In the context of the upgrade of the public space in the Nieuwezijds Voorbugwal Area in Amsterdam (https://www.facebook.com/nieuwezijds/), I made a planting plan for the gable garden of the ancient Korenmetershuisje located at Nieuwezijds Kolk. The aim was on the one hand to make the public space surrounding the Korenmetershuisje more green and pleasing while on the other hand prevent bikes from being parked against the facade.
The Korenmetershuisje was constructed in 1620 and was used to measure and trade corn. Currently it is in use as an office for both Bond Heemschut (national heritage conservation; www.heemschut.nl) and the Dutch Garden Association (www.tuinenstichting.nl). Nieuwezijds Kolk is a busy and touristic square that is surrounded by tall buildings. As a consequence this means that the public area surrounding Korenmetershuisje is in the shade for most part of the day. When selecting the plants, this was taken into consideration. Besides plants that flourish in a shadow environment, the plants also had to be robust.
In order to preserve the view from the offices, grasses have been used in addition to low growing plants. The grasses provide elevation and at the same time are transparent enough to see through them. The perennials mostly retain their green colour throughout the year ensuring a pleasing sight during winter. The used species have been plantend individually and mixed.
Client: City Council Amsterdam
Project type: Redesign Public Space
