REDEVELOPMENT OF GROTE MARKT
Type Invited tender competition
Role Main consultant
Client City of Groningen
Size 19,000 m2
Project start 2021
Status Completed
The historic Grote Markt Square is facing great changes. The urban space has been freed of cars and bus traffic and will be redesigned to meet contemporary and future needs. How do we utilize the long history of the place to form a contemporary and robust design? And what should be the role of the urban space in the generations to come?
The history of the Grote Markt goes more than 1000 years back and from the very beginning, the square formed the physical and social heart of the city of Groningen. During the middle ages, the common space of the early agricultural settlement developed into a market square giving it its name. Over time, the use and appearance of the square have undergone several changes according to the needs of each successive time period. Facing today’s challenges, the project envisions the square as a continuous space, reinforcing its urban dimension and improving pedestrian and traffic flows.
High-quality materials and a robust design
Our proposal for the refurbishment of the Grote Markt square aims to create a sense of timelessness through a robust design and the use of high-quality materials. A specially made granite pavement forms the new urban ‘floor’ and clearly defines the urban space. Subtle changes in the pavement pattern underline the flow lines and define the various zones of
the public space. New planting islands along the Northern and Southern sides of the square create intimate and sheltered stay areas. Here, underneath the canopy of the trees is a pleasant environment for a short break or conversations with friends. The centre of the square is kept open as a flexible space for larger events and gatherings.
