Monumental industrial site De Meelfabriek is a landmark industrial complex in the city of Leiden, the Netherlands. Covering an area of no less than 55.000 square metres and listed as a national monument, De Meelfabriek is a major redevelopment project. For nearly four decades, Meelfabriek initiator Ab van der Wiel has been the driving force behind this ambitious project. What was once an overlooked, uninviting area has been transformed into a dynamic urban space where industrial heritage seamlessly blends with culture, greenery, and housing. The old buildings are given a new lease of life and new buildings are added and the complex became a lively hotspot in Leiden. A unique place that combines industrial heritage with modern luxury. A meeting place for residents and visitors, fellow citizens and tourists. A place that represents both the history and the future of the city.
Based on the masterplan of Studio Akkerhuis Architects the site has been redeveloped into an attractive mixed-use area. For the design of De Meelfabriek Garden, LOLA Landscape Architects worked closely with garden designer Piet Oudolf. The plot consists of several monumental buildings, from which the first parts are dating back to the late 19th century, combined with new buildings. The overall landscape design is based on a floorplan with 2 framed places; De Meelfabriek Tuin (garden) and De Meelfabriek Plein (plaza). The brick pavement links all the buildings together with a rhythmic gutter line. Both the square and the garden are defined by a similar concrete edge.
Large nature painting
The garden harmoniously merges historical heritage with modern urban nature, creating a unique living environment that prioritizes biodiversity and sustainability. It is created as a green oasis at the heart of the industrial heritage setting, designed by LOLA and Piet Oudolf on top of the site’s new underground parking structure. The garden is a lush planted and peaceful place. Carefully framed, it is designed as a large ‘nature painting’. The planting plan is in Oudolf’s signature style. Nothing is as changeable as nature and Oudolf does not want to curb it in his designs and he knows how to use it like no other. Every season reveals a new beautiful color and shape, utilizing the seasonal dynamics in its best interest. Visitors to De Meelfabriek Garden feel familiar and at the same time surprised every time.
The construction of the garden is finished and it is open for everyone to enjoy no fewer than 13,000 plants of almost 60 different species. The entire garden is equipped with a water retention system that collects rainwater during wet periods for use in dry periods. The concrete frame around the garden meanders from street level to seating height. In the garden, the paths wind towards the pebble-shaped sitting objects and from here, one can enjoy the life of the plants, insects and people in the garden in the best way.
Part of a bigger structure What makes this project even more special is its accessibility to the public. More than just an amenity for residents of the complex, the garden is a welcoming space for the entire city. This inclusivity was a key goal – creating a green retreat that becomes an integral part of urban life. De Meelfabriek terrain is part of Singelpark, a 6,5-kilometer park for which LOLA delivered the masterplan, a network of interconnected city gardens. Each garden in this chain was envisioned with its own distinct character, and the Meelfabriek Garden was designed as a serene, well-defined space where visitors can truly unwind. Together, the Singelpark and Meelfabriek Garden embody a shared vision: to introduce more greenery into the urban landscape while offering new experiences to the people of Leiden.
Peter Veenstra, Founding partner at LOLA Landscape Architects: “10 years ago, LOLA envisioned Leiden’s Singelpark as a necklace of surprising urban gardens. The Meelfabriek garden is now one of them, and hopefully inspires to create more.”
Project facts
De Meelfabriek Garden
LOLA Landscape Architects – Piet Oudolf
Design: 2017-2021
Construction: 2021-2024
Location: Leiden, The Netherlands
Size: 1,4 ha
Client: Van der Wiel Bouw
I.c.w.: Studio Akkerhuis, Pieters Bouwtechniek, Modular Lighting Instruments, Civilink, Escofet
Drawings: LOLA Landscape Architects
Photos: Corentin Haubruge / Kamila Grigo
(name of the photographer is stated in the last part of the file name.
• Other landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape:
Piet Oudolf (planting plan)
• Architecture offices involved in the design:
Studio Akkerhuis (masterplan De Meelfabriek site)
