“ A dynamic transit space of mutual interest for the passing boats and the city.“
Noordereiland is an island formed by the harbourdevelopment in the middle of the city around 1875. What used to be a centre of trade and connections to other places in the world, is now mainly residential and an outer dike area struggling with high tide and floods. Floods that become worse and more frequent every year. The islands only connections left…
“ A dynamic transit space of mutual interest for the passing boats and the city.“
Noordereiland is an island formed by the harbourdevelopment in the middle of the city around 1875. What used to be a centre of trade and connections to other places in the world, is now mainly residential and an outer dike area struggling with high tide and floods. Floods that become worse and more frequent every year. The islands only connections left are two bridges which both give problems when the water level is higher.
The newest Willemsbrugs passage is too low for boats and accidents are already occuring. An important trading route, from the seaport to the rest of Europe. The older Konninginnebrug is the main connection for inhabitants and is so low it floods as regular as the quays of the island.
The vital infrastructure of the island and the waterway is static and not able to cope with the changeability of the water. The value and prosperity of the island and the passing tradingroute is highly affected by the increasing frequency of the floodings and foresee a uncertain future caused by the climate change.
By reviving the connection between the passing boats and the island just like the old harbour typology, the two isolated worlds of boats and the city, find each other again. A new device as connector between the two worlds as changeable and inventive as boats. A device that gives new meaning to the public space of Noordereiland, what used to be the quay that’s now regurarly flooding. By making a device as dynamic as boats, it will be able to constantly adapt to the changing waterlevel and shoreline to make the connection between the two worlds.
It acts as a new floating transit zone where travelers and inhabitants can revive, restore and regenerate. A place where goods and values are transferred and shared, only to be found there. A place where cultures meet and exchange stories, habits and goods. Two worlds which at first are alienated, merge more frequent.
The design is the outcome of a research to the architecture of boats. The more functional aspects like floating and moving but as well the humanistic negative space in a logistical machine. The crane and cargo hatch in the middle of the square constantly reminds you
of the the logistic functions of the device, while the sides of the square have functions a swimmingpool, cabins and a dininghall. The main level is defined by an arched translucent roof. The arched form continues as the base of the elevated dining room with a full panoramic view. Above the arched roof lays a trajectory of walkways to the cockpit of the device. The eyes of the device which is constantly visible. The device refers to the resort like places provided for the people needed for our status quo.
FIRST ENCOUNTER
Where the travelling skippers set foot on land. Nomads of Europe, Alienated to the citylife. Setting food to land has always been a huge deal for sailors. A euforic moment especially after a long time on the water, it brings opportunities to restore, to trade and the most of value, getting in contact with others. Where these worlds at first feel alienated to eachother, the higher waterlevels and stormy weather drives them together. The device provides an outcome and place to go for both worlds while restoring the vernacular connection.
THE TWO MEETING
The skippersbar always had a prominent place in the harbour or intersection of the two worlds. A place where people find common ground and get in contact. Contact defined by stories, new relations but trading oportunities as well.
The lightsource and reference on the horizon is defined by this gathering place. The windows on the elevated level frame the panorama from inside but signals to the outside at night as well.
THE LEISURE OF OUR LOGISTICS
The pool where skippers or people that had to spend the night are refreshing themselves. Later that day the pool will be used to give swimminglessons to the island’s children.
The sun passing through the skylight reflects on the cool water while in the back the transfering of goods have already started. A resort-like place in the backdrop of the logistic machine.
BROADENING THE PERIMETER
While the perimeter of the noordereiland shrinks with the rising waterlevel.
A cluster of different boats broadens the border of the new island. A floating island designed as cross to have as much interactionsurface as possible. Boatswhich are exposed to the public space. Only a matter of time before the first person tries to cross the stacked boats to find new connections. The right to cross boats to get to your destination.
