Living in a Delta
Zwolle faces a big housing challenge and wants to create over 10,000 new homes in the coming years, half of them in the Spoorzone; the southern part of the region, located near the IJssel and green areas. In collaboration with Delva, JaJa Architects, and Kickstad, Mei has designed a dynamic plan for a green & adaptable, vital & healthy, and inclusive & caring district.
Project info
Status
In ontwikkeling
Programme
Green, ecological, and lively district in the railway area
8 hectares
1,500 homes
Size
245.000 m2
Lurelui-West is an elongated area with a distinctive urban landscape where the railway, the Veerallee, and the Spoolder Forest play the biggest roles. The Veerallee, a historic canal running from the IJssel to the city center and serving as the ‘lifeline of the city,’ borders one of the long sides of the site. On the other side, the site borders the railway. The Spoolder Forest, an important water-rich woodland area, borders the short southern side of the site. In the plan, the Veerallee and the Spoolder Forest are connected to each other and, in a sense, brought closer to the city.
The plan consists of formal blocks along the Veerallee, with a more open layout towards the Spoolder Forest and a sort of high-rise backbone by the railway. The high-rises will act as a sound buffer, greatly improving the quality of the so-called ‘Valley.’ Additionally, the high-rises will offer a beautiful view of the river delta.
The ‘Valley’ is located in the middle of the area and serves as the watery, green heart of Lurelui-West. Along the Veerallee, which is currently just asphalt, a green boulevard will be created with space to relax, exercise, and play. The layered architecture and dynamic street-level designs throughout the plan highlight the identity of the area.
By organizing the plan this way, an interactive ecosystem is created; a dynamic and comfortable live-work area where different lifestyles come together.
