Zoetermeer - The Nieuwe Driemanspolder (N3MP) is a new nature and recreation area in the Zoetermeer region, which has been increasingly developing since its opening in 2020 into a place where people and nature converge. Arcadis has played a significant role in the development of this sustainable landscape. With the design of the Nieuwe Driemanspolder, Arcadis has not only created a space where people can enjoy walking, cycling, horseback riding, or boating, but also provided a solution for an urgent challenge: water safety. The area is designed as a climate buffer and functions as a water storage facility during extreme rainfall, thus helping to protect surrounding cities from flooding while simultaneously offering a rich and biodiverse environment.
| Location | Zoetermeer |
| Assignment | VO, DO en Beeldkwaliteitsplan |
| Design | 2014-2020 |
| Construction | 2018-2024 |
| Client | Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland |
| Team | Hans Smolenaers, John Boon, Joep van Baast, Ferry Streng, Wouter Veugelers |
Between 2016 and 2020, the Nieuwe Driemanspolder was transformed into a stunning multifunctional area where water management, nature, and recreation seamlessly come together. The renewed landscape builds on its rich cultural and historical foundation, preserving iconic elements such as the Molendriegang windmill trio and the centuries-old land division. Through smart design choices, old and new structures are harmoniously connected, respecting the original parceling patterns and existing ditches.
The new water system creates space for peak water storage and independent water level management, with clean water and flow playing a central role. At the same time, an extensive network of paths allows cyclists, walkers, and horse riders to explore the area via both long and short routes, through varied landscapes and along recreational and natural zones.
The green structure has been carefully designed to balance open water, lush vegetation, and wooded areas, with vistas and semi-transparent zones creating a visually appealing environment. Iconic elements, such as the unobstructed views of the windmills and the potential for a campsite, enhance the area's recreational value.
The Nieuwe Driemanspolder is a versatile landscape where water, nature, and people converge. It is a place rich in history, tranquility, and recreation—a treasure for everyone who comes to enjoy it!
In the Nieuwe Driemanspolder, a unique community food forest is being developed by the Voedselbuurtbos GeuzeGroen Foundation in collaboration with Arcadis Landscape Architecture & Urbanism. The forest blends nature, education, and sustainability, featuring historic fruit trees, edible plants, wheelchair-accessible paths, and bushcraft areas for children.
At the heart of the design is a self-sustaining pavilion built with recycled materials. This pavilion will serve as the central meeting point for volunteers and local residents, offering space for storage, food processing, and community activities. With the necessary permits now granted, construction will soon begin, transforming the food forest into a vibrant place where the community can gather, learn, and embrace sustainable living.
