DE MEELFABRIEK TUIN & PLEIN
De Meelfabriek Tuin (garden) is a place of tranquillity amid all the activity. The garden was designed by landscape architect Piet Oudolf in collaboration with LOLA Landscape Architects.
The planting design reflects Oudolf’s distinctive approach: nothing is as ever-changing as nature, and rather than trying to control it, Oudolf embraces its natural dynamics in his designs. Few designers use this to such effect. Each season brings beauty in new colours, textures, and forms. Visitors to De Meelfabriek Tuin experience a sense of familiarity while continuing to be surprised with every visit.
The garden is open to residents, local neighbours, passers-by, and walkers exploring the Singelpark. Here, visitors can enjoy at least 13,000 plants representing almost 60 different species.
LOLA is the design studio responsible for the overall masterplan of De Meelfabriek. The practice also developed the concept design for the Singelpark and places great value on connection and wonder – a fitting synergy.
De Meelfabriek Plein (square) will become a vibrant and lively destination. It will serve as a central meeting place for residents, hotel guests, visitors to the wellness centre, shoppers, diners and walkers alike. Thanks to the underground car park, the De Meelfabriek site can remain largely free of traffic.
Garden completed: 2023
Landscape architects: Piet Oudolf in collaboration with LOLA Landscape Architects
PIET OUDOLF
Piet Oudolf (1944) is undoubtedly the most renowned Dutch landscape architect. His gardens and parks have gained international fame, including The High Line in New York and Millennium Park in Chicago. He resides and works in Hummelo, Gelderland, alongside his wife Anja. Oudolf is a prominent representative of The Dutch Wave, a movement in garden architecture that draws inspiration from natural plant communities, art, and the passage of time (seasons). He has received various awards, including the Prins Bernard Cultuurprijs, Sikkens Prize, Maaskant Prize, the Elizabeth Medal of Honour, and has been appointed Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau.
LOLA, PETER VEENSTRA
LOLA Landscape Architects is a forward-thinking firm specializing in landscape architecture. They explore and design spatial transitions within existing cultural landscapes. With thoughtful ideas and targeted interventions, LOLA (LOst LAndscapes) aims to optimize these landscapes, transforming them into beautiful, healthy, and sustainable places. A key focus is on creating unique experiences: landscapes to wander, amaze, marvel, enjoy, and dream in. They work globally on various large-scale landscape designs, including the Singelpark in Leiden. Alongside Piet Oudolf, they designed the landscape of Gasklockan in Stockholm, an area filled with abandoned gasometers. Peter Veenstra is a co-founder and partner of LOLA, and he has received accolades such as the Maaskant Prize for young architects and the Topas Landscape Award.
pes that are constantly surprising, give pleasure and allow you to dream. They work on a variety of large landscape design projects around the world, including the Singelpark in Leiden. In partnership with Piet Oudolf, they designed the landscape around Gasklockan in Stockholm, an area full of disused gasometers. LOLA’s awards include the Young Maaskant Prize for young architects and the Topas Landscape Award.
