Rotterdamsebaan as lever for an upgrade of the Vlietzone

The Rotterdamsebaan is, alongside the Utrechtsebaan, the second route to and from the city centre of The Hague. It connects the A4–A13, via a tunnel beneath the Vliet and the Binckhorstlaan, to the area around both Hollands Spoor Station and Central Station.

The Rotterdamsebaan pierces the Vlietzone, an area that has witnessed a remarkable inversion throughout the years. From a string of country estates along the river Vliet in an otherwise open polder landscape, it has transformed into a relatively green enclave within the urban fabric of the The Hague metropole. ‘Relatively green’, that is, but also fragmented, inaccessible and very cluttered. It is clear that this is an area which has escaped the attention of both government and project development. The result is a kaleidoscopic collection of individual elements and functionalities, and a conspicuous lack of coherence, in which the whole is much less than the sum of its parts.

The task was to develop the Rotterdamsebaan in such a way that it would, despite the major incision it brings to the landscape, improve the spatial cohesion and accessibility of the area. To utilise the construction of the Rotterdamsebaan as a means to bring back unity and shape the area’s spatial quality. The construction of the Rotterdamsebaan opens the doors for development of public parklands, makes the Vlietzone accessible as leisure area and represents a welcome upgrade for the river Vliet, and the roads and paths that run along its banks.

At the water’s edge…

Molenvlietpark was developed in the wedge between the Drievliet country estate, the Rotterdamsebaan, and the Molensloot. A large body of water, referencing the park-like layouts of the country estates along the Vliet, creates two completely different spaces in terms of character, experience, and form: the meadow and the reed island. They are framed by the estate woodlands, the Molensloot quay, and a gently sloping earthwork that screens both the Drievliet recreational park and the Rotterdamsebaan. Traffic on the Rotterdamsebaan is hardly visible from the park.

Zocher and the meadow room – The meadow is a relic of the originally much larger polder. Its design is inspired by the Molenwei, created in the 19th century by the renowned landscape architect Zocher. The meadow can be accessed via bridges from the Molenkade, over the boardwalk, or from the quay using the cable ferry. Shell paths provide access throughout the meadow. Dutch skies are reflected in the ditches, where the water level is so high it almost seamlessly blends into the adjacent grassland, where sheep graze patiently. Pollard willows and alders give depth to the views across this tranquil open space.

Seclusion in the reedland room – From the embankment along the Rotterdamsebaan, a curved boardwalk sweeps over the water through the reed island and ends at a seating element in the meadow. Here, the walker is enclosed by tall reeds, experiencing a completely different atmosphere than in the open meadow. The reed island consists of parcels where reeds grow to varying degrees.

250.000 rain barrels

The Molenvlietpark is more than just a pleasantly landscaped parkland. It enables the wider area to remain dry-footed in heavy rains. The park functions as emergency water retention, and is designed to hold 60.000 m3 of water. This is a volume of water equal to 250.000 rain barrels!

More information on the Rotterdamsebaan can be accessed on the project website of BAM Infra, www.rotterdamsebaan.nl, and in the Rotterdamsebaan app.