Courtesy of Joep van der Veen Architectuur & Tom Bokkers

The plan CHAINREACTION created by a multi-disciplinary team led by Joep van der Veen and Tom Bokkers recently won the bi-annual Ymere Nai prize. CHAINREACTION gives an answer to how the city of Haarlem can develop itself as an essential part of the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam and carefully delineates East Haarlem’s (Haarlem-Oost) role in this scenario. More images and architects’ description after the break.

Courtesy of Joep van der Veen Architectuur & Tom Bokkers

Ymere and the Dutch Architecture Institute (NAi) requested a development strategy that addresses this district’s urgent spatial and socio-economic issues. By utilizing and affirming the existing qualities and assets of the district with a progressive series of interventions, the current negative spiral is reversed, and the area’s potential is fully realized.|

Courtesy of Joep van der Veen Architectuur & Tom Bokkers

Government Advisor on Infrastructure Ton Venhoeven led the jury, who described their collective appreciation for “the integrated approach that reflects the need to work in small steps and with different actions within the development area that mutually reinforcing.” According to the jury’s report, “The team has an eye for the location and context of Haarlem East, as well as the character of the region. One of the most positive aspects of their proposal is that it does not regulate more than necessary. The plan creates room for future developments by omitting the generic division of residential environments. The approach is fluid and shows confidence that initiators themselves can find good solutions. The New Haarlem East does not come from detailed regulations, but from optimism and enterprise. Another quality is that CHAINREACTION inspires one to think further, as already evidenced during the jury’s deliberations. ”

Courtesy of Joep van der Veen Architectuur & Tom Bokkers

CHAINREACTION takes into account the wide variety of people in Haarlem East and avoids massive demolition and construction. The picturesque pre-war neighborhoods will be upgraded to “downtown-east”. Parts of the social housing complexes will be sold to create a better social balance. The Waarderpolder area will be transformed into a mixed-use work and residential environment. Water and green pockets will receive a boost in quality, and by developing the area’s entrances at dense urban centers, the image of the surrounding context will also be enhanced. Investments in green, blue, open space, infrastructure and public transport will lead to greater public appreciation and an increase in property values.

Courtesy of Joep van der Veen Architectuur & Tom Bokkers

The winning team includes Martijn van der Krogt (concept developer, Buro Hapklare Brokken / Greenpeace), Aart Breedt Bruijn (social geographer & traffic expert, Municipality of Amsterdam) and Michiel Jansen Klomp (financial analyst, ASR Real Estate). CHAINREACTION will be developed jointly with the Municipality of Haarlem, Ymere, Atelier for the Government Buildings Agency (Atelier Rijksbouwmeester), residents and local entrepreneurs. The winning team has been asked to co-curate the exhibition New Harloheim, on display from November 26, 2011 at the Nai and from mid-2012 at the ABC Architecture Centre in Haarlem.