Jaarbeurs Utrecht

The Jaarbeurspassage is part of a series of spaces linking the inner city’s major pedestrian focus points while at the some time forming the public heart of the Jaarbeurs Exhibition Centre complex.

The brief called for a design in which the twin functions of receiving visitors to the centre and providing a route for passers-though are combined in a natural way. The accommodation is optimised by creating connections between the north and south buildings of the centre at each of the various levels, allowing the buildings to be used either separately or as a whole. Among them, the Jaarbeurspassage provides an oasis of tranquillity among the hustle and bustle of the events taking place throughout the exhibition buildings. Interconnected plazas at various levels create natural zones for lounging spaces, reading tables, terraces and podiums. The addition of trees, shrubs and other planting results in a pleasantly green natural environment.

The roof will be constructed using a large but light-weight space frame filled with ETFE cushions to create a practically uninterrupted space for the covered passage. To add to the impression of a natural atmosphere, warm materials such as wood will be used for the railings.