Year: 2025 | Location: Eindhoven | Status: Master Plan | Client: Gemeente Eindhoven | Designers: Raphael Coutin, Ivo Hulskamp,Tim Kouthoofd, Piotr Szczesniak Ecology adviser: Gijs Meijer - Sweco | Mobility adviser: Mathijs Schoenmakers - Royal Haskoning DHV
Welcome to Het Paradijs
Stadhuisplein is entering a new chapter. In the coming years, the area will be transformed with the addition of 3,000 new homes. To support this change, the Municipality of Eindhoven launched a competition to reimagine the square in front of city hall, and selected Bygg to develop the master plan.
Located in the heart of Eindhoven, Het Paradijs, the name of the town hall district, is revitalised with the ambition to create a place where the city’s vitality, identity and future come together. The project redefines Stadhuisplein as an inviting, sustainable and lively urban space, grounded in community and open to everyone.
Eindhovense Ruimte — The Common
At the core of the vision is Eindhovense Ruimte: the “Space of Eindhoven”. Stadhuisplein is not just a square; it is the civic heart of the city, a place for gathering, celebrating, protesting or simply being. It hosts collective moments such as demonstrations and festivities, but also quiet, personal milestones: taking a photo after a wedding at city hall, receiving a passport or meeting a friend in the city’s open air.
To bring this idea to life, the surface of the square is reimagined as a large “carpet”, a new design layer that visually and symbolically unites the space. Woven into its pattern is the story of Eindhoven’s five districts coming together, reflecting both the individuality and unity of the city’s residents. The square becomes a shared living room, open and familiar to all.
De Binnen Dommel
Central to our vision is the introduction of the Dommel river. Seen as an important “resident” of Eindhoven, we invite it to weave in and around the square, creating a living nature corridor. This flowing presence not only recalls the historical essence of Eindhoven, but also brings biodiversity. The river is more than a water feature; it serves as a dynamic and symbolic artery of the city, balancing ecological richness with the active life of the square.
Belvédère
The Belvédère frames Stadhuisplein through a network of bridges connecting the surrounding buildings. These bridges are supported by four distinct gates that mark the different entrances to the square, forming both the structural foundation and the symbolic thresholds of the space.
Elevated above the commercial ground level, the Belvédère doubles as an eco-corridor, supporting biodiversity and offering elevated walkways for visitors. This layered composition brings depth, perspective and a new way to experience the city’s public life.
The Tree
Above the entrance to the underground parking garage stands a symbolic lime tree, now placed atop the pavilion structure. More than just a landmark, the tree represents nature as an enduring and vital citizen of Eindhoven. Rooted in the city’s past and elevated in its future, the tree continues to reflect our commitment to inclusive and nature-forward design.
In summary
Het Paradijs is a vision of urban transformation rooted in the connection between people, nature and history. With the Dommel river, the Belvédère bridges, the concept of Eindhovense Ruimte and the symbolic tree, Stadhuisplein becomes a shared space for all of Eindhoven.
Before finalizing the master plan, we wrote a newspaper to present our first concept to the public. Eventhough the design has evolve since, we invite you to read it and to imagine living in Stadhuisplein in 2040.
