ZWOLLE, Netherlands––Parked in the heart of downtown Zwolle is a sustainable brick parking garage which draws inspiration from historic roadside inns for weary tradesmen, the firm dok architects writes.
Form and function are inspired by a voyage along the Silk Road through Central Asia, where travellers converge in a caravanserai, a place that provides caravans with shelter for the night.
Five distinctive patterns make up the brick facade yeidling a dreamy atmosphere, especially when lit with dramatic lighting after sunset. Eastern hues and patterns adorn the parking garage’s facade, which wraps around the building and culminates at an accumulation of raised bricks, the firm adds.
DesignBoom writes the architects ensured the building was designed in a sustainable manner and conforms to Dutch sustainability standards. The building includes 800 square meters of solar panels on the car park’s roof, sustainable vehicle routing design, which limits exhaust emissions, reactive LED lighting and more.
28 charging points allow visitors to charge their cars. green hanging plants cover the rear facade and nesting and shelter spots for swallows and bats can be found all around the building.
Located near a major thoroughfare, cinema and public life, dok architects call the structure a the modern caravanserai.
You can see more projects from these architects here.
Love or loathe this example of brick architecture from the world of contemporary ceramic art and contemporary ceramics? Share your thoughts below.
fabulous use of stone and bricks—-love the color of toast