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following text and images are by Rotterdam's Geen
Punt Architecten for their Tjalk Shopping Center in Lelystad.
Click images for larger color views.
Once the original shopping center on this site won a price
for “most environmentally-friendly building.”
After being used by the client, asbestos was found. Partly
because of this, the building got a bad name and was left
by its tenants. Afterwards, the qualities of the location
were recognized by a retail-based development company who
decided to buy it and redevelop it.
The location has a key position
in the local shopping area, so the design had to be both attractive
and inviting. By combining crossing escalators
in a spacious glass entry, the building looks dynamic and
lively. The use of high tech steel and glass in a way that
shows craftsmanship and quality underlines the idea that this
is the place to be. But all this had to be done with a low
budget, making certain decisions very important.
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