In 2017 UNStudio was selected by the Hilversum Municipality and Media Park Enterprise to develop an urban vision which could offer a roadmap for the transformation of Hilversum’s Media Park into a vibrant and leading destination for future media content creation

Media Park

Credits
Project: Media Park, Hilversum, Netherlands
Client: Hilversum Municipality, Hilversum Media Enterprise Location: Hilversum
Building surface: 36,000 m²
Building volume: 188,350 m²
Building site: 87,800 m²
Programme: Mixed use
Status: Urban Vision
UNStudio: Ben van Berkel, Caroline Bos with Christian Veddeler, Ren Yee, Dana Behrman and Maria Zafeiriadou, Pedro Silva Costa, Pietro Marziali, Teun Bimbergen
Renderings by: Plompmozes

The urban vision that resulted from a collaborative process between all three parties was borne out of the need to adapt to new technologies and shifting consumer demands and includes potential programmatic, spatial, and infrastructural development models. In the vision, phased transformation of existing areas, as well as new interventions, respond to the already present shifts in the media landscape, while short and long-term strategies for future scenarios offer solutions for those that have yet to occur.

Says Wimar Jaeger, Vice Mayor, Economic, Media and Culture portfolio: “Hilversum Media Park 2030 is envisioned as a new social ecosystem where innovation is a spectacle and culture is the heart of the community. Our goal is to create a media park that is vibrant and affordable, an international magnet, a place where talent can grow.”

Pillars
5 Pillars of Growth

New technologies have created abundant new possibilities for media creation and consumption. The new Hilversum Media Park will be adaptable to this evolving environment and attract top-tier young talent to ensure its continued success. With these goals in mind, UNStudio proposes 5 ‘Pillars of Growth’, which will be the keystones of the urban vision for the Media Park as a thriving desitination.

Industry Hotspot

The urban vision aims to create an industry hotpot by enabling cross-disciplinary links between once disparate sectors of media. VR developers, film producers and different kinds of creatives will work side-by-side, sharing knowledge and innovation. Additionally, on-site Media and Technology-focused educational facilities will drive young professionals to close the gap between learning and working and position the Media Park as a diverse hub of industry and content creation.

Public Interface

Innovation in media has enabled ways for contemporary audiences to participate and engage with content. The Hilversum Media Park therefore aims to create a vibrant public interface by providing a variety of innovative amenities such as open-air studios, meeting venues, and increased modes of interaction. The park will also serve as a hotbed of culture, strengthening the activities of the Museum of Sound & Vision.

Media Park

Vibrant Community

Creative people often seek a dense, lively, 24-hr lifestyle, therefore, hospitality and local amenities will cover the every-day needs of users, while the introduction of sector-based short-term living accommodation in a contemporary, modular style that is geared towards young professionals.

Technology

Currently, the Hilversum Media Park has an unparalleled digital infrastructure which has enabled it to become a leader in broadcasting. In the future, media tech prototypes and pilot projects could be tested on site, while the possible introduction of a sensory network could inform users’ awareness of stresses in the system.

Spaces would be made available for research into technologies such as hologram tech and artificial intelligence. Additionally, facilities and buildings will be upgraded to a smart network that can mitigate shortages of any kind and respond in real-time to needs that may arise. A proposed app specific to the Media Park will also inform users about climate, navigation, available meeting spaces, employment opportunities, etc.

Says Ben Van Berkel, “When utilized and applied correctly, technology can not only make cities smarter, but also more humane, social and inclusive. Sensor-based technologies also enable you to design and operate city districts and individual sites in ways that are highly relevant to their specific conditions and to their end-users.”

Media Park

Healthy Environment

Hilversum’s existing identity as a Green City is embedded into the urban future of the Park and is a contributing factor to its healthy environment. The urban vision extends the green vegetation to the west of the site into the park, further linking the media park to its surroundings. Additionally, it incorporates traditional healthy amenities such as sports and recreation areas, whilst unlocking more innovative solutions, such as the incorporation of urban farms.

Programmatic Transformation

The concept of the music festival is certainly not a new phenomenon, but in recent years, it has transformed into a growing market for artists and communities in a wide variety of disciplines. The urban vision updates its programmatic aspects by setting aside numerous ‘Spaces for Celebration’ that can be used for everything, from art exhibitions to concerts, and turning an exclusive industry into an inclusive celebration.

Media Park

New Destinations

The urban vision for the Hilversum Media Park introduces a proposal consisting up to 5 possible new zones:
  1. The Creative Hub: Work and education facilities, main public plaza, film and exhibition spaces
  2. T-Campus: Labs, studios, offices and sports facilities
  3. Media Citywalk: Studio, food and beverage, conference hotel, spa centre
  4. Tech-Mix: Media Tech-focused work and living spaces
  5. Media Downtown: A mix of destinations for work, living
Mobility

The city of Hilversum has been engaged in multiple schemes to improve the existing infrastructure and to alleviate congestion in and around the Media Park. The urban vision offers a multitude of connections into and out of the park, and strategies for a future that is more sustainable and mobile. Some examples include introduction of Park&Ride facilities with a cable car connection, widening Johannes Geradtsweg Bridge to increase capacity, and developing an app specific to the Media Park to provide mobility updates. Within the Park, bike and pedestrian paths are seamlessly incorporated to encourage green modes of transportation.

The Creative Hub

Sustainability

The urban vision also aims to contribute to a sustainable future by reducing CO2 emission by 90% by the year 2050. Currently, the first step is to create an energy analysis of the Park and use this to create a smart energy strategy. Other planned actions include addition of vegetation, re-use of resources, non-polluting modes of transport, climate-neutral buildings, solar panels and many more sustainable interventions.