Amsterdam's Bijlmerbajes prison, which closed permanently in 2016, is set to undergo an environmentally friendly re-design as LOLA Landscape and OMA have partnered to bring the city a large, energy-neutral development.
The 7.5-hectare site will be powered entirely by clean energy and primarily built from recycled materials. The new space will serve as a cultural central offering city inhabitants a pedestrian-only environment, complete with bridges, bike paths and luxury apartment complexes. With the exception of one building, the former prison towers will be demolished, while the remaining will be transformed into a "green tower" complete with a "vertical park and urban farming."
This pedestrian-friendly cultural center will also feature an art and design building, a school, a restaurant, a health center and an underground parking lot.
Transformed Suburban Centers
Bijlmerbajes Prison is Transforming into a Pedestrian-Friendly Square
Trend Themes
1. Eco-conscious Redevelopment - Transforming a former prison into a pedestrian-friendly square built from recycled materials and powered by clean energy presents an opportunity for eco-conscious redevelopment.
2. Urban Farming - The 'green tower' with a vertical park and urban farming offers an opportunity to explore and capitalize on the growing trend of urban farming and sustainable food production.
3. Pedestrianized Urban Centers - The creation of a pedestrian-only environment with bike paths, bridges, and luxury apartment complexes presents an opportunity to explore the trend of creating walkable urban centers, with increased foot traffic and business opportunities.
Industry Implications
1. Real Estate - The transformation of a former prison into a pedestrian-friendly square with luxury apartment complexes presents opportunities for real estate development and investment.
2. Green Construction Materials - The environmentally friendly redesign presents an opportunity for the green construction materials industry to showcase how construction and demolition waste can be recycled and repurposed for new projects.
3. Food Production - The vertical park and urban farming component of the design presents an opportunity for the food production and agriculture industry to capitalize on the trend of sustainable and locally grown produce in urban environments.