The social greenhouse

Abstract

The graduation studio of Heritage and Architecture evolves around the revitalisation of the Hembrug area, which is located between Amsterdam and Zaanstad along the North Sea Canal. The site functioned as military production stores, testing site and as the logistical heart of the “Stelling van Amsterdam”, the defense line of Amsterdam. This former military industrial site comprises of several different building ensembles, which include fifty monuments, historical green and water structures and remains of the former infrastructural system. The set-up of the military site followed a functional approach which, in combination with the former exclusive functions, led to a closed-off, inwards oriented character. Nowadays Hembrug is located in an industrial, excluded area. But the city of Amsterdam is expanding rapidly, growing towards Zaanstad and the industrial areas around Hembrug will be transformed into residential areas. Hembrug will also be connected to the public transport by the metro network. Within this project the aim for Hembrug is to transform the site into a vivid part of the developing Amsterdam-Zaanstad metropolis. The area should not only provide amenities and diverse qualities to the individual area, but also to the upcoming residential neighborhoods that will surround Hembrug. The new design for the Plots in the woods aims to connect people and nature through food and thereby strengthen the relationship between food consumers and producers. Functioning as a platform for urban farming, by means of providing space for food production, education/ innovation and social interactions. To accomplish this the plots in the woods will house the following functions: a food market containing a greenhouse along the south façade with innovative techniques for food production which are accessible through workshops combined with a food market with all kinds of food and market stands; office space ranging from permanent offices to public workspaces with reservable meeting rooms and other needed facilities to study or work; diverse food joints ranging from a small coffeebar to a luxurious restaurant using the local products; an education center which will be used to give workshops, exhibitions and lectures about possibilities to grow your own food within the city and an event hall which will function as a flexible, big open space for all the functions on site. The landscape was just as important for the functioning of the factory as the buildings. Therefor in the new design the earlier mentioned functions are not strictly binded to the interior spaces but will also flow towards the open spaces. There will be a vegetable garden, public square and flexible furniture which can be used in multiple ways.