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Architects: NEXT architects
Year: 2023
Location: Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Photographs: Loes van Duijvendijk

Embodying Renewal in Woensel-West

Designed by NEXT Architects, Waag Woensel-West stands as a testament to the remarkable transformation of Eindhoven’s Woensel-West neighborhood. Formerly labeled as disadvantaged, the area has undergone extensive redevelopment, redefining it as an appealing locale for both residents and businesses.

A Landmark of Change

Situated on the prominent Edisonstraat, Waag Woensel-West serves as a landmark, marking the successful completion of several vital projects in the neighborhood. It not only revitalizes the main street but also signifies the conclusion of the Plan Celsius construction initiative, incorporating the innovative Da Vinci modular housing concept. Additionally, the building plays a central role in the final phase of the area’s redevelopment, housing the community-driven initiative BuurtWerkKamer 360.

Collaborative Beginnings

The revitalization journey of Woensel-West began at the turn of the century through a collaborative effort between the municipality and housing corporation Trudo. Departing from conventional approaches, the focus was on a community-based strategy. This inclusive strategy involved renovating houses, expanding local facilities, and fostering a vibrant streetscape along Edisonstraat. Social housing units developed by Trudo were allocated based on a commitment to neighborhood development, prioritizing those actively engaged in uplifting the community.

Resident-Centric Urban Interventions

Distinctive to Woensel-West’s redevelopment was a resident-centric approach, steering away from displacement. Urban interventions aimed to enhance the lives of current residents, emphasizing investment in their future. This contrasted with other Dutch neighborhood revitalization projects that often led to resident displacement.

Flexibility and Diversity

Woensel-West’s redevelopment embraced a unique and flexible approach. Unlike traditional master plans, this process allowed for continuous adjustments, fostering a diverse and dynamic environment. The spatial planning vision, labeled ‘Because Tastes Differ,’ created a structure encouraging differences and reflecting the neighborhood’s diverse population.

Architectural Innovation

The urban design envisioned an iconic, free-standing building with no fixed facade orientation, drawing inspiration from a historical weighing house. While a seven-story structure was substantial for the site, the design mitigated its scale by incorporating a glass building base for community activities and a green roof garden on the opposite side. The building’s design, colors, and materials vividly mirror the neighborhood’s diversity.

Striking Façade and Shared Spaces

The façade, constructed with sustainable cladding material called Ecoshapes, adds linear relief to the structure, enhancing its visual appeal. Waag Woensel-West accommodates community spaces on the ground floor, inviting residents to participate in various activities. Duplex apartments and corner apartments overlooking the square contribute to the mixed-use design. The roof terrace creates a shared outdoor living space, promoting community interaction.

Sustainable Elements and Future Prospects

The building’s façade utilizes Ecoshapes, a sustainable alternative to traditional cladding materials, contributing to its elegance. Waag Woensel-West serves not only as the culmination of Woensel-West’s redevelopment but also as the catalyst for a vibrant and promising future.

Architects: Studio Saar
Year: 2022
Location: Udaipur, India
Photographs: Ankit Jain

A Transformational Journey

Lead Architects: Ananya Singhal, Jonny Buckland
Structural Engineering: AMI Engineers
Main Contractors: Sisodiya Engineering Works, SK Construction
Project Management: Secure Meters Ltd.

In the heart of Udaipur, Rajasthan, Studio Saar, an international architecture firm, has breathed new life into Udaan Park, a community park overlooking Swaroop Sagar. Commissioned by Dharohar, a not-for-profit organization, the park’s metamorphosis reflects a commitment to creating accessible and inclusive public spaces. Udaan Park stands as the inaugural completion in Dharohar’s ’10 Lakh Vriksh’ initiative, aiming to rejuvenate various parks and gardens throughout the city.

Pioneering Urban Greenery

Originally marred by neglect and underutilization, Udaan Park lacked accessibility and visibility, fostering undesirable activities. Studio Saar envisioned a reinvigorated park that seamlessly connects with the lakeside, fostering a sense of adventure and community wonder.

Designing a Wholesome Experience

Over two years of meticulous redesign, Udaan Park evolved into a vibrant destination. Studio Saar harmonized the park’s layout, guiding visitors on a cohesive journey from street level to the lakeside. Leveraging the region’s natural topography and distinctive bedrock formations, the landscape design transformed the park into an engaging and interactive space.

Nature-Inspired Features

Udaan Park boasts locally sourced native plantings, a maze shaped by flowering plants and medicinal herbs, and a children’s playground utilizing recycled materials. A captivating shading canopy, inspired by starling murmurations, takes center stage. Comprising 34,000 life-sized birds crafted from recyclable plastic, the canopy provides both a visual spectacle and shade for the seating and games area beneath.

Sustainable Innovations

The park embodies a sustainable ethos, utilizing reclaimed materials found on-site. Discarded tires find new life as planters, swings, play tunnels, and entrance mazes. Recycled saree fabrics contribute to swing ropes in the children’s play area. Notably, non-structural metalwork, including gates, fences, and parts of the park’s canopy, utilizes repurposed steel reinforcement bars.

Fostering Community Engagement

Udaan Park has become a sanctuary for all ages, transforming from a neglected space into a venue for birthday celebrations. Local youth, once potential vandals, now actively participate in the park’s upkeep. This project sets a precedent for inventive material reuse across the city.

A Green Vision for Udaipur’s Future

Ananya Singhal of Studio Saar emphasizes the broader impact, stating, “With Udaipur undergoing rapid urbanization, the city is at a severe risk of depleting its green cover… We believe we can ignite a movement to reshape the city with open green spaces developed and maintained by the community.” Udaan Park stands not only as a physical oasis but as a catalyst for positive change in Udaipur’s urban landscape.