The Kanaalzone in Eindhoven is undergoing an exciting transformation – from a former industrial zone into a vibrant, dynamic part of the city. At the heart of this change is the new canal park, serving as the backbone of a green-blue corridor that connects the city center with the surrounding countryside and the Van Gogh National Park. This evolving landscape is a showcase for innovative approaches to urban densification, greening, and sustainability, setting a new standard for future-forward city living.
In collaboration with the property owners and the Municipality of Eindhoven, DELVA is working on an area framework for the entire southern side. This involves looking beyond the plot boundaries to approach the canal, public space and private plots as one cohesive whole.
With the redevelopment of the former dairy factory site, named ‘De Caai,’ the energy in the area has been unleashed. The news that the Design Academy Eindhoven will also settle in the Kanaalzone completes the picture. This will become the new hotspot of Eindhoven, where food, innovation and design take center stage. It is an area where water, greenery, living, studying and working come together with the rich industrial history.
Three main themes give the Kanaalzone a new identity and have a positive impact on the city:
A green-blue corridor
The Eindhoven Canal will become a recreational-ecological, green-blue frontage for the city. In the future, Eindhoven residents will meet here, exercise, or relax in the greenery or by the water. The new underground parking infrastructure creates space for sports fields, rest areas, and exercise equipment along the canal. The linear park zone also serves as the city’s entrance, with the adjacent bicycle path.
A new center for the satellite city
The Kanaalzone, together with the city center and Strijp, is set to become one of Eindhoven’s key destinations. Centered around the themes of innovation, food, and design, this dynamic mixed-use neighbourhood — featuring housing, offices and amenities — will build on the area’s existing energy and character with the canal park as its vibrant backbone.
A mobility hub for the city
Due to its strategic location, the Kanaalzone is a perfect mobility hub: a place where visitors to the city can leave their car and continue on foot or by shared bike. The underground parking garage beneath the canal offers space for thousands of cars and can be used for the Canal Zone itself as well as a new Park & Bike (P&B) for the city center.
These three themes are shaping a unique fourth green-blue vein between the city centre and the landscape. With the urban programme, we meet the housing challenge and create a new front towards the canal. Besides urban connectivity, the Kanaalzone will also serve as an aquatic urban ecology. Extensive management and softening of the canal banks will create a rich aquatic environment that serves as a link between the Kleine Dommel valley and the Dommel flowing through the centre.
Eindhoven Kanaalzone
Designers: DELVA Landscape Architecture & Urbanism, Houben / Van Mierlo
Client: Gemeente Eindhoven