Varkensmarkt Amersfoort

Once a cluttered, traffic-dominated space, the historic Varkensmarkt in Amersfoort has been transformed into a welcoming, green, and climate-resilient square. This layered redesign restores the square’s role as a central meeting place for residents and visitors alike—combining heritage, sustainability, and social interaction.

Guided by four principles—extending the square from façade to façade, integrating nature-based solutions, reusing sustainable materials, and adding an iconic city bench—the project shows how modest interventions can create high-impact, future-proof urban spaces.

A participatory design process involving residents, businesses, and city departments shaped a widely supported plan. The square is now traffic-calmed; bicycle parking has been relocated to the surroundings. Rainwater flows into lush planting beds, which reduce flooding and support biodiversity. Existing trees are enriched with new plantings, and reused brick pavers and natural stone curbs form a distinctive, textured surface.

At the square’s heart is a sculptural city bench, custom-designed by LOOSvanVLIET from sustainable Accoya wood. Its dynamic form winds between the trees, offering inviting seating options for everyone—from sunseekers to shade-lovers. It has become a social magnet embraced by the community.

An integrated lighting plan adds warmth and intimacy, with soft light beneath the canopy, subtle highlighting the paving.

The project was awarded the Stadsbouwprijs 2024 for showing how small-scale, thoughtful design can revive public space. Varkensmarkt now serves as a model for sustainable urban renewal—resilient and inclusive, built for everyday encounters.