Innercity of Tilburg

Tilburg

Client

  • gemeente Tilburg

Surface

  • 25.000 m2

Year of design

  • 1998 - 2001

Year of fulfilment

  • 2000 - 2002

Implementation costs

  • € 7.250.000

Activities MTD

  • structural concept, redevelopment plan, covenant and implementation preparation / site

Competence

  • public space
robust and high-grade materialisation of the flooring and layout of the inner city

The layout of the core shopping area of Tilburg dates back to the early 1980s and was perceived to be messy, worn out and not very appealing. The municipality aspired to improve the visual quality and the utilisation quality of the core shopping area and to enhance its image. They are striving for a challenging and refreshing shopping area of high-grade quality which is spatially firmly embedded in the inner city of Tilburg. Between 1998 and 2001 a Structure Concept and Refurbishment Plan were developed by MTD Landschapsarchitecten for Heuvelstraat, Oude Markt, Korte Heuvel and the adjoining streets and squares, within an intensive co-production process in which the municipality, Stichting Stadskern [city core foundation] and directly involved entrepreneurs and residents participated.

the design
The inner city of Tilburg is characterized by a series of beautiful historical and contemporary façades and a historical pattern of streets. The limitation and control of advertising boards and canopies, and the enhancement of the architectural features are the initial interventions for improving the spatial image. A covenant was drawn up as the assessment framework for the aesthetic requirements, which determined the limiting conditions for dimensions, image and dominance of advertising expressions and canopies. So the layout of the public space is simple and modest. In this, we have endeavoured to bring about an expression of the special functions of the inner city by applying high-grade and sustainable materials. The backbone of the area; Korte Heuvel, Heuvelstraat, Radioplein [square], Nieuwlandstraat, TVplein [square] and Stationstraat are differentiated through the application of yellow-beige natural stone and anthracite grey granite. The choice was made for a three-way marking of the profile with a runner strip in a larger stone size and two runner strips in a smaller size on either side of it. The linear drainage situated in the centre of the profile has been chased into the natural stone. The main axis has been kept free of excessive obstacles as much as possible; account has been kept of hanging lighting, rubbish bins along the façades and the positioning of a few large trees at prominent places. By means of elements such as solitary trees, a tree island of natural stones, artistic objects and large wooden light masts with spots, the squares like Oude Markt and Korte Heuvel are provided with a special emphasis and repose quality. Here a wide strip of anthracite grey granite divides the profile into a traffic-restricted terrace zone and a pedestrian and cycling path. Where it concerns the materialisation in the residential areas and access streets, use has been made of a combination of yellow-beige natural stone, yellow baked clinkers and anthracite grey granite strips. Standing light fittings, bicycle racks and trees have been placed on the anthracite grey runner strips. The redevelopment of the inner city has led to a high-grade image and utility of the core shopping area that enhances the identity of Tilburg's inner city and makes it easy to perceive.