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Impressive extension of the city centre facilities, based on a masterplan by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas and comprising leisure facilities, apartments and a large retail area.  

Located half an hour north of Amsterdam, the city of Almere has grown rapidly on reclaimed land since the late 1960s. With a population of over 200,000 in 2007, this radical upgrade of the city centre was a crucial part of a drive to transform Almere into a complete and attractive city.

Before construction got underway in 1999, a major urban development study was analysed by MAB Development and its partners in this major project. This resulted in a masterplan to harmonise new facilities with the existing centre using a progressive approach.

The ingenious urban development plan was created by Rem Koolhaas and Floris van Alkemade. The architectural approach has created a pulsating, futuristic city heart, which completes and complements its existing surroundings. Especially notable is the way an ‘underworld’ (parking, public transport) and an ‘upper world’ (shops, catering, establishments, housing, a hotel, library, cinema and theatre) have been integrated. All this is topped off by a city roof garden for use by residents of the housing that borders the garden.

The overall result is a smart new perspective for Almere that gives the city a clear identity as it continues to grow.

VISIT THE PROJECTSITE

completion

2008 - 2009

Programme

83,000 m² retail/food & beverage
18,000 m² leisure
2,200 m² offices
4,950 m² 3*hotel (with 120 rooms)
2,600 m² culture (music hall)
596 private apartments
2.500 parking spaces

Architect

Coordinating architect Rem Koolhaas
plot 1: Christian de Portzamparc
plot 2: David Chipperfield Architects
plot 3: Meyer & van Schooten Architecten
plot 4: Gigon & Guyer Architecten
plot 5: SeArch
plot 6: Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA)
plot 6a: Sambeek & Van Veen Architecten
plot 7: Jonathan  Woodroffe (S333 Architecture + Urbanism)
plot 9: Jonathan  Woodroffe (S333 Architecture + Urbanism)
plot 11: De Architectengroep
plot 12: Alsop and Störmer Architects
plot 14: Architecten Cie
plot 16: René van Zuuk Architecten
plot 17: Gunnar Daan Doeke van Wieren architecten
plot 18: Claus and Kaan Architecten
plot 19: De Architectengroep

Project partners

Principal is Almere Hart C.V. (a joint venture between Bouwfonds MAB and Blauwhoed Eurowoningen)

Awards & Nominations

  • ICSC Restore Distinction Award 2008
  • Neprom Award for location Development 2007
  • European Standard Parking Award 2008
  • ICSC Merit Award Winner 2008 in the category; Innovative Design and Development of a New Project: Mixed Use