Redevelopment prison in Utrecht
| client: | HD Projectrealisatie |
| design: | Benjamin Robichon |
| project team: | Lard Joordens |
| location: | Wolvenplein, Utrecht |
| plot size: | 13.000 m² |
| floor area: | 7.800 m² |
| start design: | January 2014 |
| status: | design |
commission
Wolvenplein penal institution is a prison dating back to 1856 in the centre of the Dutch city of Utrecht. In 2000, the prison complex was designated as a listed building. Working in collaboration with HD Projectrealisatie, Knevel Architecten produced a draft design for the redevelopment of the complex for the tender process initiated by the Central Government Real Estate Agency.
design
The plan is to have apartments at Wolvenplein along with access to the business premises in the centre of the building. At the rear are the hotel rooms, with the restaurant right at the back, looking out over the Stadsbuitengracht and Wittevrouwensingel canals. There is also space for facilities.
The design of the outside spaces is one of the main areas of focus. These outside spaces within the boundary wall provide an ideal venue for outdoor activities – particularly cultural activities, for example – in the centre of the city while at the same time enjoying privacy. The space on the water is made accessible to the public again by means of a wooden terrace around the boundary wall.
