LOLA landscape architects
The International Park
LOLA landscape architects
1. December 2015
Impression of the viaduct that connects the parks (Image: LOLA landscape architects)
This week the Municipality of The Hague presented the vision for The International Park which will connect three existing parks - the Scheveningse Bosjes, the Waterpartij and the Westbroekpark - into one improved city park that rivals London's Hyde Park in size.
It will connect both man and nature in the area between the city center and the beach. Together, the three parks become stronger. So strong, in fact, that they can grow into a green icon for the city. They will undergo a major refurbishment in several phases. The ambitious vision document for the new park has been developed and elaborated by LOLA landscape architects and creative communications agency KesselsKramer in collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague.
Vision map 2030 (Image: LOLA landscape architects)
At the heart of the International Zone are three beautiful green areas, each with its own particular character: the landscape at de Waterpartij, the rugged Scheveningse Bosjes and gardenesque Westbroekpark. These three areas are coincidentally adjacent to one another yet remain quite separated. By improving the connections between these parks, they can be put on the map as a destination for residents and visitors looking to experience a park that is truly representative of city of The Hague.
Impression of the new bridges at the Haringkade (Image: LOLA landscape architects)
Impression of the Water chamber which retrieves its allure (Image: LOLA landscape architects)
The parks will become better connected in several ways. Physical connections, such as an underpass for pedestrians, cyclists, flora and fauna at the B.M. Teldersweg, an improved path structure, and a main circuit about five kilometers long (a loop through the park) will be constructed. There will also be recognizable park trees planted. A major revamp is planned to ensure that the greenery in the park improves in quality. The aim is to create more forest, with trees and vegetation that can grow larger and support a greater variety of flora and fauna. These upgrades seek to retain and emphasize the different characters of the three areas.
Impression of the urban nature in the Scheveningse Bosjes (Image: LOLA landscape architects)
Spatially, the park is divided into zones. In some places, visitors can enjoy the silence and nature. In other parts year-round activities and small-scale events can be organized. For example, a large play pond will be created where children can splash in summer and where residents can skate in winter.
Isometry of the entrance at the Scheveningseweg (Image: LOLA landscape architects)
Isometry of the entrances of the International Park (Image: LOLA landscape architects)
The International Park is located in the heart of the International Zone and surrounded by top attractions, including the Peace Palace, the Municipal Museum and Madurodam. The ambitious document, created by LOLA landscape architects, KesselsKramer and the Municipality of The Hague, which presents the vision for the connection of the three parks to a green icon for the city, was released last week for consultation.
Isometry of the new bridges in the International Park (Image: LOLA landscape architects)
