ARCHITECTUURGIDS.NL / ARCHITECTUREGUIDE.NL

URBAN REDEVELOPMENT

W.J. BRINKMAN, H. KLUNDER, J. VERHOEVEN, N. WITSTOK, 1974-1978, Parallelweg/Beatrixstraat/Sluisdijkstraat, Den Helder

ARCHITECT(URAL OFFICE):
Willem Brinkman
Henk Klunder
Jan Verhoeven
Nico Witstok

BUILDING TYPE:
Urban renewal
Housing

This urban redevelopment project has evoked widely differing reactions, being considered both a shining example and a caricature. Its eccentric grouping of dwellings, clusters around 'living-courts' (Klunder), octagonal courts (Verhoeven) and back-to-back units (Brinkman and Witstok), clashes with the surrounding built environment. Because of the compact method of building including many party walls, this social housing could be permitted many extras including decorations and fireplaces. For all its showy appearance it lags far behind in terms of practicality, daylight penetration and sunlighting.