A new, progressive green city district.
Cartess is een nieuwe, vooruitstrevende groene stadswijk, midden in het centrum van Utrecht. Een wijk anders dan alle andere wijken. Een wijk om eigenzinnig te leven, wonen, werken en recreëren. En dat 24/7.
The municipality of Utrecht and NS have issued this tender for the 15 hectare former NS industrial estate. Previously it was a shunting yard, rail workshop and bus garage. This is the largest tender in the Netherlands. Cartess was conceived around the people, they form the social cement, which is visibly stimulated in the design of neighborhoods and courtyards. A neighborhood where people live together in a healthy, green and sustainable way and can fully enjoy music, exercise and good food.
Concepting & branding
Mattmo was part of the concept team and wrote, among other things, the manifesto below as a starting point for the identity of the area.
Mattmo was asked by developer AM to join the consortium, which was led by AM, Blauwhoed, Aalberts and Boei in collaboration with architectural firms Fabrications, Next Architects, Plein 06, Barcode, Felixx landscape and JvantSpijker and artist impressions specialist Wax.
Mattmo was part of the concept team and wrote, among other things, the manifesto below as a starting point for the identity of the area. Mattmo helped think about the programming of the area to roll out the concept integrally within architecture, public space and programming of food, music and sports. Came up with the name Cartess and translated the concept into a visual identity, bid book including picture editing and film.
Well Community Standard
Health and wellbeing
Cartess has the Well Community Standard as a permanent basis: a measurable factor for well-being and health of the area and the buildings in it. The principles of WELL are based on health and well-being, through the design and realization of inclusive, integral and resilient communities. With the aim of a healthy and happy living environment for its residents and users.
The beating heart of Cartess is formed by the CAB building. The monumental former bus repair site. A historical landmark: industrial heritage of the Dutch Railways where, as in the past, the manufacturing industry takes center stage. In the CAB building we combine catering and creative activity with a broad stage program.
The other consortium of Meijer Realty Partners (MRP) and Ballast Nedam ultimately won this competition.
Manifesto
I am a new neighborhood in Utrecht.
I am a stubborn pioneer.
I am progressive, social and sustainable.
I am the connector.
I AM CARTESS.
I am a neighborhood that is nothing like other neighborhoods. I am an ideal city district, where functionality is at the same high level as creativity. A dynamic place, where interaction and collaboration flourish. Not only am I located in a special location, I also have a whole new view on living, working and living. I challenge the city of Utrecht and the residents of Cartess to experience ‘healthy urban living’ from different subcultures and lifestyles. I offer space for contrast and connection.
CONTEMPORARY
I derive my identity from the industrial heritage of the manufacturing industry and bring it back to life in a contemporary way. In this way, a striking historic building is given a second life as a vibrant, multifunctional center: the CAB building. This is my heart, the place where everything and everyone comes together. There is a vibrant economy here, people work and learn around the themes of music, food and sports, my biggest hobbies.
24/7 ‘ON LIFE’
I think time is a broad concept, with me you can live, recreate and work 24/7. In a way that suits the time of day and the lifestyle of my residents. Because a family has very different needs on Sunday morning than a twentysomething on Friday evening. In the CAB building I offer space for peace and inspiration for both the individual and the various communities. Here you can start your day with a yoga class, pick up a meal at the Kitchen Republic in the evening and listen to a concert by talents from the Herman Brood Academy at night. So whether it’s doing some shopping, listening to a playlist or working for a few hours in one of the CAB Creative Spaces: I’m flexible.
OPTIMALLY CONNECTED
I think time is a broad concept, with me you can live, recreate and work 24/7. In a way that suits the time of day and the lifestyle of my residents. Because a family has very different needs on Sunday morning than a twentysomething on Friday evening. In the CAB building I offer space for peace and inspiration for both the individual and the various communities. Here you can start your day with a yoga class, pick up a meal at the Kitchen Republic in the evening and listen to a concert by talents from the Herman Brood Academy at night. So whether it’s doing some shopping, listening to a playlist or working for a few hours in one of the CAB Creative Spaces: I’m flexible.
HEALTHY AND CIRCULAR
My infrastructure is an active part of a sustainable, green and healthy living environment. I have walking routes and jogging paths, safe, green courtyards and attractive stairs to encourage exercise. I am car-free and encourage shared use of electric cars. Parking takes place in innovative buildings with charging points. I generate all the energy I need independently. With an integral energy system I regulate the climatic conditions in the neighborhood and ensure good energy management. We share knowledge about growing food in our food pavilion. New meaning for life in a new, circular neighborhood. By focusing on meetings, sustainability, a strong focal point, space for movement and smart mobility, I offer my residents the next step; Healthy Urban Living. By working together in urban agriculture, making music, sharing self-generated energy, we learn from each other. They participate in the share economy, develop new initiatives and form a sustainable and close-knit community. It is my residents who have shaped me into everything I am: Cartess, the nicest new neighborhood in Utrecht.