Quay on the River IJssel, Doesburg
The materials used feel like they were invented for
this spot. It feels like being on a ship: sturdy and
strong at the lower level, elegant and refined at the
upper level. In fact, the designers used the same
materials as the water engineers normally use,
but by adding elements (prefabricated large scale
tiles, stainless steel railing, etc.), the atmosphere
became very specific. The constructed project is not
just a place for big ships to moor or to load; it is also
an important public space. The place will be used by
inhabitants to enjoy the nice weather and to meet
for gossip. On the other hand, it can be a very excit-
ing place during stormy weather or in springtime
when the water level in the river rises. Boulders
and other elements relate to the flow of the river,
but have been shaped for visitors who want to want
to sit and reflect upon life while they gaze over the
river and the landscape.
The OKRA project was designed in conjunction with
a housing project, which is currently being realised.
The dike and the new residential project really form
a single coherent project. A section through this
landscape really tells the story: the narrative of the
river, the public place and the private spaces, the
backyards; all is clear and comprehensible. Working
in tandem with the town’s urban planners, OKRA
have realised a plan of which Doesburg can be
proud. It has given the town a face. For the land-
scape architecture profession, the design is also
significant, since it has proved that technical prob-
lems can be solved in an aesthetically pleasing way.
In Holland, this has been proved in the past, but it is
good to see that the tradition continues.