SingelParkWinningProposal/LOLA+StudioKARS

18

JUL2012

byAlisonFuruto

LOLA landscape architects from Rotterdam and Studio KARST from Zurich
recently won the international ideas competition for their plans for the future
Singel Park in Leiden. The two agencies present convincing and thoughtful
concepts for both the park as a whole, as well as for the role the park can
play in Leidens future. Thats the conclusion of the advisory committee
headed by Mayor Henri Lenferink. More images and architects description
after the break.
Garden of Leiden
LOLA and Studio KARST are both still young agencies. Studio KARST
inspired the jury with the concept of Garden of Leiden, the idea to transform
the complete inner city into a botanical city, with the Singel Park as a ring
around it. The plan provides for a promenade on the outside of the canals,
bordered by a double row of trees, and over twenty intimate enclosed
gardens on the inside of the ring, each with a different planting and
atmosphere.

Maximum diversity
LOLA made a contemporary and imaginative design in which footpaths
directly run along the water of the six-kilometer Singel canal, lined with a
maximum of functions and spheres, with open spaces for free interpretation.
Both designers see the Hortus Botanicus an important partner when it
comes to the planting of the parks. And both see an important role for
residents and organizations in Leiden to cooperate in the realization of the
park.