Dutch architecture practices Benthem Crouwel Architects and LD Architects have won a European tender to design a multifunctional sports complex in Hilversum, the Netherlands.
The approximately 20,000m2 building will accommodate swimming, indoor sport, athletics and physical education at Sportpark, an area being redeveloped for sport, education, housing and employment.
Twelve architecture firms expressed interest in the commission. Five progressed through the selection process and four submitted final proposals. According to the Municipality of Hilversum, Benthem Crouwel and LD Architects received the highest score for quality and price.
Sports facilities arranged within one building
The municipal programme provides for a swimming centre replacing the ageing De Lieberg pool and two multi-use sports halls replacing the Dudok Arena. A third hall will contain six spaces for physical education that can be combined for indoor athletics.
Alberdingk Thijm College and the International Primary School are expected to use the education facilities during the day. The indoor athletics space will also be available to sports clubs during evenings and weekends.
Earlier municipal plans included an underground garage with capacity for approximately 160 electric cars and 526 bicycles, cargo bicycles, scooters and motorcycles. The spaces are intended primarily for people working at or visiting the sports complex.
In 2025, the municipality estimated that the complex and parking garage would require €84m, including €72m for the sports facilities and €12m for the garage.
3D route connects sport with public space
A circulation route called the “3D Sportloper” runs through the winning proposal. It will link the green forecourt, atrium and different sports facilities, with areas for exercise, play and social use positioned along it.
The ground-floor façade is set back to create a public square in front of the complex. Sporting activity will be visible from outside, while the architects say the surrounding landscape will remain visible from within the building.
Saartje van der Made, partner at Benthem Crouwel Architects, said the route would connect “sport, building and landscape”, allowing the complex to serve as a meeting place as well as a sports facility.
Orfee Barthier of LD Architects said the proposal drew on Hilversum’s garden-city planning and the architecture of Willem Marinus Dudok.
Preliminary design due in early 2027
The architects will begin developing the preliminary design in September 2026. Sports clubs, schools and other prospective users will participate through working groups and information sessions.
The preliminary design is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. Under the municipality’s latest timetable, the sports complex is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2031.
The programme replaces the existing Dudok Arena, which is due to be demolished. Municipal plans identify its site for future housing and employment uses within the wider Sportpark redevelopment.
Images: Courtesy of Benthem Crouwel Architects
