The new Duran swimming and sports complex will become the heart of Diemen-Zuid, providing a pleasant and accessible destination for socialising and exercising, with plenty of green space.
Commissioned by the municipality of Diemen, PosadMaxwan has developed the Area Vision for Duran Diemen-Zuid. The vision outlines the future layout of the new swimming and sports complex and its immediate surroundings, identifying which functions could be accommodated there.
The planning area for the sports centre and swimming pool covers approximately 1.5 hectares, most of which is owned by the municipality of Diemen. The current Duran complex is outdated and will need to be replaced within ten years. To ensure that people in the region can continue to swim, a new complex will be built before the existing pool is demolished. The site of the current Duran complex will then be redeveloped to include a variety of housing options, community facilities, sports facilities, educational facilities, green spaces and places for people to gather.
Therefore, the project goes beyond simply developing a new swimming pool and sports complex. Changes at the Duran site will affect the surrounding neighbourhoods and the structure of Diemen-Zuid as a whole. For this reason, connections to the surrounding area were examined, including walking and cycling routes, public transport, car traffic and the existing green infrastructure.
The area vision begins with an exploration of the site’s historical development, in order to gain insight into its spatial and social context. The site was then examined at three different scales: Diemen, Diemen-Zuid and the planning area itself.
This layered analysis provides a better understanding of the area’s identity, spatial qualities, opportunities and challenges. Connecting the different levels of scale provides a clear picture of Duran’s position within Diemen-Zuid and the area's potential future role.
Various environmental factors were also incorporated into the design process from the outset. For instance, noise is a critical factor in the area’s layout, especially along the road and around the roundabout, where residential units and amenities are planned. Incorporating such aspects early on enables comprehensive consideration of spatial decisions.
Additionally, the vision was developed based on design-led research and a carefully structured, participatory process. From the outset, residents, sports clubs and other stakeholders have been actively involved in its development. There was scope for mutual discussion, dialogue, consultation and collaboration at every stage, with the various steps being reviewed and different groups actively approached to ensure their perspectives and needs were taken into account. This included groups that do not usually participate in this sort of process.
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The conclusions drawn from the analysis, the public participation process, and the municipal ambitions and frameworks were then translated into concrete development principles. Alongside the vision map, these principles form the basis for the spatial development of Duran and Diemen-Zuid.
The swimming and sports complex at the heart of Diemen-Zuid
The new swimming pool will be located near the green space. It will become the heart of Diemen-Zuid, connected to the surrounding schools and Kruidenhof shopping centre. A sunny terrace will enhance the quality of the space, making the complex an attractive place to socialise and spend time, beyond its sports and swimming functions. The sports hall will be built above the swimming pool to save space. Intelligent stacking of functions creates space for housing and amenities, allowing the available space to be used efficiently.
Two sides, one connected area
The area will have two distinct sides, both connected to existing routes. The north side will be a functional area with parking and logistics. The south side, on the other hand, will have a public character with entrances, vibrancy and a pleasant atmosphere in which to linger.
A Distinct Character Within the Neighborhood
Duran will develop its own distinct character that is open to all sides, while remaining in harmony with the neighbourhood’s human scale. A landmark will be created at the roundabout to give the area a distinctive identity.
A green and accessible public space
The public space will be a pleasant, accessible gathering place with plenty of greenery, as well as space for play and socialising. In this way, Duran will be not only a place for sports and swimming, but also a place where residents and visitors alike will enjoy spending time.
Vision Map Duran
The development principles are brought together in the vision map. Here, you can see how the various functions, routes, green spaces and public areas reinforce one another. Consequently, the area will become not only a place for sports and swimming, but also an important public green space within Diemen-Zuid.
Vision Map Duran Diemen-Zuid
The Duran Diemen-Zuid vision map illustrates how the various municipal goals, such as health, sports, inclusivity, housing and sustainability, come together in a single, integrated vision.
Together with the surrounding outdoor space, the swimming and sports complex forms the beating heart of the neighbourhood, taking on special significance as a gathering place for the whole of Diemen. The concept of connection is central: between young and old, athletes and non-athletes, residents and visitors, as well as between indoor and outdoor spaces, and the various functions in the area.
Through this vision for the area, the municipality of Diemen aims to demonstrate the potential of the planning area and the choices that will contribute to sustainable, well-integrated and future-proof development.
The document therefore represents the first step towards subsequent phases, including the visual quality plan, urban development plan, plot specifications, public space design, and the final design of the new swimming and sports complex.
