Esplanade Architectuur
In Almere's 'eternally young city centre', seven squares have been set up as attractions for events and entertainment. The Esplanade is...
In Almere's 'eternally young inner city', seven squares have been set up as attractions for events and relaxation. The Esplanade is the largest and feeds the holiday feeling through its location on het Weerwater, with a beach including a romney shed as a beach tent, large lawns inviting for a picnic and a challenging water element with height differences. This is the third layout of the square, after the dusty overlay - modelled on the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris - was removed in 2011 to asphalt it in a light pink colour. Echo Urban Design transformed the colossal concrete slab into a public space that invites gatherings. To this end, they harnessed the square's existing layers and height differences and the designers created a terraced landscape. The height differences were accentuated by placing decorative, white benches between the borders. The scattered green areas invite to relax and play. The park-like square counterbalances the urban feel and creates a positive open space. The wide paved walkways, which cut organically through the greenery like a pretzel, ensure emergency access. The square can easily accommodate 20,000 people. From here, you can 'climb' the raised ground level.
