schiemann weyers
architects

Heesterveld, Amsterdam, NL
The residential complex Heesterveld, designed by F. van Gool, is situated in the Bijlmermeer and has experienced serious social problems since its completion in 1982. The reason for this can mostly be found in the manner the apartments are accessed; there is no distinction between public, communal and private areas. This has resulted in a lack of quality of both the courtyards and the public domain.
The strategy is to transform the existing constellation of buildings, in a phased process, into a new urban entity. The starting points are:
- improvement of access to the area and of access to the houses
- clear distinction between public and communal spaces
- flexibility in programme and differentiation
The urban plan consists of an ensemble of independent buildings forming a spatial relationship with each other. A green micro cosmos of specific spaces and in between spaces has been generated; spaces which invite the inhabitants to participate in social interaction and self organised activities. These spaces work as a catalyst for the new living climate in Heesterveld. All entrances / front doors are situated at the exterior of the buildings and are connected to the public routing through the area. Two of the original buildings have been transformed and will be reused; they form the starting point for the new spatial composition.
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