Bicycle Parking by Nunc Architects
Nunc Architects designed a warehouse for parking bicycles in Zaandam, The Netherlands.
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Description from the architects:
Designed to release the pressure on the public space of the main shopping avenue of Zaandam, the fietsenpakhuis accommodates a daily storage of 700 bicycles. Due to a overwhelming popularity of bike use in the Netherlands, many town centers suffer congestion of the public domain. In Zaandam inhabitants are stimulated to leave the car and travel by bike.
In the golden age Zaandam functioned as the industrial area of Amsterdam. Goods were traded in Amsterdam, and refined here. Back then with the massive use of over 600 windmills. Later steam and electricity took over, leaving the Zaanstreek with a fascinating naturally grown landscape of huge factories and small wooden houses standing side by side. The design of the Fietsenpakhuis is inspired by the archetype of the “Zaanse” warehouse. An expressive wooden structure of beams and columns supports the building and is enclosed by a shell of brickwork.
The Fietsenpakhuis is designed as a public space, inviting all cyclists to enter.
A huge folding door that opens completely gives access to a double-height open space with a gently inclined staircase leading to the upper floor. The street facade is transparent showing off the main function of its existence, the stored bicycles. The ground floor is paved with bricks, visually connecting the outer street with the interior.The glass panels in the street facade are stacked in overlap referring to the wooden claddings as seen on regional barns and houses since the 17th century. The transparency of the facades as well as the roof lights allows daylight to enter. On ground level a big window reveals the workshop of the mechanics. They control the free entrance of the parking, and handle the other functions; public toilets, bike repair, renting out bikes and lockers.
The Fietsenpakhuis is sustainable in many ways. Fewer people travel by car. Materials are locally won, the wood used on structure and roof is certified. The building is using passive solar heating and is naturally ventilated. Electricity is generated by using solar panels on the rooftops providing almost all energy needs, keeping the ecological footprint of the building to a minimum.
Visit the Nunc Architects website – here.
Steve on 07 Jul 2011 at 6:51 am #
This is such a nice project – I love it, but I hate to think it’s wasted on simply BIKE storage. I know, I know … it’s the Netherlands, everyone rides their bikes and this is just the equivalent of a much-needed parking garage in the inner city. I get that.
Just kinda bummed that this isn’t some really cool retail building, perhaps collection of loft apartments, web office, etc.
loft on 07 Jul 2011 at 7:48 am #
Like the interplay of systems.
Rube on 07 Jul 2011 at 12:34 pm #
Steve I can almost agree with you, a little diversity and complexity added to the program eg. bike shop, coffe shop, day care? would only add strength to the urban context. I love the project anyway.
Simi on 07 Jul 2011 at 11:11 pm #
Great building. Simple and sensible. And I am especially happy to see public buildings look beautiful!
Clay on 08 Jul 2011 at 12:33 am #
When driving in a car you’re so seperated from the environment because of the enclosure and the speed that gross carparks arn’t as much of a concern, however when you cycle, it’s slower and you pick up detail of your surroundings, it is important that these places are designed are designed for the slower pace, ie more beautful. However, I do agree, it is just storage, they may have gone a little over the top, could have been nice to integrate cafes etc esp to ensure the place has a life to it and ofcourse passive security.
George on 08 Jul 2011 at 2:23 am #
Clay, if you read the description, it says “On ground level a big window reveals the workshop of the mechanics. They control the free entrance of the parking, and handle the other functions; public toilets, bike repair, renting out bikes and lockers.”
Cristina on 08 Jul 2011 at 10:51 am #
Also to re-iterate on what George pointed out, the ground floor does integrate a bike repair and retal service, along with a public restroom. Even if the structure didn’t offer this, does every public space have to offer the same “retail” amenities? Can we not just enjoy a nice design with good form and function? It seems we need bells and whistles to stay engaged at every turn.