During the Urban Design & Architecture Design Awards 2020, the Kabeldistrict was declared the winner in the ‘Urban Design Concept’ category and received international recognition as a result. The jury praised the plan to transform a historic business park in Delft into a bustling residential and work location and described the area’s development, the innovative capacity of the developers and the positive impact on society as unique.
The Urban Design & Architecture Design Awards (UDAD) are some of the most prestigious prizes for urban development and are awarded every year by APR Magazine, a leading online platform in the field of architecture and urban development. The prize for ‘Urban Design Concept’ was awarded to the Kabeldistrict development. The project, which was designed by Mei architects and planners on the basis of the commission from the Amvest and KondorWessels Vastgoed development consortium, was chosen as the winner and praised for its distinctive and innovative capacity to convert and for its impact on society. The jury was particularly looking for progressive ideas which give a new architectural experience, for example through the use of new technologies and materials. Subjects such as globalisation, digitisation, flexibility and adaptability were also important aspects of the jury process.
Approximately 3,200 to 3,500 homes and 1,000 jobs are being created in the Kabeldistrict. This is being done in a unique, connective way which blends the present and the past together. This will create an authentic identity which will make a significant contribution to the cohesion between future residents and entrepreneurs. Although Delft’s magnificent history and industrial past have been given due consideration, attention is also being paid to the future of homes, working and living. The high degree of circularity and the integration of greenery and water will also contribute to the sustainable development of the area.
The Kabeldistrict
A good way of describing the Kabeldistrict is as a progressive idea. The Kabeldistrict, or Cable District, is an industrial estate in Delft, which includes the former Nederlandse Kabelfabriek, or Dutch Cable Factory. As part of the Schieoevers-Noord area, the Kabeldistrict is also undergoing a complete transformation in the coming years.
An inclusive community
Ultimately, the Kabeldistrict will attract residents and entrepreneurs with the same mindset that led to the project’s creation. People who think ahead, who are keen to get to know their neighbours and want to be part of an inclusive community. A shared garden is to be created where the residents and entrepreneurs can meet and there will also be space for children to play together. In short, engagement is at the heart of the Kabeldistrict.
Construction of the first phase is expected to start at the end of next year. Nevertheless, there is already a lot going on in and around the Kabeldistrict with students and new start-ups and scale-ups moving into the uniquely designed old factory halls during the first phases of construction. In the Kabeldistrict Campus and the Kabeldistrict Lab they will be working on the development and production of high-tech ideas.
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