The Netherlands

West 8 urban design & landscape architecture b.v.

Nico Koomanskade 1021
3072 LM Rotterdam
The Netherlands

+31 (0) 10 485 5801

Belgium

West 8 Brussels urban design & landscape architecture bvba

Waaienberg 123
1745 Opwijk
Belgium

+31 (0) 10 485 5801

United States

West 8 urban design & landscape architecture p.c.

2133 Arch Street, Suite 101
Philadelphia, PA 19103
United States of America

+1 347 371 2252

Sustainable Innovation: 'The Valley' Project at Schiphol Trade Park

The Valley – Schiphol Trade Park, Amsterdam, NL

Designing a circular hotspot where companies, institutions, universities, and the government can collaborate, research and develop a circular economy in relation to products, services and organization within Schiphol Trade Park.

West 8’s master plan for “The Valley” is founded on progressive and circular assumptions. The landscape is designed as a testing ground for circular ideas products. The master plan is guided by four principles that ensure the direction and ambition of the facility continue to develop into the longer term. These include:

A Positive Footprint
To strive for constant innovation and improvement in environmental performance measures like the recycling of greywater, enrichment of the poor sea clay soil, increasing biodiversity, and selecting plant species that purify the air are key components in creating a master plan with a positive footprint. To improve ecosystem management and health in the broadest sense, biodegradable or recyclable and non-toxic materials are selected for paving, lighting, furniture and underground infrastructure.

Designing with Nature
Waste is, in fact, a nutrient that is part of a natural cyclical process. The cycle of the seasons shows the regenerative power of nature. Thus, the properties of the soil, climate and water resources in the Haarlemmermeer polder form a decisive starting point for the landscape design and planting palette, which includes rain gardens, advanced carbon sequestration and bio-fuel research.

Other SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES include:

  • 100% reliance on renewable energy;
  • Sustainable water management with both rainwater and wastewater;
  • Designing the landscape to optimize all forms of clean transport (e.g. walking, cycling, and electric vehicles)
  • Provision of a high-quality data network
  • Supporting and encouraging surrounding sustainability initiatives.
  • Creating economic growth at local and regional levels.
  • Contributing to an inclusive society.

An Iterative Design Process
The area around “the Valley” will be developed in phases over the next 15 years. During this period, the intention is to improve and innovate continuously. This requires an iterative design process that has unsurpassed excellence as the ultimate ambition. Big data from completed phases are evaluated against the vision plan and will provide far greater accuracy for the forthcoming design phases. Relevant data can be extrapolated, and design decisions can be made regarding the efficient development of the design in future phases of the project.

An Inspiring Environment
“The Valley” is envisaged as a place that revolves around collaboration, communication, discovery, innovation, development and production. Both the buildings and the landscape are tailor-made to accommodate and encourage experimentation and flexibility.

Client
Delta Development Group & SADC Schiphol Area, Development Company, N.V.

Partners
William McDonough + Partners, Arcadis, Netherlands, KCAP

Imagery
© West 8