Taking it to the next level: Groosman's P+R Driebergen-Zeist
Text by Simon Keane-Cowell
Zürich, Switzerland
22.05.18
When it came to the design of a new park-and-ride facility in the Netherlands, Dutch office Groosman chose to give people and place as much right of way as automobiles.
Located between the towns of Driebergen-Rijsenburg and Zeist, Groosman's new P+R structure challenges the existing utility-driven car-park typology, with its emphasis on place-making, energy-efficiency, a dialogue with its natural surroundings, and providing a pleasant environment for people – not just cars.
Architonic caught up with Groosman director Mark Siebers to discuss the project.
What would you consider to be the particular constraints or creative opportunities for architects when designing a car park?
Creating a special identity within the very rigid, function-orientedorientated design commission. In particular there are opportunities in the creation of the ‘welcome feeling’ at the entrances. For P+R Driebergen-Zeist an image-defining entrance was chosen for both the pedestrian and vehicle entrances. By deviating away from the rigid car structure, you now get the feeling: I’m entering something special.
How does Groosman's P+R Driebergen-Zeist project advance or change the existing car-park typology?
P+R Driebergen-Zeist is the first energy-neutral parking garage in the Netherlands. The roof is used to generate electricity for the parking garage itself and in the future, it can also generate enough electricity for the whole station area.
Car parks are by their very nature spaces of transience and passage. How do you nonetheless imbue them with a sense of place and identity?
P+R Driebergen-Zeist is located in a station area that is being transformed from a chaotic, stony area into a green, undulating one. The parking garage responds to this with its playful wavy timber lines and stone gabions. A special detail is the pedestrian entrance hall and in particular the stairway, which refers to the spacious, elegant entrance halls of the country estates in the area.
As part of the redevelopment of the train station area of Driebergen-Zeist, Groosman designed the Netherlands' first energy neutral parking garage whose natural elements help it to integrate seamlessly into its surroundings. Photos: Tycho's Eye.
As part of the redevelopment of the train station area of Driebergen-Zeist, Groosman designed the Netherlands' first energy neutral parking garage whose natural elements help it to integrate seamlessly into its surroundings. Photos: Tycho's Eye.
×What car do you drive? Or what's your favoured mode of transport?
A Volvo V40 for daily commuting. Preferably, I would commute by electric boat, racing bike or on foot.
© Architonic
