Community and the Public Realm
One of the outstanding achievements of Vathorst was to ensure that infrastructure was developed in step with housing, so that all the necessary facilities to support a new community were in place as soon as people begin to move in. Temporary buildings were used to house facilities such as shops, crèches, schools and a health care centre while the permanent facilities were being built. The development includes football courts, tennis courts, a skateboard park and a swimming pool.
Vathorst canal side housing (Source URBED)
Communal areas play an important social function in the new settlements. Car reduction has given ownership of the streets back to local residents and promotes walking and social interaction. See-through fences give a sense of open (but private) space and help provide a green aspect in spite of density. Wild areas have been planned to encourage biodiversity. Neighbourhood wardens and ‘super caretakers’ help maintain the public realm to high standards, making these settlements very appealing places to live.
To ensure a mixed and fair community, 70% of the homes are allocated to owner occupation and 30% to rental, but with designs that are indistinguishable.
What makes this project special?
The city of Amersfoort demonstrates the benefits of a city council taking the lead and adopting a proactive approach for the benefit of the local community.
Once Vathorst has been completed by 2014, these three critically acclaimed new developments will provide nearly 21,000 new houses. Sustainability for communities and the environment is knitted into the fabric of the settlements, making them very desirable places to live.
Topics associated with this project
Eco-town, Energy, Environmental, Housing, International, Neighbourhood, Planning, Transport