Almere’s evolution is a remarkable one. This new town near Amsterdam numbering 180’000 inhabitants is well-known for its dynamic development and its outstanding architecture. It is viewed as a prime example of a successful mix of urban measures which turned Almere into a live and work place offering great life quality, but also into a travel destination. Almere was founded in 1976 on reclaimed land of the former Southern Sea. Over the past thirty years, Almere’s growth has surpassed that of all other European cities. The Centre of Almere City needed to be restructured in order to cope with new demands. Based on a master plan by OMA Office for Metropolitan Architecture, a second (pedestrian) level and new functions have been introduced, which will create a higher urban density. New mega-blocks, apartment and commercial buildings, theatre and entertainment centres, leisure and retail shops have been designed by various renowned international and local architects such as Alsop & Störmer Architects, David Chipperfield, Claus en Kaan, Gigon Guyer, Mecanoo, OMA, Christian de Portzamparc, SANAA, S333, UN Studio and René van Zuuks, to name but a few. Almere has become an important landmark on the international map and its population is expected to increase to 250'000. The government is wondering whether Almere can even grow to 400'000 inhabitants by 2030. Ria van Dijk has been working as an urban designer at the Department of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture of the Municipality of Almere since 2000. At the Architecture Talks Lucerne, Ria van Dijk will trace Almere‘s urban history, considering the challenges and pitfalls which need to be taken into account when developing such a rapidly growing city, and explaining where the focus will be lying in terms of urban planning in the years to come. >>> more
