Start of construction underground bicycle parking Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen, Amsterdam

ZJA Zwarts & Jansma Architects, together with Ballast Nedam, won the contract from the municipality of Amsterdam for the design and construction of the underground bicycle storage facility under the Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen; right on the Leidseplein in Amsterdam. The construction of the underground bicycle storage will create more space above ground, providing a new meeting place for the Leidseplein with the renewed Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen.  Today, construction of the bicycle parking lot begins and the first pole goes into the ground.

The City of Amsterdam wants to improve the livability and accessibility of the city by making space for pedestrians, cyclists, children playing and greenery. In that context, it is committed to a car-free city where more use will be made of bicycles and public transport. However, bicycle parking in the city center is a growing problem. Therefore, the City of Amsterdam is developing policies to keep streets and squares free of parked bicycles and provide more underground bicycle parking facilities.

Blue John by Hans van Houwelingen
With the arrival of the underground bicycle storage facility Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen, the forty reptiles from the artwork Blue John by Hans van Houwelingen are returning to the park. The bronze reptiles will have a place on the masonry wall in the park that extends into the bicycle shed and guides cyclists down the hill.

The bicycle shed has two entrances; one for pedestrians and one for cyclists. The brick wall in warm red brick connects both entrances. As a nod to the artwork Blauw Jan, the floor of the bicycle shed features reptiles that guide pedestrians to the exit on Leidseplein. On top of the bicycle shed, the forty reptiles watch over the bicycles under the parkway.

Socially safe bicycle parking
The new underground bicycle parking facility where 2,000 bicycles can be guarded is bright, light and transparent. ZJA's design is characterized by tranquility and clarity. The shape, color and lighting create an attractive and user-friendly bicycle shed.

The underground bicycle storage Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen has wider paths and a greater height (3.20 m) than most bicycle storage facilities. Extra attention has been given to the entry of daylight and lighting above the walkways, so that the atmosphere is transparent and pleasant. By orienting the sightlines to the wide exit and placing the management area in the corner, overview and safety are optimal.