Varkensmarkt wins Amersfoort city building award

‘The redevelopment of the Varkensmarkt shows how a relatively modest intervention can have a big effect. Where previously parking a bicycle was the main concern, a meeting place has now been created that radiates hospitality and accessibility. The beautifully designed benches and playful green borders add something special to the city centre. The Varkensmarkt is a fine example of how public space can be redesigned with minimal means and maximum impact, with a lot of attention to staying and meeting. The square regains its original function.’

The expert jury noted that the paving design demonstrates that the principle of ‘Less is More’ has been understood in practice. The clinkers flow seamlessly into the surroundings, with only the subtle addition of a natural stone grid distinguishing the square from its surroundings. The arrangement of the green borders and the positioning and shapes of the benches create a subtle but clear distinction in the flow of traffic and demarcation of the residential area, including the terraces.

The Stadsbouwprijs is an initiative of FASadE Amersfoort, the forum for architecture, urbanism and landscape. The professional jury praised the winners of the Stadsbouwprijs and emphasised that beauty alone is not enough to win this prize. Besides aesthetics, social relevance and the exemplary function for future projects were decisive in their assessment.