News
BURA urbanism whishes you a wonderful holiday and fabulous 2022!
December 2021
During the course of this dynamic year BURA worked on some fantastic projects together with our ambitious team, clients and partner offices. For urban plans like Hemburg Zaandam, Merwede Utrecht, Wernink Leiden and Schieoevers Noord Delft, we had to make important decisions that have brought the projects closer to realisation. At the same time, we started with new strategic projects like Bleizo West, inner city of Zwolle, station area Eindhoven, Spoorzone Arnhem Oost, Corpus Groningen and A7 corridor. Furthermore, we are doing new research project, such as “Thuis op Hoogte”, HMC2, “Mobility of the future” and “G6 Vital Inner cities’’, in order to work on solutions for urgent topics related to sustainability, mobility and growth. We are looking forward to working further on projects and to come another step closer to our mission to make a more sustainable and healthy environment. We wish you happy holidays and a healthy start of 2022!
'Woningbouwimpuls’ subsidy (WBI) has been granted for Veldhuis in Apeldoorn!
December 2021
The ‘woningbouwimpuls’ subsidy (WBI) has been granted, therefore transformation of the city district and the construction of housing can be accelerated. As a result, the mixed-use area consisting of 780 new houses, companies, facilities and educational functions will be realised in the near future. The plan builds on the existing and green qualities, and will create a characterful area. The vision plan (gebiedsvisie) was developed in close collaboration with Gemeente Apeldoorn (municipality) and several private owners.
Click here for more information, or check out our vision plan here.
BURA urbanism selected for Corpus den Hoorn-Zuid in Groningen!
December 2021
BURA urbanism and Stec Groep have been appointed to develop a spatial vision document for one of Groningen’s most important working districts: Corpus den Hoorn-Zuid. The district, in the South West of Groningen, consists of the Martini Hospital and several other companies in the healthcare sector. Here, the municipality of Groningen wishes to provide spatial solutions that can mitigate emerging global issues within the coming years.
The vision document will provide direction for the development of urban program, the functional mix, investments in public space, mobility and other ambitions in accordance with the different stakeholders. BURA and Stec Groep will develop the document in collaboration with the municipality of Groningen and Martini Hospital, while other stakeholders from the area will be closely involved.
Floris appointed as supervisor for Schieoevers in Delft
December 2021
Gemeente Delft has appointed a quality team consisting of supervisors Hilde Blank (BVR Adviseurs), Albert Herder (Studioninedots) and Floris van der Zee (BURA urbanism), next to municipal urban planner Laurens Engelbrecht and program director Fidan Bulut.
Previously, BURA urbanism developed in collaboration with Gemeente Delft a 'development plan' and 'spatial quality plan' for the transformation of Schieoevers. These documents provide guidance for long-term development of the area.
Schieoevers will be transformed into a sustainable and liveable mixed-use area with special attention to the (existing) manufacturing industry, high-quality public space with important landscape connections, and smart mobility solutions. You can find out more about the expert’s thoughts on the unique qualities of the area by clicking here.
Honourable mention for competition entry in Berlin!
December 2021
At the beginning of December, morePlatz and BURA received an honourable mention for the vision proposal of the urban center in the Neu-Hohenschonhausen district.
In short, the proposal focusses on creating a lively and vibrant mixed-use center with an appropriate human-scale. The design consists of a sequence of buildings adjacent to the Falkenberger chausse, Wartenberge straße and a newly proposed street. Each street contains different functions and has its own characteristic. Furthermore, the design proposes a sequence of squares and parks connecting the existing shopping center with Berlin-Hohenschonhausen train and tram station. The proposal adds a new scale to the existing urban fabric of Neu-Hohenschönhausen.
Please click here if you would like to know more about the competition.
Sneak preview 'Thuis op Hoogte'
November 2021
This November, Marco Broekman presented a sneak preview of our research ‘Thuis op Hoogte’ at the high-rise congress in Utrecht, with the title "What is future-proof high-rise?"
This was organised by Vastgoedjournaal.nl together with Stichting Hoogbouw and Fakton. Our research focuses on finding a method for making living in high-rise lovable, connected, involved and affordable. It aims to add value to solutions that can mitigate challenges related to high-rise such as security, affordability and accessibility. This is the first step in what we hope will be a longer research project on the future of higher density urban living.
Among our research, more interesting knowledge was shared by various experts during the congress, adding fuel to the discussion concerning challenges and opportunities related to high-rise living. If you wish to know more about the congress and experts, please click here.
Partner selection P2 Europapark, Groningen!
November 2021
The tender for “Plot P2” of Europapark has been launched on November 8th. Plot P2, in the heart of Europapark plays an important role in redefining a new identity for Europapark.
For this plot, BURA has drawn up an urban vision and ambition document with conditions for a high-quality, mixed and lively living-work environment. The municipality has chosen to take up the development in cooperation through a partner selection. Parties have until 10th of January 2022 to register.
Successful Hembrug walk-in evening
October 2021
Last week, Kickstad organised a successful walk-in evening at Hembrug, together with BURA and GROUP A architects, about our concept ‘Image Quality Plan', which provides guidelines for the development of Hembrug. This participatory event is part of an intensive process with the existing users and stakeholders in and around the area, leading to an adaptive plan, based on the current values of the area. All the responses will be taken into careful consideration for the finalisation of the document.
Image credits: KICKSTAD
For more information click here
Development perspective “PROEFtuin Bleizo” approved
November 2021
The municipal councils of both Gemeente Lansingerland and Gemeente Zoetermeer agreed with the proposed direction for the development of Bleizo-West.
Proposed is a green, attractive and lively working and living environment next to the brand new station Lansingerland-Zoetermeer. The PROEFtuin Bleizo contributes to urgent regional challenges such as the housing shortage and space for economic activities near a multimodal transport hub. The spatial framework developed by BURA urbanism focuses on a healthy and sustainable living environment with space for 4,000 to 6,000 homes and 150,000 m2 of workspace and facilities.
For more information click here
Successful participatory activity in Zwolle
September 2021
From 23th of September till 4th of Oktober, Zwolle’s citizens had the opportunity to engage in a discussion concerning the qualities of Centrum-Binnenstad Zwolle, which is part of a larger series of participatory events called ‘Jouw Stukje Zwolle’ organised by the municipality of Zwolle. Besides these events, the municipality and BURA have organised participatory workshops in order to gain more knowledge for the development of an inspiring document that will provide a vision on the development of the city of Zwolle for the next ten years. ‘Het Ontwikkelprogramma Centrum-Binnenstad: Samen Gezond Groeien’ will be ready by the end of this year.
Image credits: Gerlinde Schrijver
Urban Plan Merwede Approved
October 2021
Great news for Merwede Utrecht!
On the 7th of October the city council of Utrecht approved the urban plan for Merwede, which will become one of the largest inner-city and car-free neighborhoods in the Netherlands. Approximately 6,000 homes will be built, of which more than half are in the affordable rental and owner-occupied segment. Merwede will be a surprisingly green, sustainable and lively city district with plenty of space for living, working, relaxing and meeting. For example, the former bicycle depot will be transformed into a market hall with restaurants, creative activities and food production. Besides, a new local cultural center for Utrecht Southwest will be housed in the area. The construction of the first phase of Merwede may already start at the end of 2022.
For more information see here
ArXellence 2 exhibition
September 2021
From 11 to 26 September, BURA participates in the exhibition of the International Ideas Competition ArXellence 2 for the New Central Business District (CBD) of Thessaloniki, Greece. Our proposal “A view of the bay/ A glance at the future”, was one of the prizewinning submissions. It proposes a vibrant city district that is a pleasant living and working environment and introduces a new skyline for the city. The submitted proposals are displayed at the Center of Digital Transformation and Skills - Cisco, giving to the citizens of Thessaloniki the opportunity to view the vision of international architects regarding the city's western waterfront.
Competition Organizer & Sponsor: Alumil S.A.
You can read online the special edition of ArXellence 2, with all the final proposals here
The public is invited to vote for the favorite proposal. You can vote for our proposal here
Podcast with Marco Broekman about Inclusive High-rise
August 2021
Marco Broekman is the sixth guest of the Toren van Babel, a monthly series within the Architectenweb Podcast. In this, architect Daan Roggeveen (MORE Architecture) talks to designers, developers and other experts who all have their own perspective on high-rise buildings. The aim is to find the answer to the question: how do you make a really good high-rise building? The topic of discussion is inclusive high-rise buildings.
Marco talks, among other things, about densification tasks and the resistance that exists against them in some cases. He talks about his plans for the Merwedekanaalzone in Utrecht, of which he is now also a supervisor, and about the Schieoevers in Delft, where a combination of living and working is being realized in a high density.
He tells how he ended up in urban planning as an architect after the Eindhoven University of Technology. And he is talking again about Riek Bakker, with whom Marco (just like two previous guests) learned the craft.The talk continues about inclusive high-rise buildings. BURA is collaborating with CIVIC, Stadskwadraat and sociologist Lia Karsten on the study 'Thuis op Hoogte'. How can we involve different groups from society in high-rise buildings – both residents and local residents?
You can listen to the podcast here
Arc21 Urban Design Award Long list
August 2021
Our projects Merwede Utrecht and Hembrug Zaandam are on the long list of the Arc21 Urban Design Award! The two projects have been selected along with 13 more plans. The two special projects show the bandwidth of our office: Merwede - an urban, car-free and inclusive city district and Hembrug - an adaptive transformation of an exceptional former industrial area with a strong identity and full of heritage. The independent jury – led by Edzo Bindels – will study the projects and will present a shortlist of three projects in September. Looking forward to the shortlist!
For more information see here
New project - HMC2
September 2021
In September 2021, BURA Urbanism will start a research by design project together with Stec group for the Provincie Zuid Holland into the future development of HMC areas. How can they develop in order to function optimally and keep their essential role in the regional ecosystem?
HMC (high environmental impact) areas are essential in the Netherlands, but cannot be mixed with sensitive functions such as housing. Because of the environmental impact the HMC areas often clash with housing plans and ambitions for densification of the city. These areas are essential because HMC areas play an important role in the development to a sustainable and circular future.Currently HMC areas are often outdated, accommodate a variety of industrial activities, are traditionally rail or water-bound and use their plots extensively. Cities are densifying with housing and the landscape is scarce and valuable, this puts pressure on the HMC areas. How can these HMC areas intensify, be more sustainable and be of an extra value of their environment?
With this research we will look into the existing areas and discover their logic, we will look into trends and organize work sessions with stakeholders. This results into a first catalogue for the future development of HMC areas.
The Stimuleringsfond Creatieve Industrie made this research possible with the Open Call for Sustainable Economy and Spatial Planning #1.
Summer holidays!
July 2021
Last week we did a fun SUP tour through the canals in the Plantage area and the city center of Amsterdam! We enjoyed the nice weather and prepared ourselves for the summer break. Our office will be closed from 26 July to 6 August. We will be available again from Monday 9 August. Enjoy your summer!
Vision Werninkterrein Leiden
July 2021
Great news for Werninkterrein Leiden!
On the 16th of July the city council of Leiden approved the Vision for Werninkterrein: “Stadsbuurt als tribune aan de Rijn". Together with the municipality of Leiden BURA developed this vision for the site of the former Wernink concrete factory on the shore of the Rhine river. It contains ambitions for a sustainable mixed use development and a concrete spatial framework. Key characteristics will be the public riverside and an atmosphere that embraces the industrial use of the past. The Werninkterrein will turn into a new, lively and diverse city neighborhood with 600 to 700 homes with space for recreation and work.
Developer ABB Bouwgroep asked BURA and OZ architect to develop the urban plan for the site. We are happy to continue working on this project with all our partners.
For more info check here
Vision Veldhuis Apeldoorn
July 2021
Great news for Veldhuis!
The city council of Apeldoorn approved the vision for the Veldhuis district on the 8th of July. BURA urbanism worked together with the Municipality of Apeldoorn on the vision which forms the framework for the area development and is estimated to last about 10 years.
You can follow developments in Veldhuis area via this website
Verkenning Vitale Binnensteden
July 2021
The coming months BURA Urbanism will be working together with Stec Groep on the Verkenning Vitale Binnensteden (Exploratory research on vital city centers). This research by design project will research the futureproofing of the inner cities of the 6 biggest municipalities in the Netherlands for the Dutch ministries of BZK, EZK en JenV. City centers are constantly changing but the COVID crisis is accelerating some of these trends and developments. Problems like declining visitor numbers and a rise in empty buildings used to be mostly associated with smaller municipalities but are now quickly becoming issues in the big cities as well. The vitality of the inner city areas is under pressure while at the same time opportunities are rising to increase the quality of life and economic value of the city centers.
The Verkenning Vitale Binnensteden’s main goal is to provide a clear picture of the challenges city centers face and to research which approach is best fitted to solve them. With spatial and functional analysis and research by design a general overview of the challenges will be created. This will include shared challenges as well as a city-specific analysis. We will project scenarios for the cities development to show how they can develop towards a vital future and will also show which tools can be used to get there.
The aim of this initial survey is a research- and development agenda with different possibilities for development, the policies and approach and the possible tools needed. The agenda will form the starting point for possible cooperation between the parties involved.
Masterplan Waterlandkwartier - Purmerend
June 2021
On the 25th of may the ‘college’ of Purmerend approved the masterplan Waterlandkwartier (formerly known as Stationsgebied). The masterplan, made in collaboration with LOLA Landscape Architects and the city, sets the stage for a development of the Waterlandkwartier for the next 10 to 20 years. Waterlandkwartier will together with the historical centre of Purmerend form the linear centre of Purmerend. Both districts are connected by the new city boulevard: Waterlandlaan-Purmersteenweg. As part of the masterplan the station will be moved to the Waterlandlandlaan and will become a central public transport HUB for Purmerend. The Waterlandkwartier will transform into a lively mixed, green, vibrant, and sustainable district. In the coming years 1800 dwellings, office program and amenities will be added on top of the existing program.
The masterplan is presented to the city council in June. On the 30th of June the council will assess the masterplan during the councilmeeting.
The full masterplan can be viewed here
Vision Veldhuis district
May 2021
BURA made a urban vision for the Veldhuis area in Apeldoorn, in close collaboration with the municipality of Apeldoorn. The vision was approved by the 'college' and also presented to inhabitants and the city council.
Veldhuis feels like a hidden place, though within a minute walk from the train station of Apeldoorn. You find the typical "Apeldoornse" houses in combination with larger industrial and educational buildings. The position and characteristics makes Veldhuis an attractive area for new developments. It will be a green and lively city. There are opportunities to realize approximately 780 new houses in combination with companies, facilities and educational functions. The old industrial buildings tell the story of the past and give the neighborhood a good atmosphere. Besides, the plan connects to the green qualities of the Veluwe. In this way, we build on the existing qualities and create a characterful area for the future
Floris van der Zee interview 'Podium voor jong talent'
June 2021
Floris van der Zee has been interviewed by Dutch Magazine 'De Architect' for its section about young talents: 'Podium voor jong talent'. A year ago he became partner of BURA, next to Marco Broekman. In this interview Floris explains more about his professional vision and ambitions, both personally and in relationship with BURA urbanism.
You can read the interview here
Development perspective Spoorzone Arnhem-Oost
May 2021
BURA have worked together with the municipality of Arnhem on redeveloping the Spoorzone Arnhem-Oost into an attractive area for residents and businesses. The perspective provides improved connections between the different neighborhoods, a mix of living and working and space for sustainable and innovative companies, creating an energetic and green city district. A new robust rail park (Spoorpark) concatenates the existing neighborhoods and new developments and connects the Veluwe with the rivers the IJssel and Nederrijn. The 'Development perspective Spoorzone Arnhem-Oost' was presented to the council last week.
BURA wins selection for Eindhoven Central Station, in Team Gateways
May 2021
BURA urbanism recently started working on a Spatial Development Vision for Eindhoven Central Station, within Team Gateways, consisting of our partners Gateways, Sweco and Space Syntax. The vision will make full use of the station's potential to become a dynamic and efficient multimodal transit node - an exemplary hub that connects key parts of the city, helps to promote the shift towards public transit and bike use in the region, and also improves connectivity on a national and European level.
The focus of the Spatial Development Vision will lie on upgrading the train and bus station, integrating the multimodal hub into the surrounding urban fabric, and creating opportunities for real estate development on the site.
The assignment is commissioned by the Province of Noord Brabant, the Municipality of Eindhoven, the national railway network organisation ProRail and NS (Dutch Railways), the principal passenger railway operator in the Netherlands.
Image credits: Aerophoto-Schiphol
Hembrug Masterplan positively accessed
April 2021
Great news for our project in Hembrug!
On Thursday, April 22, the Zaanstad municipal council assessed positively the Hembrug Master Plan. The municipal council particularly appreciates the participation process and the desire to preserve the non-monumental buildings and industrial halls on the site. With the intention set by Gemeente Zaanstad and Hembrug Zaandam B.V. (ABC Vastgoed, LIFE Europe, Ten Brinke Vastgoedontwikkeling), the former military terrain of Hembrug will be transformed into a vibrant living and working environment, where culture, heritage, landscape and recreation become a part of daily life. BURA has been working on this project since 2017. Together with Strootman Landschapsarchitecten and the team of Hembrug Zaandam B.V. we worked on the Masterplan of Hembrug which describes the main ambitions of the area.
For more information check here
Concept Gebiedsvisie Leiden Wernink presentation
April 2021
Floris van der Zee presented on 15th May the Concept Gebiedsvisie for the Wernink site in Leiden in an online presentation and discussion. BURA develops the vision for this former industrial site on the Rhine, transforming it into a new city district with 600-750 homes. BURA urbanism works for the Municipality of Leiden and collaborates with Megaborn and Maak de Stad. Presentations and research are available for a response here
Team BURA selected for Centrum-Binnenstad Zwolle
March 2021
A team led by BURA urbanism has been selected to work on the Zwolle Center-Inner City Development Program in the coming year. BURA works together with bureau B + B and experts from Studio Bereikbaar, Stadkwadraat and Merosch. The focus is on the old city center and various development areas around the city center, except for the railway zone. Zwolle has invested in the city center in recent years with high-quality urban projects, but now the step is needed to make the Center-Inner City a more complete urban environment. The aim of the development program is therefore to further strengthen the economic and cultural position of Zwolle and to make the city more attractive for its users, and to put Zwolle on the map nationally and internationally. The development program is a dot on the horizon that is inviting to market parties and is supported by the Zwolse society and its politics. The BURA team will draw the development program through co-creation with the municipality, entrepreneurs, residents, initiators and market parties, and prepare the city center and surrounding area for the future.
Definitive urban plan of Merwede!
March 2021
Super proud that the definitive urban plan of Merwede is out now. On March 10th, the plan was presented by the municipal executive to the municipal council for decision-making. BURA has been working on the site since 5,5 years, in close collaboration with our clients, partner offices and architects. The public-private partnership is unique and has led to innovation in mobility, the energy system, high quality public space, affordable housing and unique programming. From now on BURA will take the role of supervisor of Merwede, looking forward to take the next step into the realization of this ambitious, sustainable, urban district.
more information here
First prize for High-rise Innovation Award!
January 2021
The research proposal 'Thuis op hoogte' by BURA urbanism and CIVIC Architects won the first prize for High-rise Innovation Award! Stichting Hoogbouw announced the winner during the digital New Year's meeting on 25 January. In this design research we set out to study how diverse, inclusive and resilient communities can be created in high-rise buildings, not only at the scale of the building, but also at the scale of the so-called high-rise neighborhood. We aspire to create a model for an accessible, affordable and loved high-rise tower, where various social groups can find a place to live and which can create positive spin-off effects for the neighborhood it is located in. One of the challenges here is to come up with innovative forms of ownership and financial models within the high-rise building, which will make a desired mix of functions and social groups possible. BURA urbanism and Civic - Public Architecture will collaborate on this research, supported by sociologist Lia Karsten and economist Theo Stauttener. In this way, the design principles will be inspired by and linked to innovative economic strategies and social insights.
more information here
Think about Schieoevers Noord!
January 2021
BURA urbanism developed a (concept) spatial quality framework for the transformation of Schieoevers Noord. The participation process of the project has started and the plan for the industrial area was presented on January the 14th. Floris van der Zee provided an explanation on behalf of the Municipality of Delft on the basis of the DNA Schieoevers that has been drawn up. Concrete proposals for the Kabeldistrict and Delfts Schiekwartier were also presented.
You can find the presentation and more information here
Merwede between the ten best urban development projects of 2020
January 2021
Great news to start 2021! The Dutch magazine de Architect NL listed our urban plan for Merwede Utrecht among the ten best urban development projects of 2020.
You can read the article here