MEERpoort is a masterplan for the IJmeer coastal zone of Almere. It constitutes part of a new, unique and contemporary part of town, Almere Poort, at the entrance to Almere from the bridge (Hollandse Brug).

The scheme consists of three core components: the woods (Almeerderbos) with the Sports and Leisure zone (S&L) and a port of call; the beach (Almeerderstrand) with offices and a multifunctional pier; and finally an estate beyond the dyke surrounded by wetlands. In the plan both landscape and urban design are worked into all these areas. Seemingly conflicting uses of space, such as intensive beach recreation and offices, are brought into harmony.

The dyke is the scheme's leitmotif. The only uninterrupted element in the planning area, it marks the border between the two major determinant units: water and land. At the core of the design is the link between the urban area of Almere Poort and the lake (IJmeer), the combi-line S&L zone and the port of call.

MEERpoort brings together a diversity of ambiences and functions using recognizable and much-used concepts on the one hand and ground-breaking solutions on the other. For each use form I examined how this could best function and manifest itself.

The scheme is marked by a confluence of urban and rural aspects, recreation, dwelling, work and nature, so that a unique characteristic ensues.

Place of education: WU Wageningen
Specialization: landschapsarchitectuur
Tutors: Ger Parlevliet