The banding varied between open space, built space and canals. By developing some bands as a park, the perspectives remain open and provide a more enjoyable climate for the people who don’t live at the waterfront. The variation of the width of the bands creates a very simple but strong means to give a rich spectrum of possibilities without causing problems of flexibility. Each band could have different atmospheric qualities through the use of materials and building typologies.

Tracks

The design is not based on a ‘tabula rasa’. We take care to not wipe out the existing industrial patterning and keep a group of existing industrial buildings. thereby retaining the character of the historical port of Gent. The strategy of layering of the bands is based on the existing parcel ensuring the plan works with the site, not against it and in this way, the site will have from the beginning a ‘historical center’. The high chimneys are specifically chosen as important high points to be maintained because they create high points similar to towers of the inner city.

Conclusion

With this plan, we offer a different model of urban development to Flanders, a development that positions the growth in the inner city, instead of the outskirts. Both areas will profit from the confrontation between the complementary qualities of the historical and the modern inner city.