West 8 x Frans Hals – A green urban oasis for visitors and residents!
Starting this summer, the courtyard of the Frans Hals Museum Hof on Groot Heiligland, Haarlem, will be thoroughly overhauled. West 8 has been selected by Frans Hals Museum to reimagine the historic 17th-century courtyard as a meeting place for young and old, museum visitors and neighbours. The renovation of the garden fulfils a long-cherished wish of the Frans Hals museum to make it a green and welcoming meeting place.
About the Design –
Creating an accessible, welcoming and environmentally conscious space – West 8’s design will enable visitors and local residents to enjoy the monumental building within an entirely new urban paradise. The revitalised green court includes a flower garden filled with atmosphere and a nine-meter-long, multifunctional ‘meeting table’. The new Frans Hals Museum garden will be a place to discover, occupy and play within the historic city of Haarlem.
“The nine-metre-long hard stone table forms the heart of the courtyard garden. Creating a multifunctional meeting place – not only for sitting at or enjoying a nice lunch, but, due to the steps at the front, invites visitors to walk the runway or perform on a podium. We opted for trees and plants which have traditionally thrived in Haarlem soil, in keeping with the tradition of Dutch gardens and those which attract bees and butterflies into the court. Integrating sustainability at every level, the existing lime trees, shells and paving are reused. The eye-catcher is a mature elm, whose shade not only cools the garden but also contributes to the climate control of the museum rooms. Lastly, there will also be integration of the museum’s art: an exciting and playful work which makes the garden a discovery for young and old to enjoy.” – Adriaan Geuze
From the 16th of July, visitors to the museum can see the plans, visualisation and video in an exhibition in “Studio F”. Visitors are also asked what activities they would like to do in the new courtyard. The project is made possible by a contribution from the VriendenLoterij, the Netherlands’ national culture lottery. Work is scheduled for completion in the Spring of 2023.
For more information, please see our Client’s Press Release (in Dutch): LINK
