mill district
Schalkwijk is the youngest district of the municipality of Haarlem. Most of the houses were built in the 1960s and 1970s in response to the housing shortage. This district was built as a city next to the city, with its own facilities. The streets are wide and there is a lot of greenery. Schalkwijk has 15,655 houses, of which about 9,500 are apartments with relatively high social housing. Surrounding the residential areas is a green belt, bordered by the Spaarne river and the Ringvaart. Schalkwijk is within cycling distance from the city center and is well connected to the region: Schiphol Airport is only 15 minutes away by bus. The cultural diversity of Schalkwijk is very large. Nevertheless, Schalkwijk is still an introverted city next to a city, which seems to be "hanging on". The original large spatial layout of Schalkwijk is no longer experienced. Anonymous public spaces and an excess of infrastructure create an unsafe feeling among residents. The rural area is also not experienced spatially and emotionally in the district, and accessibility is limited. Schalkwijk also scores "too high on the wrong lists" in many areas: there is a lot of disadvantage and loneliness, there is little to do for young people, and the neighborhood is aging.
For the past ten years, work has been underway to improve the district. The neighborhoods in Schalkwijk (Europawijk, Boerhaavewijk, Meerwijk, and Molenwijk) are undergoing development. Houses have been added, the shopping center is being revamped, a market hall is planned, and a cinema will be built. A substantial part of Haarlem's housing program (10,000 houses) will be located in Schalkwijk
“…Should it be demolished?”
VMX Architect’s proposal is an appeal to the housing corporation, the municipality, old and new residents, entrepreneurs, home workers, single people, young people and the elderly, lonely people and housing collectives to come up with ideas that will transform the Waddenbuurt into a neighborhood that is fully adapted to a changing context.
At the heart of this endeavor lies a neighborhood platform that serves as a hub for collecting and visualizing diverse ideas and aspirations. The functionalist approach that has informed the Waddenbuurt's urban development plan has proven inadequate for some time. Despite the limited space, many residents are now working from home. Furthermore, the evolving role of the housing association necessitates exploring alternative forms of ownership and innovative solutions. By harnessing the power of collective imagination and collaboration, we can reimagine the Waddenbuurt as a vibrant and thriving community that meets the needs of its inhabitants.
RESIDENTIAL
"Too often, "demolition & new construction" is seen as the only solution. The experimental approach should not only take place on a blank slate, but should actually take place among existing structures to be truly radical and experimental.
A reconsideration is needed for the eleven apartment buildings. The corporation model, which started as an "association" from private initiative in 1852, has become increasingly institutionalized. With a high amount of inflexible monoculture, it is becoming less and less compatible with the current social demand for self-reliance and informal networks.
We propose an alternative solution for the housing issue, as the final piece in the development of the Europaweg, to bring diversity and flexibility both organizationally and spatially to the neighborhood."
Defining new forms of ownership for residents and users is crucial to transforming the 11 portico flats and the community. This will strengthen their bond and responsibility for their living spaces and the environment. By promoting increased ownership and pooling our collective resources, we can cultivate a more engaged, sustainable, and flourishing community. Simultaneously, this approach can facilitate the development of a fresh and vibrant neighborhood, while preserving its unique character and rich history.
The new intervention not only creates room for new inhabitants, but also offers an opportunity to improve the living conditions for long-time residents by granting them greater ownership of their neighborhood. This approach aims to foster a sense of community and ensure that the needs and interests of all inhabitants are met.
UPGRADE THE EXISTING
As an initial intervention, upgrading the accessibility of homes by installing wider staircases and elevators can lead to a greater diversity of apartment types and sizes. This includes everything from small 40m2 single-bedroom units to expansive 120m2 duplexes, with some units accessed via corridors and others via comfortable wide galleries. These galleries provide additional space for social interaction and communal activities, creating a vibrant and engaging environment for residents. The result is a more inclusive and accessible community that caters to a wide range of needs and preferences.
revive THE plinth
The vitality of a city's streets and the quality of urban life are heavily influenced by the design and programming of the ground floor spaces in buildings. The street level is where the public realm and private property intersect, and the way in which buildings engage with this space can have a profound impact on the safety, livability, and sense of community in a neighborhood.
By creating a transparent and inviting ground floor, building owners can encourage pedestrian activity and create a welcoming environment that fosters a sense of community. This can be achieved through the design of spaces for work and living, communal areas for socializing and gathering, or spaces for small businesses to flourish.
Such efforts not only benefit the public realm but also enhance the value of the buildings themselves. A well-designed and thoughtfully programmed ground floor can attract foot traffic and increase property values while creating a sense of pride in the community.
Densify
The urban setting offers a number of options for densification, including the use of rooftops and in-between spaces. By taking advantage of these underutilized areas, we can create additional space for residential or commercial use without compromising the quality of public spaces. However, it is important to approach these interventions with care, to ensure that the identity and character of the area is preserved.
INTENSIFYING THE PUBLIC space
The spaces between buildings are defined by car parking and underused, low-quality green areas. However, by reprogramming and utilizing these spaces, they have the potential to greatly enhance the surrounding environment.
One other strategy could we would like to implement is that the excess of public space is transferred to private and collective management. Similar to an allotment garden association, members are not owners but users of the land and responsible for its maintenance. The compact public space will be used more intensively and is easier to maintain. Amenities and other public places are connected within this space. As cars are parked on the outskirts of the neighborhood, the freed-up space can be used for valuable programming. Together, the gardens form a park that is accessible to the public.
LOCATION
Schakelwijk Haarlem, The Netherlands
CLIENT
Municipality of Haarlem
YEAR
2019
TEAM
Maarten Kempenaar, Gianna Bottema
COLLABRATORS
Studio LA, Jan Konings
IMAGES
VMX Architects
