Grand approach to cultural squares

The city of Deventer is energetically and appropriately developing various cultural institutions in its city centre, and is thinking about the corresponding transformation of the outdoor areas. BoschSlabbers has been asked to take the process forward to a supported sketch design for the ‘Lebuïnuspleinen’, starting with the Grote Kerkhof.

Judging by the applause after the well-attended presentation in March 2020 in the city hall, residents, entrepreneurs and others involved with the Grote Kerkhof could agree with the preliminary new design. A water play area, more trees and a paving and layout that make the Lebuinus Church and other historical buildings stand out better. According to these starting points, the Grote Kerkhof has been redesigned.

Kissing squares

On the spot where the Hanseatic city of Deventer originated stands the overwhelmingly large Lebuinus church. However, the accompanying former cemetery and the surrounding squares lack this grandeur. Separately decorated, cluttered and, moreover, nothing has been done to them for decades. The dated and bumpy asphalt on Stromarkt would not be out of place in the Eastern Bloc of yesteryear. The Nieuwe Markt is a hotchpotch, unimaginatively filled with parking spaces. More than a year after the cars disappeared, the Grote Kerkhof looks bare and uninviting.

The greatest challenge was not designing a good redevelopment, but creating a plan that could rely on broad support and co-ownership, ensuring it would be realized and experienced! We initially started with a redevelopment plan for the Grote Kerkhof, but soon sought coherence with the surrounding squares. The design also includes the other squares around the church, such as the Stromarkt, and later the Nieuwe Markt, forming a complete composition. The squares naturally flow into one another, ‘kissing’ each other, and offering a warm welcome as you enter the city from the IJssel.

From resistance to support

At the outset, residents and business owners were skeptical about the redevelopment due to past plans that failed to reflect entrepreneurship, existing relief, and the historical context, which led to significant resistance. Our relaxed but intensive participation process resulted in a widely supported project. We engaged in conversations, listened carefully, and were given the space to showcase our expertise. Through this shared journey of discovery, we collectively arrived at the best design, which was presented with resounding applause at the town hall.

Medieval appearance

The fact that Lebuinus crossed the river IJssel in the 8th century to build a wooden church on a river dune on the current site of the Lebuinus church, for example, inspired the Lebuinus masts. These ‘staffs of light’ are reminiscent of the missionary’s staff and literally put the current Lebuinus church in the light. Paving with brick and natural stone also more clearly marks the route to the church’s entrance and enhances its medieval appearance. Squares thus also connect better with the historic buildings around. Pavements in front of old buildings have been restored. Facade gardens and additional tree parts give the squares and the intervening area the right atmosphere. Parties of trees around the squares provide accent and shelter from the sun. The terraces on the Grote Kerkhof are better exposed to the sun and less close to the cars that can continue to drive around the square. A fountain floor near the Lebuinus Church provides water entertainment for children. And in this water level of the water play area, you can see the medieval church reflected. The combination of grandeur and conviviality, that’s the combination we want and lacked.

Poetic tree circles

From Erasmus to Typhoon and from Jeremiah to Boudewijn Betzema: their poetic Deventer texts have been given a nice spot on the Grote Kerkhof. Brass tree circles with text fragments have been placed around the trees on the square. These words make you curious about history and offer food for thought in this place where 40,000 graves lie underground.

Ancient squares embracing a sustainable future

The redevelopment of the Lebuinus Squares takes climate change into account in several ways in the heart of the historic city:

Trees, Greenery, and Cooling – The increased greenery in the city center provides more shade and better-distributed shade, reducing heat stress. In addition to the 28 trees that will remain, a total of 21 new trees will be planted. Different species have been chosen to prevent the entire population from succumbing to a single tree disease. Unfortunately, not all trees on the Grote Kerkhof were in good condition. For both technical and spatial reasons, 7 trees will be replaced by 16 new ones. Existing trees will receive a ‘tree check-up’ through soil improvement. Part of the current paving in front of the Botermarkt will be replaced with flowers, plants, and hedges. Those seeking cooling in the summer can relax on the terrace under the shade of trees. A large water feature where children can splash around will enhance evaporation, contributing to cooling.

Material Use – The paving of the old Grote Kerkhof consisted largely of a mishmash of large-format bricks. These have been mixed and reused into a blended mix, preventing new CO2 emissions and transportation miles. Around the Lebuinus Church, the new square has been paved with locally sourced Achterhoeks path pavement. This paving is more water-permeable, and combined with its lighter color, it positively impacts potential heat stress. The Lebuinus Squares are now illuminated with LED lighting according to a new lighting plan that enhances the atmosphere.

Water Management – During the redevelopment of the Lebuinus Squares, existing streets were torn up. Notably, the Lebuinus Squares, surrounding roofs, part of the Mariakerk, and the large roof of the Lebuinus Church have been completely disconnected from the sewer system. Rainwater now flows into a new, separate infiltration system. This system buffers rainwater and allows it to infiltrate into the sandy subsoil, creating more space and buffering capacity in the existing wastewater system and counteracting drying.

Elevation Profile of the New Design – The public space is designed to serve as a buffer during heavy rainfall. For example, the Stromarkt (and in the future, the Nieuwe Markt) has been equipped with a so-called ‘hollow’ profile, allowing temporary water accumulation in the public space. The paving of the Grote Kerkhof has been given a slope away from the facades. Rainwater is collected in a gutter near the hardstone band, which is positioned further from the buildings. The natural slope towards the IJssel is also maintained. This functions as an ‘emergency buffer,’ protecting individual buildings from water damage during heavy rainfall.