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HOUSING MARIAPLAATS

AWG BOB VAN REETH, 1994-1998, Mariaplaats 30-41, Utrecht

PROJECT ARCHITECT:
bOb van Reeth

ARCHITECT(URAL OFFICE):
AWG/bOb van Reeth

PROJECT ARCHITECT:
Christine de Ruijter

ARCHITECT(URAL OFFICE):
AWG Architecten

BUILDING TYPE:
Housing

The site of this housing project of 54 owner-occupied properties between the old town centre and the station had been lying vacant since 1940. A Historical Impact Assessment drawn up for this culturally sensitive area resulted in a perimeter development enclosing a clutch of blocks on a central courtyard, a configuration based on the ‘clerical immunity’ formerly enjoyed by the area. The fringe development is in red brick and has a slightly nostalgic look; the discrete inner blocks are white rendered. With parking facilities centralized underground, the courtyard is sensitively crafted as a serene pedestrian enclave of plazas and unexpected short cuts.