location
De Bazaar is situated in Beverwijk, at a retail park to the south-east of the town centre. The location can be accessed via the A9 and the A22 and is directly connected to the North Sea Canal via the Zwaaikom.

design
The bottom two floors of the building encompass the whole circumference of the existing market area of De Bazaar while the top floor includes buildings as individual objects on the roof. The whole building is surrounded by a continuous façade band that acts like a tape, holding the programme together.

The three different types of land use were an important starting point. The visitor reception area and parking facilities are at ground level. In addition, trucks dock in within this underworld where the entire logistics process is carried out within the De Bazaar site.

The second floor is where the actual De Bazaar market is situated, along with most of the catering facilities. The lively and spacious boulevard contrasts with the more intimate set-up of the market clusters where it is all about the internal shopping experience.

The roof is set up as a roof park. On the roof are the IMAX theatre, the amphitheatre and a large open space that can be used as a venue for various temporary events. There are various intimate gardens around the events area within easy walking distance of each other. The gardens are surrounded by trees arranged in a grid pattern which keep out the wind, provide shade, fulfil an ecological function and define the spaces. There is also space on the roof for water storage and PV panels.

commission
The task involved defining De Bazaar’s vision within urban planning and architectural boundary conditions applicable to the existing site of De Bazaar, covering an area of approximately 180,000 m2. That vision would provide a general insight into the urban design set-up, image quality, programme and feasibility.