Ganshoren masterplan for the new municipality center
Introducing a Visionary Masterplan for Ganshoren: Transforming the Heart of Brussels
Together with Clément Blanchet Architecture, TAKTYK, Alive Architecture and Peter Vanneck, we have been selected to envision a new masterplan in Ganshoren, a municipality of Government of the Brussels-Capital Region.
Ganshoren's municipality is seeking to revitalize its administrative center by centralizing a myriad of essential services, including the municipal council, OCMW, and the residential care center. The current site, which is partially occupied by these activities, is ripe for transformation, necessitating thoughtful modifications, innovative functions, and a more compact layout.
Adaptive administrative center
Central to our vision is the creation of a vibrant and inclusive centrality that caters to the diverse needs of its users, while seamlessly integrating with the surrounding community. Achieving a harmonious balance between the built environment and open spaces is of paramount importance. We want the administrative center to be adaptable to future needs, capable of evolving alongside the ever-changing demands of its inhabitants.
In addition, we are resolute in our commitment to incorporate social housing and care facility functions within the new administrative center. By seamlessly integrating these essential services, we foster a sense of unity and provide the necessary support systems for the community.
How to modernize modernity?
A building is never really finished; it can always be adapted and transformed to take on a new form or function. Recycling architecture has been a common practice throughout history and, in many cases, has preserved much of our current cultural heritage.
Reusing existing buildings offers the opportunity to reinterpret them for modern use. Many buildings from this era were designed for a specific function and may not be suitable for contemporary use without extensive modifications. By incorporating flexibility, circularity, and modularity into our approach to design, we aim to achieve ultimate sustainability, creating resilient buildings that can accommodate multiple generations of owners and changes in building standards over time.
How to redevelop administrative center
Our approach combines the new and the old, aiming to enhance the site's modern value. A transparent building will serve as the central point of the access grid, facilitating dynamic communication between various programs and acting as an anchor for mixed-use activities and shared spaces.
