Jardín De Meelfabriek

De Meelfabriek is a landmark industrial complex in the city of Leiden, the Netherlands. The 55,000 m2 plot consists of several buildings listed as a national monument, from which the first parts are dating back to the late 19th century. Combined with new buildings it is a mayor redevelopment project that represents both the history and future of Leiden.

Based on the masterplan of Studio Akkerhuis Architects the site has been redeveloped into an attractive mixed-use area. LOLA Landscape Architects was commissioned the landscape design of De Meelfabriek Garden and for the planting they worked closely with garden designer Piet Oudolf. The overall landscape design of the site is based on a floorplan with two framed places; The Meelfabriek Tuin (garden) and The Meelfabriek Plein (plaza). The brick pavement links all the buildings together with rhythmic gutter lines. Both the square and the garden are defined by a similar concrete edge.

The 14,000 m2 garden is created as a green oasis at the heart of the industrial heritage setting. LOLA and Piet Oudolf developed the garden on top of the site’s new underground parking structure. The garden is a lush planted and peaceful place with pebble shaped concrete seating objects thoughtfully placed over the site. Carefully framed with a concrete seating edge, the garden is designed as a large ‘nature painting’. The planting plan is in Oudolf's signature style. Each season reveals a new beautiful color and shape, utilizing the seasonal dynamics in its best interest.

Since 2024 the garden is open for everyone to enjoy no fewer than 13,000 plants of almost 60 different species. The entire garden is equipped with a water retention system that collects rainwater during wet periods for use in dry periods. The concrete frame surrounding the garden meanders from street level to seating height. In the garden, the paths wind towards the pebble-shaped sitting objects and from here, one can enjoy the life of the plants, insects and people in the garden in the best way.

De Meelfabriek terrain is part of Singelpark, a 6.5-kilometer park for which LOLA delivered the masterplan. Peter Veenstra, Founding partner at LOLA Landscape Architects: “10 years ago, LOLA envisioned Leiden's Singelpark as a necklace of surprising urban gardens. The Meelfabriek Garden is now one of them, and hopefully inspires to create more.”