The studio has designed a new building on the Jaarbeursplein central square in Utrecht, a city known for championing healthy urban living.
Created in collaboration NUDUS Architects and Edge, a leader in sustainable real estate development, the design captures the spirit of Utrecht, bringing a sense of warmth and fun to the otherwise soulless modern square, just off the historic centre of the city. Nicknamed Oopen, the building is a collection of diverse cylinders – a design that bottle’s up Utrecht’s identity, dynamism and heritage, in contrast to the backdrop of conventionally angular buildings in the neighbourhood.
The design’s rounded form prioritises open access from all sides, complimented using warm, tactile, relatable materials such as brick. On the inside, meanwhile, the interconnected cylinders promote exploration and chance encounters. The varied facilities and services range from sports and cultural event spaces and start-up offices to pop-up cafes and a rooftop restaurant with views across Utrecht’s skyline.
The building is the result of an extraordinary collaboration with the forward-thinking municipality of Utrecht. The city’s brief was to create a special place that reflects the urgent need for healthier cities that bring people together. The result isn’t just a design for another office building, but a thrilling opportunity to activate the square and create a surprising, new public place for this historic city.
The city’s creative and entrepreneurial energy paired with the focus on healthy urban living permeates the design. An indoor urban sports area and a skate park spilling out onto the public square promote active recreation, whilst a large public hall will host cultural events and exhibitions. A collection of flexible kiosks will allow for a variety of services from local gastronomic highlights to charity pop-ups. a club at the basement will activate Utrecht’s nightlife. A bicycle shed and a mobility hub will take up an entire floor, providing a natural nexus for anyone passing through the Netherland’s busiest train station nearby.
The design is further enhanced with multiple landscaped terraces, some of which are reserved solely for the city’s wildlife residents. The adaptive structure allows for long-term flexibility, providing options for future reconfiguration of the inside spaces. The design strives to become the first zero-emissions mixed use high-rise building in the Netherlands.
The design was selected in a public competition organised by the Utrecht Municipality to envision a new centre for culture, work and leisure for the city’s diverse population.
