GENT OUDE DOKKEN, BELGIUM, GENT, 2004

Masterplan Urban Redevelopment

Flanders in Belgium is distinguished by several magnificent historical inner cities of medieval origin and characterized by a wide spread ribbon (urban) development, which fills the space between the historical centers. This development has lead to a continuous sprawl. Today nearly all growth in Flanders is in the empty outskirts, making the city with its characterized mixed program and densities seem a superseded model.

In Gent, there is a unique possibility to go against this pattern of development and concentrate growth in a zone that will become part of the inner city when the ring road is extended. In a unique way, it is possible to compliment the historical center with a new part that answers to the modern needs of mass infrastructure and liveability.

Ambition

Our project is focused on developing the area as part of the inner city. It is important that the canal zone with its perspectives toward the historical city will not be closed or blocked, but rather opened. The Belgian coast is a good example of how these kinds of border buildings, with only one direction, create a neglected backside.