Limits to greenspace offer a perspective on restructuring the post-war satellite town of Hoogvliet. The restructuring of post-war districts is a colossal task involving almost a third of all Dutch housing stock. The power of the post-war districts lies for a large part in their spacious, green resonance. It is here that we see opportunities to return to these districts the unique status they once enjoyed in the urban network. Our perspective accordingly issues from the combination of public domain and communal gardens. We argue for introducing a clear distinction between public and communal domains. In this project, public greenspace is pared down and tied to key routes through the district. The residents by contrast are given all exterior space in the immediate vicinity of the houses. These new communal gardens are clearly bounded and together constitute a structure of green spaces. A typical feature of Hoogvliet, they will gain a quality all their own. The residential enclaves along the gardens are based on lifestyle. There are five types of garden, with a set of urbanistic rules determining for each garden its shape and use, giving rise to a variety of communal biotopes. Each garden's use attracts residents of a comparable lifestyle.

The scant public open space in the districts needs to start functioning again as public domain. Three types of path with spaces linked to them thread through the town in a sustainable system. The most important route is the so-called district line. This acts as an urban thoroughfare stitching all the districts together and so breaching Hoogvliet's hierarchical structure. This strip bundles together public space and activities in a surprising alternation of spaces, housing and companies. All kinds of home businesses stand on equal footing here. A striking system of fold-out awnings and carpets serves to visually announce special events. This 'line' gives the district a signature and a new economic thrust.

Place of education: Wageningen University
Specialization: landscape architecture
Tutor: Frank de Josselin de Jong