My design for a mixed-use public building is an attempt to bring continuity to a site near the Wilhelmina Bridge in Maastricht, between the big market square (Markt) and the river Maas. It seeks moreover to link the building with the urban life of Maastricht. Tucked in between the bridge and the square, the complex houses numerous functions including the municipal hall, a library, a department store, a live music-bar and a multifunctional auditorium. These are so placed as to incite maximum interaction, as much among the functions as between them and the city. In contrast with the current situation and the council's plans, this new intervention brings a noticeable improvement to the social climate at the square while going on to create a sight axis between Markt and Maas. By then opening up a corridor between the building parts a natural route emerges that dips down to the river.

Each of the three linear building masses houses a major function and has its own distinct materiality. Relationships of function obtain between the masses, particularly on the ground plane. Visitors experience the difference in height both inside and outside the building. Its two heads both announce the building and anchor it in the setting. Ensuing from the pre-existing while remaining part of it, the building being a new addition also injects new life into the city. The project sets out to boost urban life by creating favourable conditions and making space.

Place of education: TU Delft
Specialization: architectuur/architecture
Tutors: Wim van den Bergh, Peter Lüthi & Rogier Verbeek