Architecture bike tour - Inspired by European City of the Year

Description

Starting point: Schothorst Station

Our journey begins at Schothorst Station. Here you can easily rent an OV bike. Have you brought your own transportation? Time to get on the iron steed!

The Green House
On the beautiful landscape in Park Schothorst stands Het Groene Huis. This building is a meeting place and visitor center for Amersfoorters and sustainable, nature-inspired organizations and initiatives. In and around Het Groene Huis, visitors can find plenty of inspiration and knowledge about nature and sustainability. In addition, the building also serves as home base for the Center for Nature and Environmental Education (CNME) of the Municipality of Amersfoort.

Architect: ONIX

Maanhof 2.
This unique work of art has stood in Amersfoort since 1996. Created by Japanese artist Kazuo Katase, it can only be entered in your imagination. In the robust concrete enclosure is an oak tree. With this the artist wanted to symbolize the indomitable power of nature.

Artist: Kazuo Katase

Pond Emiclaer 3.

At the pond of Emiclaer in Amersfoort, you and your traveling companion can relax for a while. Surrounded by the greenery, this place offers an excellent opportunity to unwind. Especially in spring, also take a good look at the pond bank. This consists of a wall of marl blocks and is built with nesting opportunities for bank swallows.

Stille Steeg Oost 4.
Indian architect Ashok Bhalotra (Gujarat, March 8, 1943 - Rotterdam, April 5, 2022) opted for a breath of fresh air in his designs. He stepped away from the rigid modernism and social sciences of the past and found inspiration in people's dreams and ideas. His goal? Using symbols and themes to spark the imagination of residents.

Architect: Ashok Bhalotra

5. Bruggensingel
At the Bruggensingel you will find the so-called bridge houses in Kattenbroek designed by Leo Heijdenrijk dating back to 1990. The houses hang half over the water and there are even miniature versions of them in Madurodam since 1999! The living rooms are in a kind of bridge 'above' the water.

Architect bridge houses: Leo Heijdenrijk

6. Ruined houses
During your bike ride through Kattenbroek you will pass a special series of houses. For a moment you imagine yourself in a Roman city, but you just bike through a neighborhood in Amersfoort. The ruined houses were built between 1989 and 1990 and were given the theme 'autumn'. According to the architects, the ruins represent the weathering process that is central to autumn. Be surprised by these unique homes during your bike tour!

Architects Ruin Houses: Leo Heijdenrijk & Hans Hermes

7. Laan der Hoven
What an experience, that Laan der Hoven in Amersfoort! Each court has its own unique character, design and atmosphere. Water plays a prominent role. On the Hof der Liefde you will find the so-called 'minnewoningen' with their romantic look. And the winter gardens are true architectural gems, with the Crystal Palace with tropical garden as the absolute eye-catcher.

The Emiclaer shopping center is also part of this special avenue. Initially they had wanted to call it the 'Hof der Verleiding', but they didn't think that name was very appropriate for a shopping center after all.

'The Greenhouses' designed by Kas Oosterhuis form a colorful focal point on the Laan der Hoven. The continuous painting on the building makes each home unique.

Architect Laan der Hoven: Ashok Bhalotra
Architect the Greenhouses: Greenhouse Oosterhuis

Patrician Avenue 8.
As you enjoy a leisurely bike ride, be amazed by the beautiful details along Patrician Avenue. Among the greenery that accompanies the streets, you will discover charming bridges and a series of fountains that add atmosphere to the route.

The homes in this neighborhood exude a quirky charm. With their high facades, pent roofs and light colors, they create a unique atmosphere. Behind the front facade, the homes gradually transition into lower floors, creating a playful contrast.

Nieuwland Waterpark 9.
The islet, with beach, water play elements and the natural alder island form one of Amersfoort's first natural playgrounds.

Design Waterkwartier: Babet Galis

City Garden 10.
The Stadstuin in Amersfoort was completed in 2006 and the ideas from then are still very relevant. This park is ready for the future: there is little concrete here, many places for water collection and the many greenery and trees provide cooling in summer. Also not to be missed: solar panels have been installed on all the roofs.

Herman de Kovel, architect, designed ten pavilions, each with 20 homes. They have smart parking and a unique superstructure with reddish-brown wood.

Design/architecture: De Kovel, SVP, Haver Droeze

Park of the Times 11.
In this beautifully landscaped park, space and nature go hand in hand. With plenty of diversity of trees, shrubs, lawns, water features and play areas, the park offers something for everyone.

Park stage design: artist group Observatory

Kaipark 12.
A characteristic feature of Kaipark is the three red gates. This is a work of art by artist Alexandra Kolácková. This Czech artist is from Liberec, a sister city of Amersfoort. The design is in the hands of West 8, a Rotterdam firm specializing in urban planning and landscape architecture, known for the urban plan for De Laak.

Design: West 8
Design artwork: Alexandra Kolácková

Nature Farm De Brinkhorst 13.
The Nature Farm and surrounding meadows form the green heart, where you can enjoy the original farm De Brinkhorst. This farm, with outbuildings, trees, wooded banks and fruit orchards, has been completely restored on behalf of the Vathorst Development Company and the Municipality of Amersfoort. An ideal place to take a break from the hustle and bustle.

Client: Development Company Vathorst & Municipality of Amersfoort

The Source
The Bron neighborhood, inspired by the former polder Duist-Langerijst from the 14th century, stands out because of the existing wooded banks and the beautiful pond in the heart of the neighborhood, a mix of nature and architecture. The ABC school building, with two schools and facilities, is partly located in and on the pond, making it a special place.

The architecture of The Source is stylish with an abundance of greenery. The original wooded banks and trees have been preserved, making it feel like you are in nature. The street names, inspired by seas and lakes worldwide, add an element of adventure.

Architect: various

Hoefkwartier 15.
What was once an industrial area has now been transformed into a lively urban neighborhood. The Hoefkwartier is still under development, but will soon accommodate up to 4,000 homes. The quarter sits just a 10-minute bike ride from downtown, but with the green Waterwinge area nearby, it also offers plenty of room for recreation.

With the construction of 2,500 new homes and more space for schools, plus the preservation of 5,000 jobs, De Hoef West is one of the largest regional area developments in the Netherlands.

Architect de Hoef-West: AG NOVA architects, MVSA

End point: Schothorst Station

Welcome back to Station Schothorst!