Campus North, A site for the mind
Revitalising the Hembrug terrain
A.A.D. de Guerre (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
W.L.E.C. Meijers (Heritage & Design)
G.Y. Warries (TU Delft - Teachers of Practice / AE+T)
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Abstract
The Hembrug terrain is the former location of the Artillerie inrichtingen of the Netherlands which was the heart of the Stelling van Amsterdam. It is located at the intersection of the North sea canal and Zijkanaal G between the cities of Zaandam and Amsterdam. The former military terrain consists of many buildings of varying typologies and sizes as well as open spaces and historical green structures. The site was rediscovered in 2011, after having been abandoned of all function for many years. 'Campus North' is part of the sector previously called Weapon factory and consists of the former Machine Hall and weapon depot of the site. The open spaces and the forest as well as the routing are of great value to the terrain as well as the open plan and construction of the researched buildings. The once closed off site, will be revitalised in order to create a secluded area where the user can retreat for the day and unload from the crowdedness and stress of the capital. The transformation will be performed based on the position towards heritage where the typologies and characteristic elements therefrom will be preserved as witness of the past spirit of the place and additions will be placed only where necessary for the function. The materials used are gathered within a radius of 25km around the site and are respecting of the WELL principles. Two different functions where designed for the buildings. The weapon depot will be transformed in to a house for reflection where workshops will be held in order to enhance the effectiveness on the workplace. The former machine hall will be converted to a Hall of silence focussed on contemplation through a route guiding the user between different experiences. It is connected to the public space by an enclosed garden built between the existing trees of the forest. he site was designed to respond to the growing issue of stress in our busy lives as this is a problem towards which there are still not many response from out the design world.