Following the masterplan for the entire redevelopment of the ‘Nieuw Gent’-neighbourhood, five existing buildings make way for ten free-standing volumes, varying in plan, height, typology and execution. Our aim is to introduce a generous social housing program, embedded in a newly developed park.
site plan
ground floor plan
By carefully densifying the architecture – grouping the buildings in four clusters - a significant part of the site is freed up. The public domain at ground level extends uninterruptedly around, between and through the volumes, resulting in a continuously meandering public park. Large ‘pockets’ connected to the public street group the entrances. A multiplicity of ways to reach and enter the buildings allows for a diverse accessibility.
typical floor plan
The housing units accord to the most recent standards for social housing, each disposing of a large private terrace. Typical floor plans allow for a sufficient flexibility: in the future the units can be rethought without a need for demolition.
While
bridging the gap with the much smaller scale of the neighborhood seemed
impossible, a gradual sequence of low,
medium and high-rise volumes soften the abrupt volumetric clash.
Since physical isolation and social isolation go hand in hand, softer transitions aim to contribute to the success of the new development.
medium and high-rise volumes soften the abrupt volumetric clash.
Since physical isolation and social isolation go hand in hand, softer transitions aim to contribute to the success of the new development.
Location: Ghent
Procedure: competition
Client: Thuispunt Gent
Surface: 41.400 m²
Structural engineer: Mouton
Technical engineer: Schoonackers BV