Flight Forum Central Plaza

Karres en Brands has produced a design for the central square within the office cluster at the Flight Forum business park, based on a design by MVRDV. The business park, situated on the outskirts of Eindhoven, occupies a unique position within the high-tech industry chain thanks to the growing presence of specialised business-to-business service providers. Flight Forum is a promising part of the Brainport region and, as a business park, contributes to the region’s agglomeration strength. It complements the other business parks in the region and will excel in terms of accessibility, car park management and prestige. Its location right next to Eindhoven Airport and the A2 motorway, a HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicle) lane, the Slowlane and new, high-quality parking facilities also make Flight Forum, quite literally, a key hub.

Flight Forum was built in the year 2000, with the buildings arranged in clusters within the landscape. All offices are concentrated in one of the clusters, whilst the remaining clusters consist of industrial buildings. The office cluster is bisected by the elevated route of the HOV line. At the heart of the area lies a sloping square near the HOV stop. The focus on infrastructure and the lack of greenery in the cluster had long resulted in an unattractive atmosphere and a lack of liveability. Step by step, the paved surfaces have been reduced, with the greening of the streets within the cluster and, as a new highlight, the greening of the central square.

The new central square is now a green oasis, where tarmac has given way to trees and plants. It is a lively square, on a human scale and offering a sense of safety, which residents make full use of to socialise, have lunch and organise events, both in the sun and in the shade.