The new street profile creates a broad, green esplanade paved in natural stone and equipped with a spacious two-way bicycle path, that will transform Rotterdam’s car dominated boulevard into a comfortable space for pedestrians and cyclists. Creating a new heart in downtown Rotterdam and restoring the allure of the 19th century boulevard which Rotterdam once had.
West 8 working with the municipality of Rotterdam has unveiled plans restore Coolsingel, Rotterdam’s central promenade. The reinvigorated street profile will improve the attractiveness and success of the city center, helping to catalyze new urban development.
The new vision, for the currently vehicular dominated boulevard, will see Coolsingel become a comfortable space for pedestrians and cyclists alike. The design vision balances traffic on the one hand while simultaneously restoring cycling, pedestrian and public transport corridors on the other, without disrupting the existing spatial and urban structure.
Three lanes of Vehicular traffic will be situated east of the existing tram line (next to Lijnbaan) , while a spacious two-way bicycle and pedestrian promenade will be located on the West side of the street, adjacent to the Stadhuis. By retaining the existing tramway and underground infrastructure, emphasis can be placed the quality and allure of the public realm.
Including details such as quality paving, ornamental furniture, decorated subway entrances, lighting and greenery. West 8’s design vision also emphasises the visitor experience. Whether on foot, by bike, public transport or by car, Coolsingel will offer visitors a warm welcome.
Capitalizing on the quality of the existing green space and combining it with a new high quality public space design creates a meeting place at all times of the day and in all seasons. Framed by trees, terraces and pleasant seating areas, visitors can stroll, shop or sit on a terrace. The new street profile goes hand in hand with strengthening the imagery, and the monumental allure of the Coolsingel.
The improvements to the Coolsingel are part of the city’s ‘Binnenstad als City Lounge’ program (Literally the City Center as a City Lounge), that aims to stimulate new development in the city center and make it more lively and attractive. Construction of the Coolsingel project is slated to begin 2017. Source by West 8.
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Architects: West 8
Project Team: Adriaan Geuze, Edzo Bindels, Ben Wegdam, Fatma Koksoy, Freek Boerwinkel, Harm te Velde, Harrie Van Oorschot, Jelle Therry, Joost Koningen, Kees Schoot, Marco van der Pluym, Perry Maas, Rikus Beekman
Consultants: BeersNielsen, Grontmij
Client: Gemeente Rotterdam Netherlands
Year: Design vision 2014 – 2015, Construction 2017
Images: Courtesy of West 8