Masterplan Grave
Grave, Netherlands

Grave is a small town in the Netherlands with a strong historical character Its Municipality sought a way to connect the undefined western part of the town with its open structure, to the eastern part, a more dense historic area with seventeenth century facades. The objective of Erick van Egeraats’ Masterplan Grave was to reinvent the western part as an integral part of the historic town, with reference to the “Rasterplan” as developed by renowned Swedish architect Ralph Erskine. The proposed improvement of the spatial organisation and urban conditions were intended to attract visitors and stimulate economic growth. The study “Masterplan Grave”, produced in collaboration with real estate developer MAB, outlines the urban analysis and commercial development proposals for the entire town including its’ peripheral sub areas connecting the two disparate parts of town by forming a single coherent environment. It defines the new urban fabric, with new housing typologies, retail and public facilities identified to increase the density. The design approach also refers to the detailing of the historic town and proposes to complete and clarify the old street pattern with informal routes, side and main streets and squares. Existing pavements will be freed from the extensions and alterations of the last century and enhanced with a combination of traditional and contemporary street furniture and lightning. The municipality endorsed the master plan proposal and since then has proven to be a solid design guide for the future, significantly increasing the quality and unity of the new old town of Grave.

Country
Netherlands
City
Grave
Function
Masterplan
Size
30,000 m2
Assigned by
MAB Groep BV
Status
Study in 1999