74NEW DUTCH ARCHITECTURE
CASE STUDY UTOPIA ISLAND AND FLORIADE EXPO
Utopia Island was stablished by architect Xavier San Giorgi, on a plot reclaimed from the sea, and then neglected for 30 years. It is now a thriving hub of biodiversity, with San Giorgi and his largely volunteer team running it as a foundation to encourage people to support and engage in perennial farming and ecosystem restoration. The programme includes food growing, education (through regular engagement with local schools as well as further education
institutions), collaboration with local businesses and also space for contemplation, surrounded by specially commissioned eco art. Says San Giorgi: ‘I wanted to see
if we could create a landscape in our cities that restores nature but at the same time directs us to behave and live in balance with it.’ Divided into three discrete zones, the first is to do with education and food growing, the second is a natural forest along the lake shore, with both naturally arising and sown indigenous species of plants. The third area is more specifically landscaped for education and relaxation, liberally sprinkled with eco art works such as the willow sculptures by Will Beckers, part of his Willowman initiative, including a tunnel bearing little parcel tags of wishes, written on by local schoolkids who often use the area for after-school education and recreation. But more than a mere community
garden or local allotment, Utopia Island is open to business opportunities that support their plant-centric agenda, growing tea for a local tea company, walnuts for a walnut liqueur company and hops for a local brewery. San Giorgi concludes: ‘We have weasels and beavers, an amazing array of insects. We know our presence grows insect and animal diversity. We hope this garden provides a model for the world.’ In 2022, Utopia Island and the
surrounding semi-wild urban realm hosted a radical version of the Netherlands’ Floriade Horticultural Exhibition, a once-in-a-decade event. The event brought 400 of the most cutting-edge ideas and inspirations that were then emerging from the nation’s architects, designers and bio-engineers as well as horticulturalists. This included a sustainable pilot home made from 93% recycled plastic. Masterplanned by MVRDV, the theme Growing Green Cities foregrounded projects that prioritised plant diversity, health and the simple pleasure of being in nature. The 60-hectare site became an arboretum, with a library of trees and plants arranged in alphabetical order across the
grid-style layout. Working with landscape architect Niek Roozen, the plants totalled 40,000 shrubs, 200,000 perennials and one million bulbs. Dutch growers donated 2,800 trees for this edition. All species selected were either indigenous or climate appropriate. At the time, MVRDV founding partner Winy Maas said: ‘This arboretum gives an opportunity to see all the plants of the Dutch climate zone, at the same time showing what they contribute to the green city.’ Two new bridges were
constructed connecting Utopia Island to its surrounding landmass, both made from cement-free concrete, which integrated waste products gathered in the locality. Various architects were encouraged to respond to the ethos, providing buildings that celebrated or incorporated as much greenery as possible. Resulting pavilions included those by Erik van Egeraat, Paul de
Reiter Architects, René van Zuuk, SeARCH and Studio RAP. The finishing flourish was the incorporation of a permanent landmark, the 43.5m Flores Tower at the centre of Floriade park, which was covered in a colourful façade designed by MVRDV, in collaboration with Arttenders and the Flemish artist Axel Verhaest.
Client Dutch Horticultural Council (NTR)
Masterplan architects MVRDV
Landscape architects Niek Roozen with Christiaan Pfeiffer from Almere Municipality
Public space architects ZUS Architects
Area 60 hectares
Construction Amvest and Dura Vermeer
WALTER HERFST
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