very special structure. The huge forces that are concentrated in the middle of the garage are being supported by angled columns. Visualizing a cross section of three levels, the angled columns form a V-shape on the first one, an inverted V-shape on the third, and a very beautiful X-shape on the second level.

As for the appearance and construction of the project, the architects chose to use pure materials with their original, genuine colours. Materials used are Corten steel, concrete and wood while other parts are finished in an anthracite gray colour. By doing so, the project is in full harmony with previous projects that have been realized along the fortification wall of the city.

On July 21, 2015, the parking garage St. Jan was opened for the public. On that day, the Vexpan (Association of operators of parking garages) awarded this project with the first ESPA Gold award in The Netherlands. This ESPA (European Standard Parking Award) Gold award is a crowning glory for all those involved in this undertaking and who have worked for years to create and build a very special urban area including the realization of excellent accessibility, a highly functional and pleasant parking garage and an easy on the eye outdoor area. City residents, as well as visitors, are very proud of and impressed with the parking garage St. Jan judging by the high volume of positive responses.

Project info

Location: ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands  
Dates: 2011-2015 
Client: Municipality of ‘s-Hertogenbosch
Parking garage capacity: 1040 cars
Parking garage surface: 32.860 sqm
Building site: 1,54 ha
Status: completed
Website: www.studioleonthier.nl

Credits

Architect of the parking garage, park bridge, pedestrian bridge and supervision during the execution phase of the project:
Studio Leon Thier, The Hague (Leon Thier/Rigobert Nivillac)

Fortification architect:
van Roosmalen van Gessel e.p., Delft (Marc van Roosmalen/Marlène van Gessel)

Landscape architect:
MTD Landschapsarchitecten, ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Frank Meijer/Nike van Keulen)

Urban planner:
City of ‘s-Hertogenbosch urban development

Art
Cityscape collages in the corridor: Kim Heesakkers, Geldrop
Map of ‘s-Hertogenbosch in the main staircase: Ruben Atoyan, Minsk 
Art project guidance: M2uur, Deventer
Showcases for archeological finds: Studio Thier&vanDaalen

Contractor
Main contractor: Heijmans, ‘s-Hertogenbosch
Fitting out contractor: VORM bouw, Papendrecht

Advisors
Engineer design phase (structures and building services): Arcadis, Rotterdam
Engineer execution (structure and building drawings): Pieters bouwtechniek, Haarlem 
Advisor installations execution phase: Spindler, Rotterdam
Lighting design: Arpalight, Bavel / Studio LEFT, The Hague

Photography: ©Peter de Ruig