Papendorp is a new business park in the centre of the Netherlands. Where ordinary business parks are seen mostly as horizon pollution/blots on the landscape, Papendorp is set up to change this. The architectural standards for the (office) buildings have been set very high. To create (at least some) coherence between the different buildings and architecture, only “natural” building materials and colours are to be used.

Another aspect of the philosophy behind Papendorp is the visibility of the buildings from the two cornering highways, the A2 and the A12; travelling these roads should give you a constantly changing view on the park. The Prins Claus bridge, connecting the park to the city, is the landmark of the park.

Nature isn’t forgotten either and the park is full of waterways, meadows and fields. A large area of allotment gardens is present as well, providing city residents a way to recreate and maintain a small garden. Cars are to be hidden from view as much as possible. Car parks should (mostly) be underground, with the buildings blending in with the landscape.

Many of the building plots have now been taken, so it is about time, the high standards are put to the test. Please judge yourself whether or not one has succeeded in making Papendorp not yet another blot on the landscape…

Note: The park design has won the Rietveldprijs 2009 architecture award.