Located at the Linge riverside, the former DeVriesRobbé plot has a strong connection to nature. Before the plot became the industrial site as we know it today, it was part of the city’s defense as the Northern bastion. The location has had a lot of historical importance with time. The redevelopment of the plot will start a new chapter in its story. It will connect the past and the future of Gorinchem. To ensure the desired outcome a few guidelines were set during the design process. The first one was to keep the existing structure and use it in the redevelopment and expression of the site. The expression of the steel structure is to be experienced on the inside and outside. The second concept is to create uninterrupted green strips on the plot to ensure the traffic of animals and insects. Valleys are created on the plot that connects to the Linge, creating a continuous riverside that transitions into other biotopes. The blending of biotopes is a key factor in making nature-inclusive design effective. The third and last concept was to create various forms of public spaces, making the plot a multi-functional location, with different uses during the day. With specific areas focusing on unique elements, a dynamic public space is created.
Overall the design brings together unique materials, constructions, and expressions. In the same way, it connects humans to nature and vice versa. The hotspot will be the connection of nature reserves, the city of Gorinchem, and its history and culture. This is all on the former location of the Northern Bastion but now turned green.
