The Courtyard Plan | Yannick Macken

My plan was voted best urban-design of the project
by a jury consisting of professors from the faculty of
architecture and Vlaardingen representatives.

concept

After analyzing the location, I discovered a persistant lack of green public spaces.
I wanted to implement a series of green courtyards, connected by a walking/
cycling- route. These spaces should offer the new residents of the area a livable
and intimate environment. On the contrary, the municipality of Vlaardingen
wanted the town to have a more urban-like appearance. This is why I wanted
the visitors of Vlaardingen to experience the town centre in a more traditional
way. Through the narrow streets and the small wharf they make their way to the
church that indicates the heart of Vlaardingen.

Feasability, phases and facts

The height difference of the plot made it possible to create a half-sunken parkinglot, more cost-efficient than an underground parkinglot. The lot has a maximum capacity of 120 vehicles. The pedestrian-exits of the garage bring the residents to the collective courtyard. Sloping grass-surfaces (raised with soil substracted from the garage) lead the water into the wadi that retains water after heavy rainfall. The ‘lijnbaan’, a construction used for making rope, is transformed into a small-scale promenade. Residents can cycle or walk along this route that connects the church with the station. A part of the ‘lijnbaan’-construction will be placed in the courtyard to function as bicycle-storage. The dwellings are placed around the central courtyard. Some are located directly above the parkinglot, wich grants them a personal entrance from the garage.The plan provides 78 houses for about 250 dwellers and has a 1.3 floor -space index (relatively high for a courtyard typology and a significant improvement compared to the current situation).

Sections and overview

The sections show the undergound parking lot, the collective courtyard and the
route with the ‘lijnbaan’. As visible in the upper section, the northern part of the
plot is about 1.5 meter higher than the courtyard. This height difference allows
the houses on top of the half-sunken garage to have a subtile transition from
their private backyards to the collective garden. Other backyards are also raised
in order to create a similar effect. The ‘lijnbaan’ is coverd with glass panels in
order to shelter the pedestrianized route from the wind while letting sunlight
through.

impressions

The existing characteristic 19-th century frontages, surrounding the location,
alternate with the new design’s facades. Old houses vary in colour and height
while new facades vary in materials and window-typology. The new facades will
be developed in four variants while small variations are possible. The courtyard
will have a very natural character with the wadi (impression in the middle) as a
central element. With the backyards facing the courtyard, there is a very vibrant
feel to the place.