The urban tissue of het Oude Westen clearly shows remains of the old dutch polder structure. Unending repetitive lineair streets next to each other, take away your sense of orientation when walking through the neighborhood. Around the time of the urban renewal, connections were introduced running from east to west. These east-west connections, mostly pedestrian roads, all lead to a specific place in the centre of the neighborhood when connected. The existing building on this location, is an obstacle blocking the flow on the streets from all sides. The introvert building (consisting of a few public functions and housing programme on top) makes place for a new community building. A building which allows for a better flow on the streets and being the centre point of het Oude Westen, inviting inhabitants to come together.

Public squares

The new building is a landmark of the neighborhood, becoming the new face of het Oude Westen. By stacking programme vertically, public functions in the plinth and housing on top, the size of the footprint reduces and allows for an extra square to exist. Three squares in total enfold the building in the centre, creating a heart for the people to go to. Each with a different identity and character, activities for all types of people. Social interaction is important, since a certain level of loneliness occurs because of the majority of the inhabitants are one person households and unmarried. 

Community building

A transparant plinth is continuously showcasing what is happening inside. During the day the artists of the Circus studio (of the former Odeon building) are practising their acts and invite you to join them in a workshop. On the other side of the building, the Huis van de Wijk and the Aktiegroep Oude Westen welcome you whenever you have questions, need help or just want to have a conversation. If you want to meet up with other people, simply use public stairs to the rooftop terrace and enjoy the view together, or head to the first floor(s) and enjoy a nice cup of tea.

After the closing time of the Circus studio, the Huis van de Wijk and the Aktiegroep, the thaiboxingschool and danceschool take over during the evening. All the people of these groups contribute to making the community of het Oude Westen stronger and united. 

The housing programme of the former existing building is integrated into the top floors. Each floor has a collective space offering the possibility to do something together with all inhabitants on that floor.

Value for the neighborhood

Besides a new building with public functions for people to attend, the building also has a large parking garage underneath. Reaching from one side of the building to the other side of the green square, the garage offers extra parking spots for inhabitants of the neighborhoods to keep cars off the streets, allowing the streets to be more pedestrian-friendly and filled with greenery.

The new heart, consisting of the community building and the squares, offer multiple amenities on different scales to different kind of people, which add value for everyone.