Eindhoven is home to ’18 Septemberplein’, the city’s main square, which has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. The architecturally designed square has taken on a futuristic look, especially at night, and prides itself on being pedestrian and biker-friendly.
- 29 September 2010
The renovated square and its bike cellar, markets and art, water and lighting features make visits to Eindhoven a wonderful experience.
Once busy with cars and buses, the square is now a magnet for shoppers and visitors who flock there to enjoy the artworks, water features and colourful light shows, and in doing so provide a boost for local businesses.
Healthy future in store for shopping zone
The 4 500 m2 refurbishment project, run by the Municipality of Eindhoven, was part of an overall plan to make the city a more appealing place to live in. Through a combination of quality material and careful planning, the project has enhanced the accessibility and attractiveness of the city centre, with economic and social spinoffs for local residents and tourists as well as the city’s businesses, such as restaurants, shops and markets.
The new underground bike shed, including its own conveyor belt for easy access, can take up to 1 500 bikes (for free), perfect for the 5 000 people who came to watch some of the 2010 World Cup football games on the large screen that was set up. Every Tuesday also sees a market held at the square, where stall owners can now benefit from the new underground electricity boxes installed in all corners. The square is equipped to host many large-scale events, including Queen’s Day, which is celebrated on 30 April every year and which sees performances by famous Dutch musicians and bands on a big stage set up especially for the occasion.
Design creates eye-catching setting
The square, designed by Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas, now includes a 3 500 m2 ground mosaic made of high quality, durable concrete and including some 240 glass elements. The glass provides daytime light for the underground bike shed and by night is part of a dazzling light show in the square. The eye-catching conical structure over the bike shed is made of top-quality concrete and glass and harmonises with other elements around the square, including the upgraded street lighting, benches, water features and artworks.
The old city gate, once buried out of sight, can now be viewed by the public following excavation works. Plaques in Dutch and English have also been placed in the underground area, providing interesting information on the history of this fascinating city.