Urban Design and Landscape Architecture Firm

The knowledge that contemporary landscape is for the major part artificial, made up of different components -- designed and undesigned -- allows West 8 the freedom to respond by positioning its own narrative spaces. The basic ingredients are ecology, infrastructure, weather conditions, building programs and people. The goal is to incorporate awareness of these various aspects in a playful, optimistic manner stimulating the desire to conquer and take possession of a space.

On the other hand, the realization of an urban masterplan is a long-term process. It is not a readymade object, but accumulates richness and beauty through time. Large-scale interventions in a city require a strong and understandable concept in order to carry a unique identity.

Duindoornstad,
Coast of Holland
1995

Rotterdam 2045’ is a major planning event requiring schemes answerable to one of two distinct scenarios for the city’s development over a period of fifty years. West 8 examined the possible development of the Port of Rotterdam and the coast, taking their cue from the co-called ‘Green Scenario’ which stresses spatial development as it proceeds from the ultra-fine-tuning of social interests. Not that the West 8 scheme is consistently small scale. In the spirit of scenario, the scheme links a small scale social and spatial integration with a fixation on the environment, culture and development, to the creating of large areas where nature, distribution, technology and unforeseen activities can evolve into ‘acceleration zones’. The Zeeland Delta is regarded as a wetland forming part of a large-scale ecosystem, and the Port of Rotterdam as an efficient distribution and transport zone related to European population concentrations, that shapes the conditions for a small-scale, ecologically responsible society.

North of the port the proposal constructs a new autonomous coastal city of 50.000-100.000 houses with major landscape and recreational qualities, a multitude of living environments, small-scale employment and first-rate public transport. The proposal dwells on the civil engineering process, giving the city a high-powered look and close link with nature. Rather than being designed with an end-result in mind, the city is continually evolving based as it is on civil -engineering and landscape identities. The process of realising the scheme begins with the laying out of two construction islands, later to be incorporated in the city, from where the coastal zone can be raised behind a dune ‘dike’. Between the raised section and the coast is an inland beach. The southern part is to boast an eighty metre high cone of sand that will disperse in five or six years to form a natural dune land. During that time there will be large-scale sowing of sea Buckthorn, which in two years will grow into an impenetrable mass of vegetation punctured by fire exits. Thus, a coastal landscape will evolve containing every stage to oak woods on the old dunes. South of Kijkduin near The Hague the A4 highway will be extended to the sea where an intensive leisure area will take shape. At the Hook of Holland end, the A20 will continue to a transferium hidden in the dunes. The area south of the dunes will become a low, densely developed city with a view over the estuary of the harbour, while the relative isolation of the central area will be exploited to build a ‘bicycle city’.

Chiswick Park,
London, UK
1999 -

Chiswick Park is a public garden within a major new office development near to central London. The approach to the landscape was to provide two clearly defined spaces: the 'inner garden' and the 'outer landscape'.

The 'inner garden' is a highly designed, elevated space at the centre of the site onto which the buildings front. It makes reference to both Monet’s paintings and to Chinese influences of the 19th century. It includes water lilies, a nymph, an arched timber bridge, a timber boardwalk, rocks, grass and conifer related trees. The quality of the ‘inner garden’ is accentuated by natural materialisation and the use of warm, red colours. Rocks are used in the garden as retaining elements, architectural features and sculptural objects. The centre point of the ‘inner garden’ is a large-scale lake split into two levels with a waterfall. A timber boardwalk and bridge provide vantage points from which to view the garden.

In contrast, the 'outer landscape' is a simple and functional design that includes site boundaries, peripheral car parking and arterial corridors between the buildings. The principle character of this area is that of a park landscape with groups of large trees set into an articulated landscape of grass and paving. This soft landscape-feature forms an evergreen backdrop for the buildings. The function of this 'outer landscape' is to facilitate clear circulation for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. Planting at the boundaries of the site reacts to the larger surrounding cityscape.

Courtyard Victoria & Albert Museum,
London, UK


In the Victoria and Albert Museum the audience makes a labyrinthine journey through cultures and artifacts. Within this exhausting trip the central courtyard should be the necessary focus of fresh air, daylight, rest, sitting, meeting, talking or having a drink. This marvelous patio is the antagonist of the imposing museum collection. It is the mental void; the space for reflection and recuperation.

Leerpark,
Dordrecht, NL

Urban Plan

Expo '02,
Swiss National Expo
Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland
2002


The ‘Arteplage’ of Yverdon-les-Bains was one of the four sites into which the Swiss National Exhibition that took place in 2002, was divided.

An international competition for the design of this site was won by a collaborative design team called 'Extasia', led by West 8.

The team had to follow a given theme in the competition: 'Human Sensuality'.

The design that was made, was a concept to transform an existing horse-race track into a stunning surreal landscape.

The design creates a relationship with the lake of Neuchatel, that borders the site.

Buona Vista Park,
Singapore
2002 -


The One-North development in Singapore can be seen as one of the most exceptional and exciting urban developments worldwide. High density, a total mix of functions and a superb green lung combine to create a benchmark for new development on the island.

As aimed for in Zaha Hadid's master plan, strategies such as new technology and media will establish One-North's character, and give the locale its' specific attraction for coming generations.

Visserijplein,
Rotterdam
1990 - 1995

This square in the city centre of Rotterdam is used twice a week as a marketplace. The square surrounded by trees to define the area. A forest of shining steel is the main feature to the marketplace. Fourteen angular constructions supply electricity for 200 market stalls.

Erasmian Garden,
Arboretum Rotterdam


Erasmian Garden, is a place where you can read and celebrate stillness. A garden in a garden, the university , wine.

In the past the park was self explanatory, the antithesis of the city. In every significant city there was a rich urban park. Nowadays, this rich place is gone. The current urban landscape, with its complex infrastructure, fragments of archeological landscape and spreadout suburbs does not demand a new autonmous park. Parks need a dense urban culture. Park design must choose another direction. Now park design is based on a middle scale but it should be focused on a grand scale with essential garden art. In the current landscape this ambition is lacking. New expansive nature is required in the chaotic city environment, making quietness, darkness, stillness, ecological regeneration and witnessing the seasons. Areas with more than 40,000 acres are relevant to the current city, without being just a fragment. In urban Holland camping places and military ranges have the chance to be ‘Yellowstone Parks’

London, 22 June, 2005:
West 8 was announced as the winning design team picked to turn the hotly debated Jubilee Gardens in central London into a world-class park. The four-way contest saw West 8 selected ahead of EDAW, Gross Max and Thomas Heatherwick.

Additional Shot

West 8 Homepage including many flashy renderings (http://www.west8.nl/index.html)

Archinform info (http://www.archinform.net/arch/6336.htm?ID=8ae8f54403f8136bdbb3f09abaeb7313)

Archilab (http://www.archilab.org/public/2000/catalog/west8/west8en.htm) science project

Archnewsnow (http://www.archnewsnow.com/features/Feature90.htm)

Arcspace (http://www.arcspace.com/architects/space_group/)

If you haven't had enough (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0970314043/qid=1126019203/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-9994718-5945640?v=glance&s=books&n=507846)...

Chiswick Park,

Up until a year ago I used to work just around the corner from there. The landscaping is really high quality - they've done a good job. Richard Rogers did the architecture and West8 the landscaping.

For more pictures check:

http://www.enjoy-work.com/chiswick-park/index4.html

If you're in West London it's worth a visit. It's just opposite Gunnersbury tube station on the District Line (green line - take trains heading for Richmond).

Rotterdam Schouwburgplein.

The Buona Vista Park project in Singapore is crazy. I love it. Thanks for the link JP. Nice renderings!

well we had them as lecturers last week...those guys are really funny...Im glad that some of those 'famous architects' deep down are approachable ppl that tend to do good presentations and respect students ( grimshaw was horrible horrible horribleeeeeeeEeEeeeeEE) :eek:

Welcome to site Effie ~ Any good gossip.

I was in a school trip to Rotterdam Schouwburgplein many years back. It appears to be a successful public space with movie-goer crossing it, students/teenagers in groups sitting right in the middle of it, skateboarder going across the checker platform. And below all these a carpark ! I was actually dragged there by one of my classmate who heard about the red cranes could be manoeuver with 'coin operation' (or at least that what he heard). It was however a big disappointment when we arrived and it was out of order. It will be really cool if we get to see them 'dance'.

It was however a big disappointment when we arrived and it was out of order. It will be really cool if we get to see them 'dance'.

I also heard they don't work anymore and some of the materials have been replaced.

wasn't particularly impressed by the Rotterdam Schouwburgplein project when i visited before christmas. to be honest the surface looks slippy from a distance and in the wet people were actually avoiding walking accross it......besides i disagree with an earlier comment about west8 lecturing. They did a lecture at manchester town hall and to be honest i found them rather dull........there are many better dutch practices operating.......which brings me to another point.

#I'm interesting in how the construction process worksa in other countries. In holland the Architect only seems to design the aesthetic in the detailing. The working drwings are then prodused by a contractor who often uses cheaper materials/ techniques to get the required aesthetic (i have noticed the lack of quality when getting up close to many Dutch projects) also many friend woring in the Nederlands say they never have experience on site due to this.

so how does the role of the architect differ in different countries?

Schouwburgplein failed indeed. Everyon agrees on that. I Think manly because it's on a higher level and the surrounding buildings with the plein is to close upon each other. And about the slippy part. answere is very yes. The few times when it works well, is when there is a organised event there. with stants or music or wathever.
The Pathe cinema on the plein , I think is from Van Velzen, failed also bit. In the meaning of the design that is. On the big lamps, I'm not sure if it still works. Lately I haven't indeed seen it move. But a while ago if test it myself and that was pritty cool.

So I guess the fun for the square is over once the crane don't work anymore. Anyone got a photo of the cinema now? It was pristine (WHITE) while I was last there. It was like corrugated plastic or something like that, isn't it ?

1 Koen van Velsen.
The idea was the difference in day and night time. The light is suppost to give the facade a diffuse glow. The facade is o f golfplaat(?). One of the cheapest materials there is.

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NIce to see that how the building lookls differnt when it went open with the posters.

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