This is desperately needed, because this underutilised area has the potential to become a fantastic neighbourhood with the venue as its core – an attractive green ‘hill’ in the city.
– Winy Maas

MVRDV have unveiled the design for a new venue at the Jaarbeurs exhibition, event and conference centre in Utrecht that is aimed at also providing a "garden in the city", incorporating a rooftop garden, green spaces and mixed-use elements.

Jaarbeurs briefed MVRDV to create a green, sustainable and innovative venue that would also help to boost the neighbourhood.

The resulting 120,000sq m (1,300,000sq ft) venue will be the cornerstone of a wider 600,000sq m (6,500,000sq ft) masterplan that will rejuvenate a nearby underutilised area.

The building itself will integrate closely with the area, opening in all directions and providing a degree of permeability.

Its rooftop park, intended to be accessible to all, is envisioned as "an oasis in the city", with spaces for urban nature, events, recreation, water storage and energy generation.

A series of cascading terraces will descend to the ground level, providing additional spaces to relax, while the surrounding area will be a mix of hospitality, shops, offices and green spaces.

A car-free “Jaarbeurs Boulevard” will connect different elements of the site, including the Jaarbeurs venue and a new waterfront district with restaurants and terraces on the Merwede Canal.

Winy Maas, co-founder and principal architect of MVRDV, said: “It is rare that a private party not only invests in its own building, but also includes the environment in its plans. This masterplan shows that Jaarbeurs is passionate about the city and dares to think outside the box.

"This is desperately needed, because this underutilised area has the potential to become a fantastic neighbourhood with the venue as its core – an attractive green ‘hill’ in the city. The plan is also an opportunity to significantly improve the city and properly connect the centre, the station area, the Merwede Canal zone and the Kanaleneiland.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2023.