2_5_DiscoverBenelux_Issue15_March2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 20/02/2015 15:09 Page 37
Discover Benelux | Special Theme | The Market of Construction
“Through drafting multiple scenarios we uncover the best basic solution,” he adds. “This way of working is very effective: in little time we gather a massive amount of information and get to the core of the project. It also creates a friendly, collaborative atmosphere and enormous goodwill.” One of the projects he points out is the redevelopment of the station concourse in Utrecht – the country’s busiest public transport hub. It includes the creation of world’s largest underground bicycle parking, with space for 12,500 bikes. “This project perfectly showcases our qualities. We had to design an environment that is socially safe, highly usable and of course enjoyable. Optimal logistics, providing a direct connection between every single parking space and the train platforms, were vital, as was creating a high quality public plaza,” Ector says. As it affected many different stakeholders – from local government to business owners – Ector and his team invited each party and carefully listened to their interests. “For us this is standard practice, so we were able to process and implement many more individual requirements than anyone had expected at the outset. Also, we never compromise: we don’t stop designing until we have an option that works well for everyone. And that’s what we achieved here too.”
LEFT: Faculty of Applied Sciences TU Delft – This world-class physics research centre required extreme levels of soundproofing, vibration reduction, temperature stability and exclusion of dust and magnetic field. RIGHT: The unique working philosophy of Ector Hoogstad Architecten led almost 40 stakeholders to support the station concourse annex bicycle park in Utrecht that will optimally serve thousands of travellers each day.
Another project Ector remembers fondly was the redevelopment of the MetaForum, a university building in Eindhoven. The original monumental 1950s workshop had to be enlarged and transformed into a 21st century building, with learning environments, restaurants and a library. Ector, who graduated here himself, says: “Thanks to modern communication, you hardly have to leave your house, the need to meet people face-to-face is diminishing. This project was designed to counter that and seduce
students to come here to actively participate, connect and exchange ideas.” Located centrally, the 7-metre high glass structure is at a crossroads for the campus. “I like to think of it as the university’s living room, bringing people together and inspiring them to collaborate.” He concludes: “To develop big new ideas you’ve simply got to work together.” www.ectorhoogstad.com/en
Dealing with complexity was also the main challenge for the renovation of an 18th century city block in Leiden. The quarter was to be turned into a pop music hall while keeping much of the original structure intact. “It was a spatial puzzle. Technically it was very challenging because of acoustic requirements. We aimed to create a striking interaction between old and new,” Ector says. The project emphasises how sustainability can express itself in many ways, and not just by adding solar panels to a roof. “Meaningful reuse presents its own kind of sustainability, saving what is there. We always keep this in mind: while we design our buildings to last an eternity, they should allow adaptations with minimal wastage,” he adds.
ABOVE RIGHT: IMd offices, rotterdam – Consisting of several pavilions inside a former steel factory, this was a simple, inexpensive yet effective way of reusing old buildings. It is a “playground for engineers” as Joost Ector describes it.
Issue 15 | March 2015 | 37