AMERSFOORT In 1982 the city with 131.000 inhabitants got the title "growing city" (Groeistad). Quickly the first plans were developed for the task connected to this title to build 15.000 new dwellings. The decision was to extend the city to the north strategically close to two highways.

Ashok Bhalotras urban plan for Kattenbroek is derived from metaphors and pictures. Hereby he created zones with differentiated and identity-forming atmospheres. Nieuwland, another big district, was planned shortly after also with a central ring road. Its position next to the highway was used to build a medieval-like rampart around the quarter including "gates" and rampart ditches. 400 dwellings are provided with solar collectors and form together the "1-Megawatt-Project". With the VINEX-settlement Vathorst the city of Amersfoort wants to realize another 10.000 dwellings within the existing rural structure. Adriaan Geuze has been one of the urban planners involved.


de Architecten Cie, Jan Bakers Architecten, Ben van Berkel, Piet Blom, Claus + Kaan, DKV, Leo Heydenrijk, Karelse van der Meer, Kuiper Compagnons, Maaskant + van Velzen, Kas Oosterhuis, West 8


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