Redesign Square

• Program
  49 Parking lots
• Client
  Neighborhood project team 't Ven in Strijp
• Team
  Marco Vermeulen
  Theo Hauben
  Jaap Bekkers
  
• Location
  Eindhoven, Theresiaplein
• Area
  1463 m2
• Date
  2001-10-16

Five parking islands slice up the forecourt to St Theresia's Church. The square, as a result, offers little attraction for pedestrians. The urgent need for even more parking space adds to the pressure on the traditional role of the church forecourt. This proposal provides for an optimal parking facility along one side of the square in order to maximise the open area in front of the church. What's more, the parking facility is designed in such a way that it encourages encounters and exchanges between users. The form of the car park is determined by tilting the asphalt of Bredalaan road over the forecourt. The court thus becomes a neighbourhood gateway through which residents and visitors continually pass. A range of features enhances the appearance of the car park. Colourful elements such as letterboxes and a telephone kiosk are set off against the black surface of the ground. The effect is that of a colourful dashboard illuminated after dark. The ground plane is manipulated so that all elements blend into it. Those usually positioned randomly in public areas are integrated into the space and add to its sculptural character. In places, the surface is moulded into seating areas that offer concentrated points of repose for passers-by. Raising the side of the square creates a long bench for waiting bus passengers. In bad weather they can shelter in a dugout that skirts the side of the court. The new church forecourt embraces modern reality and may even enhance social cohesion in the neighbourhood. A zone for the motorist has been turned into a zone for the locality.