MVRDV: expo plant library proposal for city of almere floriade 2022

‘floriade 2022’ by MVRDV, almere, the netherlands all images courtesy of MVRDV

dutch practice MVRDV has produced a plan for almere, a candidate city for the netherland’s horticultural expo ‘floriade 2022‘. taking place every ten years and open this year in venlo, the expo’s next location will be selected in october. this proposal offers a long-term solution by extending the existing urban center towards a waterfront site. the vibrant neighborhood incorporates a giant plant library leading to a 300% greener exhibition than the current standard, combining trees and vegetation to carve programmatic areas with innovative and ecological surprises. positioned along the lake, the

the presence of a university, hotel, marina, offices and homes will generate the urban density while supporting the nearby and growing amsterdam metropolitan area. nearly 60,000 new homes will be constructed in almere alone and the city hopes to improve the quality of life for its citizens despite the rising development. a tapestry of gardens, the 45 hectare peninsula will be divided into blocks and contain an alphabetical plant library amongst the buildings.

aerial view of the city

stacked botanical gardens feature ecosystems of diverse climates and classroom spaces. visitors may visit the jasmine hotel or swim in a lily pond as well as live amidst orchards and bamboo parks. food and energy will be produced within the district to enrich the daily activity of residents.

vehicular approach to the green city

cable car leading across the water to the city

shoreline leading towards the green neighborhood

waterfront promenade

public plaza

greenhouses

interior of pavilion