In August 2019, the municipal executive decided on the new paving materials for Eindhoven city centre. In September 2019, the city council approved the costs and coverage of the redesign.
Choice of paving materials
In autumn of 2018, we tested various paving materials with a test area in locations such as the Demer. We assessed the materials based on aspects of appearance, sustainability/use and management/maintenance.
We also asked visitors to the city centre for their opinions of the trial paving, by way of 'tours' and an online survey.
Eindhoven stone
From our experience with the trial paving in the city centre, we learned that Eindhoveners feel it is important that the new paving is vibrant, of good quality and has an Eindhoven character.
We drilled deep in Eindhoven's substrate in search of inspiration for that Eindhoven character. Together with Eindhoven agencies Atelier NL and Erevisions and supervisor Winy Maas, we then created a composite of colours, shapes, textures and patterns.
The new Eindhoven stone is made of modern cement, and the basic colour is a warm grey. The vibrant random shingles in a variety of colours reflect the substrate.
All streets will be given a single-level pavement-road-pavement layout, bordered by bands of natural stone. The new Eindhoven stone will be used for the pavements and the road (central lane) will be done in asphalt or a material with the same characteristics. A climate-adaptive water system, consisting of separate sewers and underground storage, will be installed below ground.
Next autumn, we will be paving trial areas to check whether the paving is slippery, and also whether it is easy to keep clean. Based on the outcomes, we can adjust the stone as necessary.
Would you like more background information about the decision-making surrounding the paving materials? Watch the video and a detailed presentation (both in Dutch):
More greenery
The refurbishment will involve more than just new paving. Adding more greenery to our city centre is every bit as important. Around one hundred new trees and accompanying shrubs are intended to give the city centre a greener appearance, in keeping with the regional Brabant landscape. Our goal is a green, healthy, climate-resilient environment which is a great place to be, for everyone. In June 2019, we had a sneak peek on the Demer at a greener city centre.
Designproces
Supervisor Winy Maas (MVRDV Architects) and a design team are working on the preparations for the design drawings. This will be carried out in phases, starting with Stratumseind and Rechtestraat. Click below to see the first design sketches (in Dutch).
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Schetsontwerp Stratumseind (743.15 KB)
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Schetsontwerp Rechtestraat (1.05 MB)