The Smart Box
‘s-Hertogenbosch (NL)
The Smart Box was awarded the first prize and is conceived as a multifunctional social hub which catalyses the social interaction within the Spoorzone of ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
The Smart Box
The municipality of ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NL) initiated a national design competition “Smart Square competition” in order to enhance the vibrancy of a rather dull square. The square is located in the Spoorzone amid several educational institutes. The new Smart Square should become a social hub, where students and teachers can meet and share their knowledge and school projects. The budget of €40.000,- and the temporary character of the project required an intelligent and circular design.
The Smart Box was awarded the first prize and is conceived as a multifunctional social hub which catalyses the social interaction within the Spoorzone. Creativity, curiosity and enthusiasm comes together inside and around the Smart Box due to its many different functions. In this way the concept of placemaking is being introduced in the Spoorzone.
Client
Gemeente s’-Hertogenbosch
Location
‘s-Hertogenbosch (NL)
Year
2019
Status
Competition (first prize)
ProgramME
Circular pavilion
TAGS
Architecture, Placemaking
Location
The Smart Box is located amidst several educational institutes and numerous housing blocks. This context provides a challenging environment combining both students and residents.
students
flows of students towards the square
residents
flows of residents towards the square
students and residents
combined flows of users
Flexible and multifunctional programme
The diversity of users forced us to come up with a design that was able to attract all sorts of people. Students, teachers, neighbors and tourists should be able to make use of a wide variety of functions. This multifunctional aspect characterises the essence of the Smart Box.
Modular and circular structural elements
The pavilion makes use of the principle of scaffolding in order to enhance the modularity and circularity. The Smart Box is fully demountable and inspires students how to conceive an interesting structure by highly conventional construction parts.
URBAN LIVING ROOM
Outdoor movie theater
The internal stairs of the Smart Box function as an urban living room where students and residents can come together for public activities.
OBSERVATORY
Checking KW1 construction site
The top floor of the Smart Box functions as an observatory which overlooks the neighboring construction site of the Koning Willem I College (KW1).
EXHIBITIONS
Sharing work and knowledge
The internal stairs of the Smart Box function as an urban living room where students and residents can share their knowledge and inspire each other.
MEETING PLACE
Iconic shape as beacon
The iconic shaping of the Smart Box serves for students and residents as a beacon within the Spoorzone of ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
PROJECTED CONTENT
Large scale data projections
The exterior of the Smart Box functions as a white canvas for digital projections during public events and gatherings.
URBAN LANTERN
Illuminating the square at night
The exterior of the Smart Box functions as an illuminating canvas during the night in order to preserve safety on the square.
Team