The Willem II-shopping arcade serves as a vital public space, linking the inner city of Tilburg with De Spoorzone, a redevelopment area to the north. Collaborating with Bright, CIVIC Architects devised a design that seamlessly integrates architecture, public spaces, heritage, and circulation. This arcade acts as a significant thoroughfare beneath the railway track, traversing a former NS Dutch Railways workshop complex.
Gateway to Connectivity
Extending from Willem II-street, the passage functions as an inviting entry point to the previously secluded city area north of the railway track. Its appeal, coupled with its use for cultural events, serves as a catalyst for the development of De Spoorzone. Illuminated dynamically and designed to ensure social safety, the Willem II-shopping arcade fosters a vibrant atmosphere.
SONY DSC
Innovative Façade Design
Collaborating with Van Tetterode Glass Studio and Philips Lighting, the architects developed a glass brick façade that blends durability with aesthetic elegance. Around thirty thousand LED lights are seamlessly integrated into the wall. Leveraging a unique algorithm developed by LUSTlab, the LED lighting adjusts at pixel level, adapting to various factors such as time of day, weather conditions, and pedestrian flow.
Community Impact
According to the committee, the project intelligently and attractively links two distinct neighborhoods, attracting a steady stream of visitors who feel at ease in the newly created environment. Businesses on both sides of the arcade are experiencing increased foot traffic. The architecture, designed to remain innovative and captivating for decades, embodies a form of sustainability appreciated by the committee, ensuring its enduring relevance in the years to come.
-
- SONY DSC
