1010 Architecture Urbanism

Both regions treat The Northern Canal Zone as their backyard; two edges clashing without a common vision. But on both sides of the regional border, different actors are waiting to invest. There are many large and fragmented initiatives; however, the question is under what collective headings can the redevelopment of this part of the city take place. In this design study, we formulate a number of spatial challenges and provide lines of thought, strategies and solutions that can give the Noordrand more structure and identity.

The starting point for this collective spatial vision is what Flanders and Brussels undeniably share: the valley of the Senne. A natural valley, cultivated for centuries in function of its inhabitants: first as a kitchen garden and pleasure parc for the city, later as an industrial basin, railroad valley, storage place, dumping ground... The river and the valley are still there, but for centuries the water has shared the space with the residential fabric, the industry, the infrastructure. From here we develop three story lines.

In this spatial research, we oscillate between region-scale design and urban design. This method, based on spatial imaginations, allows to bridge different actors and make the often complex discussions accessible to a large group of actors and stakeholders