Project Credits & Specs
- Architects: MVRDV
- Images: WAX, MVRDV
- Location: Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Area: 28 700 m2
- Year: 2017 –
Project Description
Nieuw Bergen is set to become a unique part of the city center of Eindhoven and combines the values of renovated and transformed buildings with new constructions. The urban strategy applied here is based on the knowledge and innovation necessary for establishing a sustainable, pleasant, and dynamic living environment for future residents. The design approach echoes Eindhoven’s status as a city of technology, design, and knowledge. Nieuw Bergen will get a hyper-modern feel and continues the informal character of the Bergen neighborhood.
Imaginary planes at an angle of 45 degrees are drawn from the footprint of neighboring residential buildings which leads to natural light principles that result in unpredictable building forms with jagged silhouettes, and a modern and optimistic atmosphere. At the same time, these refer to traditional pitched roofs. The 45-degree angle results in maximum sunlight for both houses and public spaces hence creating an optimum environment with significant energy savings as a result. The oblique roof planes are ideally suited for installing solar panels and are also able to accommodate green roofs. This concept is an evolution of the urban strategy tool MVRDV has been developing and actively applies in cities in need of sustainable densification.
Individual buildings within Nieuw Bergen are different, yet they all collectively form a family of buildings
that fit into the existing context like a mosaic. The sloping roofs reinforce this diversity and create a varied roof landscape. The diverse roofscape with solar panels and green make for an eye-catching and sustainable character. Angled roofs are less visible from the ground floor and result in a more intimate city. Collective gardens and greenhouses with lamella roof structures crown a number of buildings. A conscious choice of neutral colors and textured materials with subtle differences inform the striking glazed ceramic facades. Other façade materials incorporate stone, wood, and concrete elements and the color palette varies from white to 2/2 grey; shiny to rough. Wall openings also follow this diversity of architecture and varied positioned balconies with generous outdoor spaces create a vivid and attractive living environment.
The project description is provided by the architects.
About the Architects
MVRDV was founded in 1993 by Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs, and Nathalie de Vries. Based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, they have a global scope, providing solutions to contemporary architectural and urban issues in all regions of the world. Their highly collaborative, research-based design method involves clients, stakeholders, and experts from a wide range of fields from early on in the creative process. The results are exemplary, outspoken projects that enable our cities and landscapes to develop toward a better future.
