LOLA

Online magazine Straatbeeld just published an interesting article on the car-free and nature-inclusive public space of Merwede, the residential area LOLA is designing in the city of Utrecht (NL) since 2022.

In the heart of Utrecht, a new inner-city district is being realized with Merwede (6,000 homes). A district with a unique mobility concept: the pedestrian is the main user, cyclists are guests and motorists move to the edges of the area. For the design of the public space, we therefore maintain that we do not pave where it is not necessary. The public space is green unless there is no other option.

As Charlie Roelse of LOLA Landscape Architects says:
“This means it is basically green from façade to façade, with paving only where necessary. It was also chosen to cluster entrances to houses as much as possible, so that you keep as much greenery as possible. Merwede shows that the city of the future is all about quality of life. A place where you can enjoy greenery, water and space without the hustle and bustle of car traffic.”

Read the full article on the Straatbeeld website.

Client: Gemeente Utrecht
I.c.w.: Bureau Stadsnatuur, AM, Boelens de Gruyter, BPD, Greystar, G&S Vastgoed, Janssen de Jong, Lingotto, Round Hill Capital, 3T Vastgoed, Synchroon
Urban Plan: BURA, OKRA
Images: LOLA-BURA, LOLA Landscape Architects