Voedselpark Amsterdam

The Voedselpark will be the first park in Amsterdam to combine recreation and food production. Unlike a typical city park, which presents an idealized version of nature, the Voedselpark showcases food production on a human scale and brings it closer to people, offering a didactic and new experience for urbanites.

There are two buildings: one for cultural events and one for the processing and production of locally grown food. They are positioned to open up to the landscape and welcome visitors. A green pergola encloses the main outdoor space, allowing indoor activities to extend outside. This layout offers both introverted and extroverted spaces, addressing diverse needs for both farmers and visitors alike.

Most of the design is conceived in timber. Wherever possible, reclaimed materials are used for interior and exterior cladding. The building can be insulated with straw sourced directly from a local farmer. The trees in the parking area offer a unique opportunity to start a nursery, which can later contribute to the renovation of the building. The generous roof overhang provides protection from the elements and makes maintenance easy and accessible. Screw piles, timber construction, self-building, and natural materials minimize CO2 and nitrogen emissions. Concrete is not used in this project.

Green façades and roofs, supported by cables and nets, provide cooling and enhance local ecology. Rainwater is collected for irrigation and toilets, while excess water is absorbed by bioswales. A modular system allows for quick assembly and disassembly, even through self-build. Passive design principles minimize energy use, which is enabled by a solar roof. Bioclimatic strategies utilize natural ventilation, shading, and insulation to ensure comfort by design, not by machine.