The spine of Osdorp consists of a canal, embedded in green. This open space was greatly expanded when some row houses were demolished. They contained dwellings for senior citizens that had become substandard since their completion more than forty years ago. Substitute housing was provided in six ten-story buildings called Parkrandtorens at the edge of what would become a city park.

This city park is an elaboration of the master plan Zuidwest-kwadrant. It is great for large events, at other times intimate and quiet.

At the East side, the park is determined by water that was already there. The three other borders are marked by a ten feet tall fence that was specially designed for Osdorp. Its function is mainly symbolical: the gates are there, but cannot be closed. The existing school, church and gardens of remaining houses are also surrounded by the same fence, situating them in the park and not next to it.

The park is classic, as a park
should be. This is achieved by several
design decisions.

Central promenade
A 75 feet wide strip of asphalt runs at a slight angle through the whole length of the park. It is incised and punctuated to include existing trees and flower beds. Skeelers and skateboarders might annoy some but bring life and vitality to the place.

Openness
Eliminating undergrowth and shrubs creates an open green space with full-grown trees in a meadow of grass. At eye level there is a complete view of the surroundings to enjoy.

Benches
Long stone benches in and around the central promenade extend an invitation to play and rest. When not in use, they can be read as minimal sculptures in a lawn. Shorter park benches are there to sit in comfort.

Colour
The vegetation is low and consists mainly of flowers and bulbs that bloom at different periods of the year so that every season comes with its own color. Winter covers everything occasionally with snow.

Lighting
Over the central strip is a canopy of suspended lamps that can be extended when there are events taking place. High lampposts light the more quiet part of the park.






Client
City of Amsterdam
Borough Osdorp

Credits
Bram Breedveld
Landscape architect

Rob Lubrecht
Industrial designer