Juxtaposition of notions

Abstract

The city block of Bijlmerplein is a significant example of created identity through different notions. In the context 70s and 80s heritage, Bijlmerplein demonstrates ideological interplay between different ideas and ways of design of built environment in the one neighborhood.
It was designed as a remediation and a response to failed modernist utopia - “City of the future” of Bijlmer together with other residential blocks such as Heesterveld, Hoptille and Haardstee. The final goal intended to create new identity for an area which would be relevant to Amsterdam city and could give sense of belonging to society in contrast of alienated and futuristic Bijlmer urban setting. Bijlmerplein boundaries had been shaped by the infrastructure (elevated streets, parking lots and separated traffic) which was the consequence of CIAM ideas. The area has also an anthroposophical concept which are embedded into NMB head office in by Alberts & Van Huut. Cluster 2, designed by Atelier Pro architects had nature inclusive notion. Cluster 4 was designed by BroekBakema architects who were searching for national Dutch identity in the architecture and developed the “total” space concept inspired by ideas of neo-plasticism
The design by research the focus was given for cluster 4 within the Bijlmerplein, because of its complex spatial composition, relation with public squares, accentuated front façade, architectural language, and the postmodern archetypes. The main idea of the design was to open the cluster by introducing the “green alley” feature and by densifying the block by careful extensions. The green alley becomes the key element for circulation and the center of the new residential spaces. It helps to reactivate the plinth and introduce urban greenery. At the same time, the research explored different ways of purifying and revitalizing postmodern archetypes such as: “gate”, “bridge”, “tower”, “street”, “courtyard” and “colonnade”. These features were seen as an attribute regarding historical value of the block.
Cluster 4 is primary a social housing residential block, which also causes many social issues such as: lack of ownership, segregation, poverty, exclusiveness, drug dealing, homelessness. These issues were tackled by introducing different types of housing which intend to attract people from different social layers and diversify the block. This was done by introducing penthouses for young families, lofty studios for young professionals and three residential blocks for residents with medium income.