Filling-in instead of filling-out! A design and strategy for urbanizing Deventer's work zone by programmatically and spatially uniting, interweaving and consolidating the area.

At the start of the 1920s Deventer established an industrial and business estate that has grown dramatically since then to some 400 hectares, four times the size of Deventer's inner city. At present this work zone is being enlarged with a business park of 120 hectares, of which 60 are saleable, along the south side of the A1. I feel there is enough space left unbuilt, some 190 hectares, within the zone as it stands. It merely requires more energy, effort and planning to consolidate it. I also feel that companies no longer wish to occupy monofunctional parks along motorways but seek a more dynamic and vibrant setting.

Armed with these deliberations, I developed a new concept for the Deventer work zone with the aim of creating a dynamic place given over to working, dwelling, living and leisure. This I achieved by rezoning and expanding the programmatic potential in conjunction with mobilizing and enhancing the spatial supports. This strategy of filling-in has a positive effect on conservation of the landscape, it advances a more efficient use of space and keeps it worthwhile for the companies domiciled there. Filling-in sees to it that the existing business estates remain as a single spatial cluster and that there is no fragmentation.

The rezoning component is all about simplifying the traditional division into offices, companies, heavy industry and the like. Expanding the programmatic potential for its part leads to a mix of functions. The new zoning of the work zone is hitched to the spatial supports. The work zone in turn is united and interwoven with the city and the landscape, exploiting the proximity of the old town centre and the water network of the river IJssel, its tributary the Schipbeek, the lock chambers and harbour arms.

The bottom-up strategy for Deventer Reloaded is based on giving spatial and programmatic boosts at strategic places and on striving for a gradual development. It also has a positive spin-off effect on its surroundings.

Place of education: AvB Amsterdam | Specialization: urban design | Tutors: Ad de Bont, Roy Bijhouwer, Bruno Doedens