Islands
The most telling aspect of the design is the precise way in which the buildings, parking spaces and bridges are embedded in the surrounding greenery: the landscape is guiding. The existing, long sightlines over the water are cherished and the design also provides green water borders that are so characteristic of Friesland. The banks will have natural reed vegetation and wadi-like slopes, enriching the ecology. Trenches for water retention will be incorporated between parking strips; these are also a kind of wadis. Exterior doors are situated so that there is an incentive to sit by the water, where there will be decking and seating elements.
The structure of islands is a given in business park A7-North. The buildings are not right next to the water, so the green belt is wide enough for nature development and to relax in. Bridges will be as elegant as possible, to preserve the idea of an island. The addresses Kelvinlaan 2 and 4 will be merged, but designed in such a way that the situation is optimal for safety, traffic and ecology - the relationship between land and water must not change anyway, according to the water board. The efficient integration of traffic movements, such as routes for all kinds of police equipment and for citizens, was a complex puzzle. We managed to put it in place without sacrificing scenic beauty.