Nelson Mandela Centre

Nelson Mandela Centre

Nelson Mandela Centre

Education
Housing
New development
Architecture
Education
Housing
New development
Architecture
Nelson Mandela Centre, Gouda

Catalyst for the Neighborhood

The Nelson Mandela Centre is located in the heart of Gouda Oost. Integrated into the garden-city style district, this multifunctional facility has proven to be a catalyst for the neighborhood. No fewer than twenty-one user groups have moved in to serve local residents. This building serves as a tool that helps people build bridges to develop both themselves and the community. The multifunctional facility features a wide range of neighborhood amenities, developed with input from all involved groups. The result is a 6,630 m2 plan in which a variety of community-oriented services are efficiently connected, ranging from a primary school, preschool, daycare, and gymnasium to a neighborhood service center and a Youth and Family Center. The building also includes sixteen social housing units overlooking the schoolyards.
Genomineerd voor:
No items found.
Awards
No items found.
Client
Woonpartners Midden Holland in opdracht van de Gemeente Gouda
Location
Wilsonplein 1, Gouda-Oost
Size
6.630 m² (MFA ca. 4.885 m²), (Woningen ca. 1.745 m²)
Period
2008
—
present
2011
Completion
2011
Project status
Completed
Show more

The site of the multifunctional facility has several hidden qualities, such as a number of monumental trees along the canal. The mixed development in the neighborhood was built gradually in the post-war years and largely follows the orthogonal pattern of the post-war neighborhood layout. Some blocks are angled relative to this pattern, such as an outdated residential building from the 1960s. The meandering, Z-shaped building blends carefully into its surroundings, picking up on various orientations and defining different atmospheres in the form of two squares: a playground by the water and under the trees, and an entrance square on the street side with parking. The dark brick, used in various decorative masonry patterns, has an almost natural stone-like appearance due to its size and color nuances, complementing the foliage of the trees.

The building features height accents where possible, such as the angled wing on the west side. This gives the gallery apartments optimal sun orientation. The galleries of these homes overlook the schoolyard and offer additional seating space through balcony-like widenings near the front doors.

‍

The functions are strategically distributed within the building volume. In the central wing, there are two high, central spaces that provide both the neighborhood service center and the school with their own heart. These central spaces form the pivot for all routes through the building. The stairs connecting the different levels are clad in oak to serve as tiered seating, offering the possibility to host theatrical performances or simply sit during breaks. Due to the stepped cross-section of the central wing, an additional terrace has been created on the first floor: an elevated schoolyard connected to the ground-level square by a massive outdoor grandstand. This setback also allowed for daylight to penetrate deep into the central auditorium.

‍

Every part of the building can be used and rented out independently. Thanks to the flexible architectural layout, tenants can increase or decrease their space over time. There are also special rooms available for separate rental, which further enhances the building's dynamic. The entire neighborhood can easily make use of the facility. The feeling that everyone is welcome is essential for a multifunctional center and significantly increases community engagement.

‍

Client
Woonpartners Midden Holland in opdracht van de Gemeente Gouda
Location
Wilsonplein 1, Gouda-Oost
Size
6.630 m² (MFA ca. 4.885 m²), (Woningen ca. 1.745 m²)
Costs
Period
2008
—
present
2011
Completion
2011
Project status
Completed
Show more

Gerelateerde projecten