How does restructuring help create a diverse urban neighbourhood?
Restructuring Grunobuurt
Groningen’s Grunobuurt neighbourhood emerged during the time of a severe housing shortage following the First World War. In 2004, the decision was made to extensively redevelop the neighbourhood. The existing homes were in poor condition, and the quality of life left a lot to be desired. Formulating the urban development plan in close consultation with the residents, De Zwarte Hond based its approach on the valued principle of ‘varied unity’ – a recognizable urban fabric with a rich variety of unique locations.
The plan consists of an ensemble of eight closed brick blocks arranged in a stepped fashion with height accents at various corners. Unity is created through recognizable building volumes and clear rules for public spaces, façade construction and entrances. Variation is created through differences in profiling, detailing, brick types and gutter heights.
In addition to the urban development plan, De Zwarte Hond is also responsible for the visual quality plan and the architecture of the Regulateur, Tractie, Typhoon, Tender and Couchette residential blocks. A mobility hub has also been created, freeing up additional space for a green courtyard.
data
- Location
- Groningen, NL
- Size
- 6 ha
- Client
- Gemeente Groningen, Nijestee
- Discipline
- Architecture, Urban Design
- Program
- Housing, Housing Associations, Master Planning
- Period
- 2004-2028
- Status
- Completed, In Development
- Photography
- Harry Cock, Gerard van Beek, Eva Bloem
- Partners
- Trebbe, Sweco, DERIX, Nijeboer Hage, Continental Car Parks, Steenindustrie Strating
- Awards (2)
-
- Polis Award
Communicative Urban Planning - Groninger Architectuurprijs
Third Prize Jury
- Polis Award
Groningen
Gruno
New life for a neighbourhood with character
The Grunobuurt neighbourhood in Groningen is within walking distance of the station, located between the city centre and the Stadspark. Historical photos show that the neighbourhood was built for a very different society. Over the years, the pressure on public spaces increased, the homes became outdated and housing needs changed. In 2004, the decision was made to undertake a large-scale redevelopment of the neighbourhood.
A plan by and for residents
Together with the residents, a plan was developed for a completely new neighbourhood that meets today’s demands, with pleasant, bright and sustainable homes for everyone.
A varied façade
The narrow streets and shallow houses have made way for a more robust layout with two building strips instead of three. At the same time, the neighbourhood’s diverse structure is preserved. By playing with height variations, the streets receive more light and a varied façade appearance is created.
A diverse and vibrant neighbourhood
Thanks to a wide mix of housing types, the Grunobuurt remains accessible to a diverse group of residents. Throughout the neighbourhood, the ground-floor apartments have front doors that open on the street, creating a lively atmosphere and encouraging social interaction.
The visual quality plan maintains cohesion in the neighborhood, with clear guidelines for designing public spaces, façade structures and the entrances to the building blocks.
By cleverly playing with heights, more daylight is allowed to enter the streets
Courtyard Tender in development
A learning project approach
Working step by step from the urban development plan to the architectural design allows insights grow during the process. This allows for the smarter implementation of functions. For example, a mobility hub was created, freeing up space for a green courtyard elsewhere. The functions in the plinths were adapted to encourage interaction and a lively atmosphere.
Close collaboration
In this project, the housing association Nijestee, the developer Trebbe and De Zwarte Hond are working together as a close-knit team. By growing and learning together, the steps in the process become increasingly aligned. This leads to a more effective working method and a more powerful end result.
Regulateur
Tender
Couchette
Typhoon
Tractie
