Almere, Holland’s geographic heart, is a burgeoning growth town, which is set to grow in population from 145,000 in 2000 to 200,000 in 2007. In order to meet future demands, Bouwfonds MAB is developing Stadshart, a multifunctional centre in Almere’s city centre.

OMA, led by the celebrated architect Rem Koolhaas, developed a master plan and together with a number of stakeholders, subsequently fleshed it out into a practically phased development plan. The arrival of “Stadshart” marks a clear and strong identity for Almere.

Stadshart accomomodates an ample 85.000 m2 of shopping facilities, 6.500 m2 of offices and a hotel, 800 residences, and 20.000 m2 of cultural facilities including a pop music venue, discotheque and Urban Entertainment Centre.