Hoofddorp Station area

The station area in Hoofddorp, like many cities in the Netherlands, faces a major challenge regarding to climate, biodiversity and health. The current housing challenge, energy transition and mobility transition impose a large claim on the public space and landscape within the urban fabric. Within the vision on the station area, the public space of the future station area is defined. Characteristic for Hoofddorp is the green framework as a guiding grid of the Haarlemmermeerpolder. The variation in building blocks within the subsections of Hoofddorp use this grid as a starting point. Within the public space, this strong structure can be combined with elements of surprise, temptation and a certain sensory perception. For the vision, concrete ideas have been developed for a number of layers on different scale levels, ranging from large- to small-scale, as part of a series of green spaces. By organising the different scale levels as a series of types, opportunities for each type can be optimally exploited. On the largest scale level, the strong spatial systems such as the Geniedijk, Geniepark, long ribbon structures within the polder and canals can form a connection with the surrounding landscape. The ribbons form an integrated network for ecology and hydrology, but also for recreational activities such as cycling, skating and hiking. On the scale of Hoofddorp, the vision provides a strong network of continuous urban lines and ecological and recreational connections throughout the city. The city lines provide connectivity and structure, the parks and squares are maximally green and offer space for meeting, playing and staying. Each place has a different identity, but each and every place contributes to the enhancement of biodiversity and the experience of nature within the city. The urban developments are integrated within the fine, interconnected network of public streets, with space for more biodiversity, water retention and cooling. On the scale of the building blocks, there are direct chances to contribute to ambitions regarding nature and climate, through green courtyards, nesting sites in the building façades and green roofs with space for water retention. Public space with strong, green qualities, can propel biodiversity, climate and health with chances for water retention, cooling, increasing biodiversity, food production or enhancing air quality. Moreover, a green public space offers the opportunity to tackle social challenges with regard to health and social interaction. Enhancing biodiversity and invigorating the vibrance of public spaces and therefore coexist. Interventions in the public space offer opportunities for creating habitats for different flora and fauna, with sheltered spaces for animals, as well as more lively places with a green character for people to visit.

Hoofddorp, commissioned by the municipality Hoofddorp, public space, urban transformation, climate proof, mobility, Flux landscape architecture, 2023