Two terrace houses and an agricultural plot that was not in accordance with regional zoning guidelines, located on the outskirts of the urban fabric along the Herentals ring road, had lost their function. POLO Architects seizes the opportunity to transform this ‘lost’ space into a green and active living environment. This project consciously aims for a ‘rural urbanism’ of sorts, whereby qualities of compactness are linked to the benefits of living near an open greenscape.

NEW FORM OF URBANISM

Flanders is characterised by its fragmented landscape. Cities and towns, large roads and ribbon development have installed themselves like a mosaic in the landscape. Open space is scarce and precious nature is slowly being consumed. Moreover, spatial distribution entails high costs for mobility solutions, energy, postal delivery, waste collection, lighting and other utility services.

"There is a growing awareness that people in Flanders will have to adapt their way of living. We will have to live closer to each other in order to ensure a more efficient use of the precious space available in Flanders. Designers are expected to create a new form of urbanism, often in less obvious development locations." – Patrick Lootens, founding partner POLO Architects

HIGH-QUALITY PUBLIC SPACE

The traditional, outdated Flemish allotment pattern is being replaced by the concept of high-quality densification. The evolution from an unsustainable situation of individual living towards a collective and more compact alternative not only offers a solution to the lack of space, but it also empowers us to really focus on high-quality public spaces. Rather than yet another private appropriation of public space, the interweaving of (bicycle) trails and squares, grass fields and woodland represent an enhancement for the context of the small city of Herentals.

This project won the award for most qualitative urban development 2017 of the city of Herentals.

read more about this award

images: POLO Architects