Koopmansplein square

Designed by OKRA

Location: The Netherlands — Type: Squares and Plazas — Built: 2022 — Show on Google Maps

A future-proof city centre for Assen

Our design for the Koopmansplein square in the city of Assen brings greenery, water and liveliness deep into the city centre. The plan turns the square into a natural and attractive node in the walking routes of the surrounding shopping area. The renewed square also contributes to a climate resilient city, with a natural cooling effect in summer and a smart collection system for rainwater.

Winning Design

In 2019, our submission was chosen by the public as the design to be implemented for a revamped Koopmansplein. Based on residents’ wishes, combined with the orientation, location, height differences, history and routes, our design divides the square into three interwoven, cohesive zones. These zones make the square seem smaller visually and provide a logical arrangement that gives all the requirements a logical place.

A connected place

The design for Koopmansplein focuses on creating connections; between the various parts of the city centre, but also between residents, visitors and business owners. The square is explicitly a place with its own character, yet it also blends into the urban fabric of Assen as the streets continue naturally along the edges of the square.

This concept also offers durable flexibility in a part of the city where the construction of the square was only the starting point for transformation. The pavement of the central square surface allows for large events, vehicles and attractions with heavy loads, while the perimeter with clinker paving enables easy minor adjustments when transforming the surrounding real estate. Underground utilities have also been relocated to this area to make repair work easy and to prevent damage and restrictions on the central square surface.

Green habitable quality

The south side of the square is designed as a recreational area for young and old, logically connected to the through shopping routes and canal structure. New, large trees provide shade and coolness in summer. Between the lush greenery there are sitting areas where people can sit alone or together in various arrangements. Through trial set-ups carried out on the square, the height and seating angle of the benches were tailored to the needs of the elderly during the designing process.

Varied Play Area

On the north side of the square, the programme lies in “islands” on the square, embedded in a backdrop of colourful varied planting. These islands contain play areas, a stage, public seating areas and terraces. The concept for the play area in the form of an abstract climbable dolmen was devised together with the Children’s Council of Assen.

Eye-catcher and water buffer

The play area merges into the central eye-catcher on the square: an interactive fountain that provides cooling on hot summer days and is a natural play attraction. At specific moments, projections in the mist of the fountain show animations that tell the story of Assen. The fountain is located at the lowest point of the city centre and marks the transition from the Weiersdiep into the canal once located here. This means that an opportunity for the futureproofing of Assen’s city centre has been seized: under the square there is a water-collection system that can also accommodate excess water during heavy rainfall, which can then be used for watering in dry periods. The elevation of the ground level is also designed in such a way that water is concentrated on the central square surface during heavy rainfall while the circulation and surrounding buildings are spared. All this without compromising accessibility; all parts of the square are accessible without stairs or ramps.

Year-round appeal

Koopmansplein is no longer a square that is only used well for a few days a year during events. Instead, it is an attractive destination all year round. The various permanent and temporary elements together form an annual programme in which use, experience, climate and season are attuned to each other; from varied planting with spring bulbs and autumn colours to adapted fountain programmes with extra cooling at hot times and projections on public holidays.

The square has been visually reduced by the chosen layout, while still offering the desired space for large celebrations such as fairs, concerts and the annual TT festival.