Making city together

These are smaller design assignments that nevertheless seek an innovative design attitude. The procedure appointment guide includes various assignments such as design for sites, buildings and interiors; design of streets, squares and parks; or urban design research and master plans. The first results are here. We show projects that have come about in this way in Ghent and that will soon change the cityscape of Ghent.

OFFICEU architects for urbanity + Atelier Arne Deruyter | Sint-Antonius Abtkerk in Meulestede

OFFICEU


OFFICEU


OFFICEU

The St. Anthony Abbot Church in Meulestede will be given a new lease of life as a multi-purpose space for cultural and neighborhood activities. Under the management of the non-profit organization Meulestede concerts, exhibitions and fairs will take place there. The City of Ghent will renovate and refurbish the church.

The church and its interior have heritage value, and the organ is protected as a monument. The nave of the church will not be structurally changed, but it will be refreshed. The interior will be repainted and equipped with a new heating system for concerts and other activities.

The sacristy will be given a new purpose as a foyer with a kitchen. In the valuable sacristy cupboards it is possible to accommodate a checkroom. The space above the sacristy can be used as a multipurpose room or artists’ lodge.

On the outside of the sacristy there will be an extension in a fine steel structure. This extension offers space for a summer foyer, sanitary facilities and a terrace. In time, climbing plants can overgrow the pergola structure and thus create a beautiful green transition from the church to Meulestedepark.

studio lauka | Neighborhood house district Watersportbaan

studio lauka


studio lauka


studio lauka

Between the tall residential towers on the Watersportbaan there will soon be a new place for local residents. A pentagonal community center, designed by studio lauka, will become a new social hot spot in the neighborhood, where you can also spend time on the panoramic roof garden. The site for the construction of the community center is a special place: it lies just on the border between the villa district “Aan de Bocht” in the armpit of the Leie River and the post-war social high-rise district. Between the giants “Elektra” and “Borluut”, the new building must earn its right to exist. With its pentagonal shape, the building shows itself as a worthy addition to the Neermeersen master plan. The figure is recognizable, autonomous and noticeably different from the villas on the other side of the Nekkersberglaan.
With its implantation, it marks a forecourt and also serves as a gateway building to the park behind.
The wood frame building is first and foremost a “shelter”; a shelter for the neighborhood. The fine steel exterior mediates between building and surroundings; in all directions. Here is not inside. Here is not outside.

There is room for a bread vending machine, outdoor faucets, placing the just-delivered beverage supply or taking out the trash. There can be shelter from the rain or the sun. This inviting place provides all functions with a dry and barrier-free address.
The roof, visible from the adjacent residential towers, is also designed and thus forms an essential part of the integration of the building. A part of the park is lifted up so that a plant or vegetable garden, an outdoor kitchen with barbecue, a bee hotel or nesting boxes for birds can find their place here unhindered.

(tekst Studio Lauka)

doorzon interieur architects | Community Center Ekkergem

doorzon


doorzon


doorzon

The community center and the adjacent park form an essential part of the very dynamic neighborhood of Ekkergem. The demand from the neighborhood for a place where young and old can come together has been on the table for quite some time. There is great enthusiasm among both the residents and the City of Ghent to concretize the ambitions that have taken shape and to build the project.

With the design, we propose a number of interventions that strengthen the relationship between the community center and the community garden, thus increasing the functionality of both the interior space and the park.
We are convinced that these interventions – although modest in nature – are very decisive for the future use of this place. For us, the sustainability aspect of a building therefore largely lies in creating spaces that are qualitative and versatile in nature. The design and layout of the space encourages its users to make broad and diverse use of the space. In addition, the design allows for numerous activities ranging from organizing a small-scale performance, the gathering of the local knitting or sewing club, holding a study afternoon or meeting, a cake fest or large-scale neighborhood party. The community center and garden as a connecting element in the city, encouraging people to meet and come together.

(tekst Doorzon)

AE architecten | Robust housing for the homeless

AE architecten


AE architecten


AE architecten

The homeless, who are going to live in a house again, cannot simply be put in a small apartment. That is why Ghent, following the Danish example, is starting a “robust housing” project, explained alderwoman for housing Tine Heyse (Groen) to the competent city council committee.

This involves sturdy homes that are somewhat isolated from neighborhoods and public places. There the homeless receive strong individual guidance from health and social workers and the local police.

Ghent receives European subsidies for the project. The land at 96 Hogeweg, diagonally across from the korfball club, was once sold by the City to Sogent to make ready for building. Now Sogent is selling them again for 570,000 euros to build the robust homes.

FELT architectuur & design | Competition tower water sports track

FELT architectuur & design


FELT architectuur & design


FELT architectuur & design

The Watersportbaan in Ghent will soon be transformed into a top sports facility. The entire rowing course will be deepened to at least two meters everywhere so that rowing boats can sail much faster. A new, ultramodern competition tower is also being built, with a ‘stepped overhang’ that will be a real eye-catcher. The design is by FELT architecture & design.

The Watersportbaan was last dredged in 1977. Over the past 45 years tons of silt, leaves and garbage have ended up in it. As a result, in some places the depth at the edge is only 60 centimeters. Thorough dredging works will soon start to restore the rowing lanes to a minimum depth of two meters in relation to the water level, which will allow the rowing boats to sail unhindered and much faster. The works will start on October 3, 2022 and are estimated to last until the end of February 2023.

The current race tower dates back to the 1970s and is very outdated. Insulation is lacking, access stairs are unsafe and the tower lacks basic amenities. All this cannot be addressed with a renovation, dixit the city council. Therefore, the choice is made for a new building, for which the works will start in March 2023.
The new competition tower by FELT architecture & design will be the eye-catcher of the Water Sports Course with its most striking feature being the ‘stepped overhang’. The new tower will have a double function in the future. On the one hand as a daily training center for the rowers and kayakers, and on the other hand for the competition organization of international regattas.

(Tekst City of Ghent)

Atelier Janda Vanderghote | Malem community center

Janda Vanderghote


Janda Vanderghote


Janda Vanderghote

While waiting for a permanent community center, local residents of the Malem neighborhood have been building a temporary community center on Normandy Avenue for some time. This consists of a heated unit, some containers and a large roof. The local residents, united in the non-profit organization Allemalem, receive help from Labland employees and support from the City of Ghent.

In the meantime, architectural firm Atelier Janda Vanderghote has been appointed to design a definitive community center for the neighborhood. The neighborhood will have a say in the process through various workshops and participation moments. Work is scheduled to start after the summer of 2023.
This project invests primarily in people. Meeting places like this, for and by residents, provide social cohesion and strengthen the neighborhood. It will be a dream place for everyone.