StadionAlmere is a sports stadium I have projected opposite the city centre, on the other side of the lake (Weerwater). On a contextual level, the project introduces BoulevardAlmere, an inner ring directly linking the centre with the A6. This will make the centre much more accessible than it is at present and breathe new life into OMA's centre scheme, which has been labouring under difficulties of late. The centre and the stadium act as two strong polarities that will activate existing and new facilities along the boulevard. Almere's present polynuclear growth structure will cede to a concentration of activities around the city's new heart - Weerwater. Whether you spend a day shopping here, indulging in its leisure activities or simply driving past this new heart (HartAlmere), your memories of the city will be of an open space with a vibrant periphery. The purpose of the new stadium is to encourage inhabitants to engage physically and mentally with their city.

By 2030 the rapidly expanding Almere will be the fourth largest city in the Netherlands. This growth has already left its marks. Only 27% of the inhabitants, many originally from Amsterdam and the Gooi region, would describe themselves as Almerians. In addition, the quantity and quality of services lag far behind the city's needs. One facility conspicuous by its absence is a stadium. In fact Almere is the only city of its size without one. Given Almere's advancing growth and the fact that its football club, Omniworld, has been admitted to the first division of the Dutch league, it is high time this omission is redressed.

Two particular issues I have tackled are how to embed the stadium in the city's collective memory and how to accommodate different uses in it. StadionAlmere is a relatively small stadium. By omitting one long side of the tiers of seating and doubling the height of the other, the stadium is made to look large and monumental from the side to the motorway, where the main entrance is. At the same time visitors to the stadium can look out over the city centre and Weerwater. Stadiums today are often hemmed in by secondary facilities. This usually has a negative effect on their monumentality and accessibility. Hence StadionAlmere is a relatively spartan affair. It is rendered multifunctional by openings made in it at strategic places. These have flaps which can be opened to unite the interior and the adjoining square for major events. The stadium can also be opened up to the public at large. At times when there are no matches, a major share of the football facilities can be taken over by a sports school so that the boulevard is kept active. The new HartAlmere, the new traffic structure borne up by BoulevardAlmere and the new StadionAlmere can infuse new life into the city and strengthen physical and mental ties between Almere and the Almerians.

Place of education: AvB Amsterdam
Specialization: architecture
Tutors: Floor Arons, Mathis Gueller, Kamiel Klaassen