subURBAN Living

Urban Design
In 2010 the young architects of ELV architecten submitted a design for the Institute of Dutch Architects (BNA) Young Architects' Competition 2010. The subURBAN Living submission combines the qualities of living in a suburb with the busy life of a city.  The concept is based on an analysis of the daily activities of different social target groups, aiming to create more free time for family, friends, hobbies, sport and culture. Central to the plan are the physical qualities of ground-oriented living and the proximity of services in the city.  Linking these characteristics creates a distinctive residential environment in the middle of the city.  The area includes family homes and apartments, with services such as home help, dry cleaning, fitness centre, childcare, shopping service and health centres provided at ground level. The area is self-supporting; the residents need the services in order to have more free time, and this gives the service providers a group of regular customers.  The location of the service providers within the design means that they will also draw in many customers from the surrounding area.