1010 Architecture Urbanism

The reconstruction of the de Coninckplein is a unique opportunity to build a bridge between the city's glorious past and today's vibrant center. Roeselare is rapidly changeing city. Until the end of the 20th century, the city center was mainly a place where people went to work, shop or go to school. However, the number of new residents of the center has been rising in recent years as a result of numerous residential densification projects. The new residents have a very diverse background: ranging from retirees looking for a smaller housing unit close to services, to families with a migration background. Public spaces will therefore have to take on a new, more diverse role in the future. The squares will become an extension of the living room and deserve a design with attention to residential quality for the neighborhood. Our proposal for the redevelopment of the square is based on some simple principles:

• transform a parking area from facade to facade into a multifunctional public space, able to attract different users;
• break through the highly petrified character of the neighborhood by creating a green lawn – the Pelouse.
• restore the 2 icons of the square, namely the St. Amand Church and the statue of Rodenbach, and give them an important role in the recognizability of the place;
• strengthen the visual, functional and ecological connections between the small Bassin and the city center