Industrieplein Hengelo
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
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Project Description
What used to be a gloomy, grey traffic area at the back of the railway station is now a lively city square that functions as a new urban link in the city center of Hengelo. Its exuberant vegetation and state-of-the-art skate park set it apart from other railway station squares in the Netherlands. The Industrieplein clearly presents Hengelo as an inclusive city moving forward to a sustainable future.
Project Region
EU Programme or fund
Description of the project
Summary
The reason for the complete makeover of the Industrieplein is the redevelopment of a former industrial area south of the city center of Hengelo. While preserving its industrial heritage, the area is being transformed into a dynamic urban network for living and working, education and culture. The Industrieplein forms the link between this district and the old city center. Thousands of people pass the square every day on their way to school, work or the nearby music venue. Plenty of reason to convert the square into something more than a logistic hub.
Now the Industrieplein Hengelo square has been transformed from the backside of Hengelo station to the new gateway to this dynamic area. Different users were given a place on the square, and there is now room for new forms of use. The new Industrieplein provides space to a wide range of users: travelers, passers-by, entrepreneurs, skaters, concert goers. With that the square has become an epitome of social inclusiveness.
The new skatepark which has arisen on the square is being used incessantly, the old brook has been made visible again, and there is now room on the square for events. Because of a smart lighting system the illumination on the square can be adapted to the situation. Multi-stemmed trees and butterfly- and bee-attracting perennials provide a pleasant local climate.
That is how the Industrieplein became a square and a park simultaneously.
Key objectives for sustainability
The key objective concerning sustainability was to create a square that improves biodiversity and is climate resistant. In addition, we want to use the visible water system and the explicit planting to make climate adaptation a topic for discussion and to stimulate climate awareness .
Almost a quarter of the square consists of greenery. Together with experts a special planting scheme was made, taking into account factors like soil and local climate. The perennials and trees are heat and drought resistant. The trees have been planted in a large size and high density, so that from the start the leaves of the trees offer shade, break the sunlight and diminish temperature and heat stress. The large amount of greenery was chosen and planted in such a way that it limits weeds and thus maintenance. Nectar bearing trees for pollinators and host plants for butterflies increase biodiversity. There is always something blooming all year long, even in winter. Then the fruit-bearing trees provide ornamental value and a tasty meal for birds.
Then there is the water, which in times of heavy rain the stream retains and drains water, and facilitates a wide variety of vegetation.
A responsible production of a square also means optimal safeguarding of interests, preventing unnecessary interim changes, and responding to any possible future adjustments. The process as well as the production of the Industrieplein are aimed at a sustainable future.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Creating space for all the different users, functions and large visitor flows was a complex puzzle. The sometimes opposing interests and principles have been translated in a square made of green shards, that separate the different zones and guide the routes the station entry. The design principle of shards defines certain space usages such as the skate park and logistics functions, but at the same time ensures openness and permissibility. The result is a well-arranged, safe square that simultaneously and harmoniously offers space to people’s, skate and traffic movements as well as calm and pleasant spots to rest and relax, meet and greet.
Where the floor plan provides a clear structure, it is first and foremost the greenery that appeals to the imagination. See the telling pops of color around the skate rink. Providing both a feast for the eye and welcome shade, the greenery adds to a pleasant quality of stay for the users of the square.
Key objectives for inclusion
Since there were so many stakeholders and necessary functions, one of the key objectives was to give each of these a fitting place on the square. Not only the usual functions such as logical routing, a Kiss & Ride, a taxi rank and bicycle parking had to be positioned on the square. A group of local skaters lobbied for years to get their own spot within the city center and the water authorities had a wish to restore the course of an old brook. That is why various players were actively involved at an early stage of the project: Taxi entrepreneurs, the regional education center, the local music venue, the water authority, Province of Overijssel, the local skate organization Skatelab, railway companies and various municipal disciplines. The multidisciplinary approach to the spatial, economic, ecological and social (sub)tasks has resulted in space for all these users and their functions.
Results in relation to category
The Industrieplein offers space to a large mix of users: travelers, passers-by, entrepreneurs, urban sports. This makes the square an example of social inclusivity. After years of searching, skaters got a place at an A-location (not on the outskirts of the city); their skate park is now an inter-regional attraction. The square also went from a grey and unused space to a dynamic junction between the renovated Hart van Zuid and the old city center, two economically valuable districts of Hengelo. In addition, the exuberant planting and sustainable water system have an important social significance: they promote biodiversity and climate adaptation. Moreover, the rich greenery creates a pleasant quality of stay for the users of the square. All this was designed in a participation process with all the stakeholders.
The Industrieplein therefore simultaneously makes a positive contribution to a sustainable society, economic traffic and individual well-being.
How Citizens benefit
Public support was an important aim, especially in an area that is used by many different people every day. That is why, at an early stage of the design process, all the major stakeholders were involved. Through interviews people could share their wishes and ideas, which were then carefully translated into the final design.
Innovative character
One of the most innovative aspects of the Industrieplein is a new water course that links two existing streams. This new waterway has been realized by adapting an old sewer for clean water. Since the stream is low leveled, now and then the water appears on the square to dive again underneath street level a bit further on. The presence of water is not only beautiful and inviting, it is also functional and sustainable. So in times of heavy rain the stream retains and drains water. The fluctuation of water levels also facilitates a wide variety of vegetation.
An integrated smart light system can react to specific situations on the square, whether it is a night-time skate competition, a music event or a national holiday. Masts with remote-controllable RGB LED’s provide the possibility to create any possible atmosphere in the evening and at night.
