Within the historic ramparts of Brielle, Blauwhoed redeveloped the former Maerlant College and its surroundings into a vibrant residential area. De Heeren van Maerlant provided starters, seniors and urban families with a charming new home and it enhanced the ramparts experience. The former technical school has been renovated and expanded. The class rooms with high ceilings were transformed into extraordinary apartments and town houses. Various new residences were built adjacent to the city wall. We used moss roofs and green fencing to integrate them into the existing green structures.

To stimulate interaction, the urban plan focused on the transitions between private and public area. Many residences have a so-called ‘Brielse’ pavement; a space in front of the house where residents can place a bench. The former schoolyard and the remainder of the Burgemeester van Sleenstraat was redeveloped into a communal area where cars are guests. The outer areas of the residences merge naturally into the communal garden and then into the public greenery of the city wall.

This used to be the location of the Sint Catharina convent, which dates from 1423. During excavations in 2016, archaeologists found walls, remainders of a colonnade, a water well, and china in cesspits. The findings were secured and displayed in the public space for residents to see. The difference in altitude was solved by means of steal stands. The remainders have been preserved in such a way that people can sit or walk on them.

We used scenarios and options instead of blueprints to create the plan. The neighbouring residents and interested parties were involved in the further planning by means of co-design and co-creation. During various meetings, they had the opportunity to share their thoughts on urban development, architecture, public space and facilities, residential program and lay-out of the residences. Thanks to these co-creation sessions, our project was well received and no objections were raised when the planning procedure was discussed. A first in respect of an urban plan with demolition/newly-built structures and transformation.