Bisschop Bottemanneplein
Two bespoke staircases for a renewed, climate-adaptive square at the foot of the Sint-Bavo cathedral.
- Client
- Municipality of Haarlem
- Design
- Witteveen+Bos
- Contractor
- Dura Vermeer
- Product
- Two robot-made staircases
For years, the Bisschop Bottemanneplein next to the Sint-Bavo Cathedral in Haarlem was little more than a car park. Since June 2025 it has been a green meeting place for the neighbourhood. Neolithic Robotic supplied two bespoke staircases, each with its own character.
Stairs to the wadi
At the centre of the square lies a wadi that captures rainwater from the cathedral and surrounding buildings during heavy rainfall and lets it slowly infiltrate. The stairs leading down into this sunken zone follow the organic geometry of the terrain, bespoke work that would have been far harder with traditional techniques.
Cathedral entrance staircase
The staircase to the main entrance is also robotically made in special mortar, then finished with traditional stone strips. Its dimensions and detailing were determined entirely digitally. The result fits naturally within the historic character of the basilica: new technology in service of an old building.
What shall we build together?
Municipality, water authority or contractor with a challenge in public space? We are happy to help, from feasibility to delivery.