Roeterseiland

University of Amsterdam

Signature landscape

Location

: Amsterdam, NL

Client

: UvA Universiteit van Amsterdam

Collaborators

: AHMM Architects, London

Project management and construction

: Arcadis

Scope of work

: Design of public spaces and courtyards landscaping

Date

: 2011 - 2017

Scale

: Landscape, 2.20 ha, total surface, 4.5 ha

This landscape design aims to connect the University campus with the historical city center and at the same time to create a unique and modern environment for students, scientists, personal and local residents.

The strategy combines the simple and chic qualities of the classical standard profile of the Amsterdam canals with a specific Roeterseiland-signature: An additional, graphical layer that defines the University campus but also connects, leads, lures and invites. The winding ribbon might refer to the paths students take while studying - sometimes that path is a direct connection between A and B, but often it will be a de-tour or a loop. The path invites to be followed to special places on the water edge or to a hidden courtyard full with flowers with delicate scents and subtle sounds. It creates an intriguing pattern to look at from above and it defines places where one can meet other people or admire an amazing view.

The basic layer consists of a clear profile and the typical materials - brick and blue limestone with the omnipresent Elm trees. The path is created by contrasting bricks laid in continuous patterns. Sometimes that path curls around a group of trees, describes a loop that defines a planted island and rises up to create seating or tables for students to sit and meet or to quietly work outside. Those sitting elements are spread all over the campus and are located on the most interesting places to invite the students to be outside, to study and meet in the open air.

The landscape design is part of a combined effort to renovate, update and intensify the buildings of the University and at the same time to create an attractive and open city campus.

Team Inside Outside

: Petra Blaisse with Jana Crepon, Celine Baumann, Gianluca Tramutola, Michal Jagozinski, Jaume Vidal Pardo, Carmen Buitenhuis, Mikel Orbegozo, Annelies Bloemendaal, Valentin Frechet, Chu Liu, YukiëAnn Nagasawa, Agnieszka Zborowska

Green Nose

Amazing Courtyard

Beautiful Backyard

North Entrance

Images: ©Peter Tijhuis; ©Inside Outside