Boseilanden

The 70-hectare Boseilanden recreational area is part of the Strategic Green Project Haarlemmermeer. It is a park for the adjacent Floriande district and an important link within the ecological structure of the Haarlemmermeer. The design by Karres en Brands structures the area by means of a large forest complex, reserving 14 hectares therein for special residential projects—the proceeds thereof make possible the realisation of the Boseilanden.

The spaciousness and the large size of the new park are generated through the use of long sight lines, which often coincide with the water system— indeed, water is an element that gives the best guarantee for maintaining openness over time. The desired functions of the city park and ecological corridor are at odds with each other: the plan is therefore based on zoning usage. This zoning is enhanced by the utilisation of water, whereby some parts are difficult or impossible to reach.

The zoning consists not only of intensive and extensive parts, but also includes the employment of different gradients. In the plan, areas with different elevations will be used, thereby increasing its heterogeneity. These areas are not adjacent to each other; rather, they are intertwined into a single area with a variety of characteristics. A great amount of attention has been given to the spatial effect of the assorted vegetation over time. In this way, a spatial ‘inversion’ is generated, whereby the recreational area gradually takes shape. Several defining moments are indicated in the project time line where, if desirable from the standpoint of use or ecological development, the final image can be influenced.