AMERSFOORT In 1982 the city, which now counts some 144,000 inhabitants, got the title 'growth city' (Groeistad). Quickly the first plans were developed for the task connected to this title to build 15.000 new dwellings. The decision was made to extend the city to the north, strategically close to two highways.

Ashok Bhalotras' urban plan for Kattenbroek is derived from metaphors and images, which create zones with differentiated and identity-forming atmospheres. Nieuwland, another large district, was planned shortly after Kattenbroek, and also has 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 plans to realize another 10.000 dwellings within the existing rural structure. Adriaan Geuze from West 8 is one of the urban planners involved.


Architecture by 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 and many others