By transforming the site on the Nieuwe Maas into a city neighborhood, it will become publicly accessible for the first time. The plan includes 24,000 square meters of program, spread over various buildings with a mix of functions, including living and working. The functions will be accommodated in both new buildings and redeveloped existing buildings on the site on the Nieuwe Maas.
A network of narrow, car-free streets connects De Kaai with the adjacent Feijenoord district. The street pattern follows the old transport lines of the Margarine Factory. There will be four central squares in the area, which are connected to the monumental factory buildings. The squares each have their own character and facilitate different activities. Water features and greenery help determine the atmosphere on the squares, which are distinguished as the central square, the sponge square, the fountain square and the Becelhof.
Climate adaptive
The location of the neighborhood outside the dike is reason for a climate-adaptive and nature-inclusive plan, Mecanoo and De Urbanisten say. The wide quays along the Koningshaven and the Nieuwe Maas are designed as promenades with monumental trees and a tidal bank. The resulting ‘quay park’ should invite people to stroll, meet and recreate, but will also be ecologically valuable, the designers say.
The landscape design uses the concept of the ‘Sponge City’. The rainwater is retained in the area. Draining excess rainwater into the Nieuwe Maas is only done in extreme cases. A so-called rainwater cascade for De Kaai brings together a number of measures for extreme precipitation and drought in a visible and ‘experienceable’ water system.
“This tidal bank is an essential step in strengthening the ecological corridor along the Meuse and provides a habitat for diverse flora and fauna. It strengthens biodiversity and offers city residents a direct connection with the dynamic nature of the delta area,” according to De Urbanisten.
The plans are intended to be implemented in phases between 2025 and 2029, Mecanoo reports.
