MASTERPLAN DEN OEVER
area development historical harbor
assignment
The assignment concerns an urban vision for the development of the (historical) harbour of Den Oever, in the north-west of the Netherlands, near the Afsluitdijk.
location
Located at the head of the Afsluitdijk, nowadays Den Oever is the gateway to the province of North Holland. The area has a turbulent history and is, geographically seen, quiet young because of its position near the Waddenzee and the IJsselmeer.
Because of the diversity of Den Oever, cooperating parties decided to divide the masterplan during the process into eight project areas. Per each area, existing qualities and keywords are formulated. This forms the basis for the development of a program matrix and several functions within the masterplan.
The unifying theme of the areas is “temporary staying” or so called; “short stay”. The Municipality has prescribed a program which includes a recreational meeting point, an information center, sports and recreation, parking and docking for boats.
area development historical harbor
clients: | Converse DC, Ontwikkelingsbedrijf Noord-Holland Noord, gemeente Wieringen |
design: | Gert Jan Knevel, Benjamin Robichon |
project team: | Lard Joordens, Loran Kampen, Jaques van Adrichem, Ninja Zurheide |
location: | Den Oever, gemeente Wieringen |
start design: | 2010 |
status: | design; masterplan determined by the Wieringen Council (March 2011) |
assignment
The assignment concerns an urban vision for the development of the (historical) harbour of Den Oever, in the north-west of the Netherlands, near the Afsluitdijk.
location
Located at the head of the Afsluitdijk, nowadays Den Oever is the gateway to the province of North Holland. The area has a turbulent history and is, geographically seen, quiet young because of its position near the Waddenzee and the IJsselmeer.

The unifying theme of the areas is “temporary staying” or so called; “short stay”. The Municipality has prescribed a program which includes a recreational meeting point, an information center, sports and recreation, parking and docking for boats.

design
The urban vision is in particulary inspired by the sustainable development of economic and recreational activities. Although the masterplan was initially a vision which was mainly focussing on the old harbour, soon became clear that the entire village of Den Oever would be involved in this vision. Namely, the harbour and the town are inextricably linked. Therefore, the plan is extended to the whole village of Den Oever. The assignment concerns the restructuring of this area where existing buildings will be respected, reused and new buildings will be added.
Main areas of focus of the masterplan are:
- defining the core of the village
- the connection between areas
- strengthening the existing qualities.
In March 2011, the masterplan was adopted by the City Council and it will serve as a guiding document during the transformation of Municipality Wieringen into the fused Municipality named Hollands Kroon.