‘topos’ by shift architecture urbanism, tilburg, the netherlands all images courtesy shift architecture urbanism

dutch firm shift architecture urbanism has created ‘topos’, a competition proposal for an eco-retail development for tilburg, the netherlands. elements of the plan include block residences, campus, restaurant and solitaire. placed upon an earthwork within the landscape, the ‘block’ manifests as a greenhouse structure with a large space to grow food and hold local markets. the cross form footprint with transparent and operable corners introduces cross-ventilation while blurring the boundary between the interior and the outdoor gardens.

next door, a cluster of cubic volumes referred to as ‘campus’, reveals itself from the sloping ground. arranged around a central internal court, the facades of each building creates a continuous horizontal band which responds to the shifting topography. a restaurant is concealed by a body of earth with an outdoor dining terrace emerging from the carved seating area. foldable window panels allow the south facade to open, temporarily eliminating a boundary from the encompassing nature.

shift architecture urbanism: topos - 2 block building

a vase-like pavilion topped with a circular dish of vegetation becomes a focal landmark for the site. the sculptural element contains a core with restrooms while a circular footprint enclosed with curved glass provides space for small shops.

in the next phase of this project, the architects will implement winning aspects of their design and collaborate to form a new hybrid plan which incorporates winning elements from the plans of two other firms.

shift architecture urbanism: topos - 3 block interior

shift architecture urbanism: topos - 4 solitaire

shift architecture urbanism: topos - 5 campus

shift architecture urbanism: topos - 6 campus

shift architecture urbanism: topos - 7 restaurant

shift architecture urbanism: topos - 8 restaurant

shift architecture urbanism: topos - 9 block floor plan / level 0 1. central shop 2. cornershops 3. frontshops 4. coffee corner 5. kitchen 6. info 7. tree patios 8. office 9. entrance facilities 10. logistics and storage

shift architecture urbanism: topos - 10 campus floor plan / level 0 1. central square 2. shop 3. restaurant 4. cooking studio 5. logistics and storage 6. entrance facilities

shift architecture urbanism: topos - 11 restaurant floor plan / level 0 1. restaurant 2. terrace towards square 3. terrace towards arboretum 4. office 5. logistics and storage 6. preparation 7. counter 8. scullery

shift architecture urbanism: topos - 12 solitaire floor plan / level 0 1. shop 2. facade of glass panels 3. office 4. storage 5. docking station facade

shift architecture urbanism: topos - 13 block isometric

shift architecture urbanism: topos - 14 campus isometric

shift architecture urbanism: topos - 15 restaurant isometric

shift architecture urbanism: topos - 16 solitaire isometric

project info:

architect: shift architecture urbanism, rotterdam advisor: ABT location: tilburg, the netherlands visualisations: A2 studio design masterplan: .fabric & lola client: landgoed de groene kamer program: eco-retail, leisure, education, public space & landscape prizes campus: 1st prize block: 2nd prize restaurant: 2nd prize pavilion: 3rd prize