The plan proposes doubling the Zandvoort racing car circuit by rotating a replica of the racecourse and then projecting it on to the present one. That way the circuit is kept compact, the noise level is kept low and the experience of the event is intensified. The brief divides into two, the events area for the public and the paddock area for the teams; the various functions of the circuit are sited with respect to these two areas. Each event is accompanied by a specially staged spectacle in which the permanent buildings have a role to play. The facilities building can be blown up and deflated at will; the pit building transmutes into a large billboard lifted off the ground; the parking garage is a link between city, nearby beach and circuit. The spaces in the plan only acquire meaning when something is added, such as by plugging chairs into the stand, or fastening tents to the events ground. There is a cross-resonance between the permanent and the temporary, making each event a unique experience. The framework that makes this possible has been designed specially. It leaves open a void that becomes a stimulating recreation area for the users. The design defines a clear spot, a podium, in the landscape, for a special event whose players include the visitors. This podium pulls the landscape back into the spotlights and makes the spectators actors in a show.

The design is rooted in the idea that consumerism in our society is mainly a question of soaking up attractive images. No longer willing to sit and wait for tangible commodities, we are more interested in dreams, illusions, experiences. We already have the lot, now it's time for some experiences. The Formula I circus capitalizes nicely on this wish of ours. The design approaches the people present at the circuit on the level of mood management and deftly manipulates the visitors' state of mind.

Place of education: TU Eindhoven
Specialization: architectuur
Tutors: Gerard van Zeijl, Lex Kerssemakers, Han Lörzing & Paul Diederen