Amsterdamsestraatweg - Utrecht

Utrecht’s main historic approach road is transforming into a pleasant boulevard with much more space for cyclists and pedestrians. Along with this metamorphosis, pleasant green places to stay are also created. Green squares as connecting points between the lively city street and the residential areas behind. Places where the neighbourhood and visitors to the Netherlands’ longest shopping street meet.

Klein Neude: The square as a connecting point between the lively city street and the residential areas behind.

Transformation

The design initially focuses on two squares Klein Neude and Ludgerusplein but immediately offers a through view to the entire transformation of Amsterdamsestraatweg.

Klein Neude: The two squares on Amsterdamsestraatweg undergo a metamorphosis
The squares tell the story of this rich history through the walls with names of cities that were linked by the street.

Rich history

The Amsterdamsestraatweg dates back to 1812 and was built by order of Napoleon Bonaparte. The street forms part of the line between Amsterdam and Paris. The squares tell the story of this rich history through the walls with names of cities that were linked by the street. The transparent walls create intimacy central to the square.

First phase of the transformation

The first phase of the transformation has already been implemented. The squares in question are Klein Neude and Ludgerusplein. The atmosphere, use and identity already gives a glimpse of the entire transformation of Amsterdamsestraatweg.

In the run-up to realisation, local residents are encouraging the administrative decision by getting to work themselves. In doing so, they raise the issue of crossability of the ASW. 

 In DELVA’s proposal Landscape Architecture Urbanism toward a total transformation of Amsterdamsestraatweg, cyclists return to the road and motorised traffic is mixed with cyclists. This fits within Utrecht’s new mobility vision.

Klein Neude: The pocket parks are like oases in the hustle and bustle
Proposed new profile of the ASW: Pedestrians regain space within the profile, cars and cyclists share the road

Ludgerusplein

Ludgerusplein: The square becomes a place where you can be informed about the history of the place through the steel bridge section or take a rest before continuing the walk. The green square also serves as a kind of front garden for the residential block.

Pictures of the implementation

Location
Utrecht
Status
Implemented
Client
City of Utrecht
Steven Delva
Rogier Hendriks
Sander van den Bosch