Hoge Biezenpark

The design for the Hoge Biezenpark lies in the Vinex housing location of Zenderpark in IJsselstein. The park is an important green belt for the new resitential area. Because of its special position between the hart of the city and the landscape of ‘Het Groene Hart’ (the green heart) it has a very special meaning for the city of IJsselstein, and beyond.

Financial considerations, compensation regulations, the relocation of ‘undesirable’ facilities out of the residential area and political agreements mean that the park area is under constant pressure. By designing the park as an essential element of the main water system of the entire area, the aim is to provide a counterbalance to these developments. This also enables the creation of spatial and functional relationships right into the new residential area. The park is not just the clustering of large open public spaces, but even more so a network of recreational routes, which are anchored in the new residential area.

The contrast between the original landscape and the new urban and artificial developments is emphasised in the design. This is achieved through the integration of the new water system with existing elements of the landscape such as fruit trees, wooded banks and copses, a series of landscape islands is created. The main footpath is at right angles to the field boundaries of these islands. The path is also oriented towards major vertical elements in the surrounding landscape such as a church tower, radio mast and motorway viaduct. The main footpath – almost two kilometres long – has an ever-changing relationship with the landscape: it is a connection, a dyke, a bridge and, as a playful element, a balcony.