Two European architecture firms, Powerhouse Company and DELVA, have partnered to design a new visitor center for the Koekamp, a special area located within Hollandse Duinen national park.
Commissioned by Dutch forestry, the new visitor center will function as a gateway to this relatively untouched area of the park. Set to open to the public in 2024, both firms hope the new center will entice more people to explore the Keokamp, a large plot of land that is known for its exceptional biodiversity. The new visitor center is a city-wide project that aims to connect the city center and train station with the Kekoamp, and other green locations in The Hague.
"We wanted to create an entrance that is not just a building but a landscape. The balance between the park's architecture, program, and design is essential here. Our inspiration was the past. Instead of repeating history, we lovingly adapt it and put it back with respect for nature and within the design spirit of landscape architect Zocher," said teven Delva, DELVA Landscape Architecture and Urbanism.
Gateway-Like Nature Centers
The Powerhouse Company and DELVA Design New Keokamp Visitor Center
Trend Themes
1. Gateway-like Nature Centers - The trend of designing visitor centers that serve as gateways to natural areas is growing in popularity, presenting opportunities for innovative designs that blend architecture and nature seamlessly.
2. City-wide Nature Connectivity - The trend of creating city-wide projects that connect urban centers with green spaces is on the rise, paving the way for innovative transportation and infrastructure solutions that prioritize sustainability and nature conservation.
3. Designing with Respect for History and Nature - The trend of adapting historical architecture and designing with respect for nature is becoming more prevalent, creating opportunities for innovative designs that preserve the past while embracing modern technologies and sustainable practices.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Opportunities exist for architecture firms to become more involved in designing visitor centers and other infrastructure that prioritize nature and sustainability, blending architecture and green space together seamlessly.
2. Urban Planning - Opportunities exist for urban planners to create city-wide projects that prioritize nature conservation and sustainability by connecting urban centers with green spaces and providing innovative transportation solutions.
3. Tourism - Opportunities exist for the tourism industry to promote and support the trend of gateway-like nature centers, encouraging visitors to explore natural areas that have previously been overlooked.