In the development concept for this area, the new Inbev headquarters serves as a starting point for the urban development of the enclave between the Dyle river and the Vaartkom district. The plan builds on the age-old mutual relationship between Inbev and the city of Leuven.

ENCLAVE BETWEEN TWO BODIES OF WATER

This area is considered as a cohesive spatial ensemble that is to be developed as a subcentre of the city of Leuven.

The site's character and quality are determined by Inbev's large-scale industrial premises, made of brickwork, the silos, the surrounding bodies of water, the green walking trail along the Dyle river, and several historically and architecturally valuable buildings.

GRADIENT ON THE NORTH-SOUTH AXIS

The master plan is drawn up based on the following principles. Preserving and reinforcing existing qualities and characteristics of the landscape. Introducing new urban symbols to compensate for the elimination of monumental industrial buildings. Establishing a mix of functions, mainly living and working, and new typologies for housing and work. Focusing on development of the surroundings - streets and greenery in particular - by means of a visual quality plan that is intrinsically linked to the master plan.

"In this model, we use a gradient on the north-south axis at three levels: scale, granulometry and function. The development phasing, which depends on the availability of existing buildings and the property structures, is taken into account. The design is conceived as a strategic model that shapes a dynamic process." – Patrick Lootens, founding partner POLO Architects

read more about the Inbev HQ Leuven project

read more about the Inbev technical centre Leuven

POLO Architects