ECHO Urban Design, KOW architects, Kickstad and BEMOG project development won the tender for the development of the Doctor Wibautplein in Schiedam. The plan will be realized from 2022. Reconfiguring a small field in an stablished neighborhood to create a space for sports and play and a sustainable, climate adaptive, nature inclusive and socially safe urban area is also part of the game.
Redesigning existing social qualities
We shaped the area to specifically accommodate all current activities. The vegetable garden, urban soccer field and natural playground have all found a place within the configuration of the field. It is designed as a multiuse outdoor space divided into four plains. the little space there is. Multifunctional demarcation elements allow for different activities to take place simultaneously on the field and create a sloping landscape that is passable for all.
Image © ECHO Urban Design, KOW architects, Kickstad
An inclusive neighborhood
The strong mix in typologies equally spread along the blocks, will also attract a mix in residents. This, in combination with such a strong public space, will cultivate an area where people will almost organically look out for one another. The new sloping landscape is a result from an underground parking facility. Because the park will be visually kept on the same level as the rest of the neighborhood, it contributes to an inclusive atmosphere.
Social safety
Incorporating a sizable mix of five typologies allows for smart configurations to create extra space and to further widen the spatial perception. For example, by placing maisonettes back‐to‐back, topped with smaller condos in a set‐back. Building blocks are positioned in such a way that there is always a view on the green space. Design principles that widen the perception of space and vision, insure a level
of social safety.
Image © ECHO Urban Design, KOW architects, Kickstad
Responding to a 1950’s design
Dutch neighborhoods, that are built in the 1950’s, are designed with a strong emphasis on repetition, order and cohesiveness. Upon approaching the buildings, a variety in details and enrichment can be seen, although these are monotone. Within our design we copy the strong composition to allow the addition to fit in the neighborhood. However, in finishing and detail the new residences will stand out,
also on an individual level.
The lower level of the new blocks is literally an extension of the existing plinths. The next three layers are on the same height and of the same materials as the 1950’s blocks, to be extended in the basements and garden walls. The add‐ons, however, are new and form a nice contrast between the lower and upper levels. The effect is emphasized by the set‐backs.
Facade fragment view
Climate adaptive and nature inclusive
We have emphasized on the importance of the parking deck having a strong construction able to withhold a thick 80cm‐layer of soil. It will allow the field to have more vegetation than grass. 88 new trees are included in the design, up to six meters high.
The configured park is capable of responding to (future) climate change as the terraced landscape is a water buffering reservoir, making it easy to retain and regulate moist. There is also an open green connection with one of Schiedam’s main streets; an important part of the city’s eco‐system because it connects the historic canals with the countryside. sOURCE BY ECHO Urban Design, KOW architecten, Kickstad. Source by ECHO Urban Design, KOW architecten, Kickstad.
Axo
- Location: Schiedam, Netherlands
- Design team: ECHO Urban Design, KOW architecten, Kickstad
- Developer and contractor: BEMOG projectontwikkeling
- Gross floor space: 20.800 m2
- Year: 2020
- Images: Courtesy of ECHO Urban Design
Axo 
Current vs New 
Exploded axonometric
