Since 2021, Flux has been working on the design research Holtland. We would like to conclude this research with a final symposium in which the results of the research will be presented. In addition, we will discuss new forests in the Netherlands. The design research Holtland consists of:
Het Utrechts Heuvelland, het Bossenboek, Rivierbossen en Bossen voor Bouwen.
Hope to see you on the 28th of September on behalf of the entire Flux team!
Flux is working on Werkboek Brabant
Commissioned by the province of North-Brabant and the Ministry of BZK, Flux is working on the ‘Spatial Proposal’. Through a comprehensive analysis of the landscape and of the major transition challenges in Brabant, qualities, opportunities and bottlenecks are being examined. This is compiled in the Werkboek Brabant. The findings from this series of maps are of valuable input for the Spatial Proposal and form the basis for further planning.
Flux was commissioned by the municipality of The Hague to work on a vision for a biodiverse and climate-adaptive development of Binckhorst The Hague. The vision combines the urbanisation assignment with a solid landscape quality impulse and a future-proof design of the public space. The project starts from an overall vision for the entire Binckhorst area, that shows an inspiring future image for the longer term. From this vision, a number of subareas have been worked out. Concrete ‘rules’ for a future-proof design of the public space are proposed for each subarea. These ground rules include the integration of water storage in the public space, the design of (green) quays and a strategy for climate-adaptive and biodiverse planting in various conditions. In collaboration with Wageningen University and Research.
The project Werkspoorkwartier was nominated for the Landezine Awards and received the Special Mention at the ceremony! From the jury report:
‘The jury appreciated the systemic approach to the redesign, the sense of the visual language effortlessly handling all the challenges, and the translation of the industrial feel of the site into a contemporary work environment. According to the jury the project, at the same time looks ordinary and excels in detailing, materiality and implementation of green infrastructure.’
Flux has been working on the transformation of the area since 2010, including a walking route in the form of the Werkspoorpad, the outdoor space of the Werkspoor cathedral and Werkspoor factory and the transformation of the harbour. The project is in collaboration with Charlotte Ernst, commissioned by Gemeente Utrecht and Overvecht vastgoed.
The outdoor space in the project De Baak is under construction. Flux designed the outdoor space after winning the tender. The the plan focuses on water storage, collectivity and visibility on all sides. By embedding De Baak in the landscape, the building is placed in the park. This enhances the presence of the park and transforms the fragmentation into more unity. A logical whole is created that shows how buildings and park go together in the Westelijke Tuinsteden. Commissioned by Kondor Wessels and in collaboration with OZ architects, Lith advies, Pieters Bouwtechniek, CM3 and Arcadis.
The Werkspoorkwartier has been nominated for the Landezine awards. Flux has been working on the transformation of the area since 2010, including a walking route in the form of the Werkspoorpad, the outdoor space of the Werkspoor cathedral and Werkspoor factory and the transformation of the harbour. The results of the Landezine awards will be announced soon!
The municipality of Eindhoven has developed the implementation strategy Groenplan Centrum. This was done, based on the Groenplan Eindhoven, a vision developed by Flux together with the municipality to further greening the city centre. It takes advantage of opportunities for biodiversity, climate and mobility. As an elaboration and first step within the green vision, 10 new green spots were designed. Commissioned by the municipality of Eindhoven and in collaboration with TU Eindhoven, Acacia Water and Bureau Stadsnatuur.
Alderman Rik Thijs: ‘Eindhoven is the greenest of the 5 big cities and a strong green structure is fundamental. Across the entire city, 44% of the area consists of green space. However, within the Eindhoven ring road this is only 18%. This, while Eindhoven will gain 40,000 new homes in the coming years, roughly half of which will be within the ring. This requires a substantial investment in greening the center to improve the quality of life for current and future residents.’
This year Flux exists 5 years! We celebrated this moment with (professional) colleagues, former employees, friends and family. Thanks to everyone for the kind words and nice party! We are looking forward to the next 5-10-20 years!
Flux has received the commission for the landscape design of Hamerkop in Amsterdam. Hamerkop is part of the Hamerkwartier, an innovative urban development along the IJ river. In the design for Hamerkop there are high ambitions regarding to green, climate and health. Commissioned by Amvest and COD and in collaboration with KCAP and the municipality of Amsterdam.
Holtland Bossenboek published
As part of design research Holtland, Flux has published the Bossenboek (Book of Forests). The book contains a design research into new forms of forest in the Netherlands. The new forest types are a result of the different cases as river forests, forests for timber constructions of buildings and the Utrechts Heuvelland. The forests always contribute to larger challenges such as climate, nature, recreation or food. The Bossenboek shows how forests contribute to these themes and where these forests can be used. In the coming years, Flux will continuously add new types of forests to the Bossenboek.
Since 2021 Flux has been working on the design research Holtland. Flux sees a high level of abstraction and a lot of focus on surfaces in existing research on forests. Therefore Flux considers it valuable to further investigate the planting of forests in the Netherlands. The focus is on the diversity of forest types, a strong relationship with major current challenges in the Netherlands and a concrete spatial elaboration. The Holtland research consists of three parts: a forest book with forests of the future (the Bossenboek), four case studies and an alternative forest vision for the Netherlands. The project was financed by the Stimuleringsfonds and by co-financing from several parties.
The four case studies are set up with concrete locations and the stakeholders are the Province of Utrecht, WWF, Synchroon and Staatsbosbeheer. The advisory group for the design research consists of Berno Strootman (former National Landscape Advisor, involved in the forest strategy for LNV), Kees Hendriks (researcher forest Alterra Wageningen) and Martijn Boosten (researcher and advisor at the Probos foundation).