Globe Aroma
Globe Aroma is a small machine that creates “missing links” between newcomers artists and the city, particularly the city center. It is at once a diffuse community, a remarkable social project, and a 1200 sqm building.
The mission is twofold: it involves the implementation of a plan for the future (programming, operational and financial plan) and the complete project management mission for the total renovation of the Globe Aroma building through an experimental and innovative process of participation and co-creation, in particular through the implementation of the Architects in Residence principle, but also public forums on targeted topics (the entrance sequence of an artistic venue, the cohabitation of functions).
The co-creative renovation project was conceived as a rough construction kit with various autonomous sub-projects. On the one hand, this enables a differentiated co-creation process and, on the other hand, it is a tool for phasing and budget management in a context where the construction budget is determined by each subsidy application.We also developed a methodology focused on the notion of immersion, notably through the principle of architects in residence, inspired by artistic practices.
*A House for Collective Imagination (Architecture, Strategic Planning, Co-design Process, Programming), 1200 m2, Brussels, Belgium, 2023 – ongoing, with New South + Karel Bruyland
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Key elements of the project :
- A broken bond of trust between residents and public authorities.
- Intensive participation process with different audiences and stakeholders, with a specific focus on the inclusive use of public space.
- Participation tools used: bilateral consultations prior to collective forums, a project center, analog and digital communication tailored to the target audience.
- Programming exercise carried out with the community
The Square Jacques Franck project aims to extrapolate the existing situation by increasing the number of activities (recreational, sporting, landscape) in order to dilute the current over-importance of the city stadium. A comb-like layout is proposed, alternating between programmed spaces (city stadium, play modules, commercial pavilion) and green spaces. Far from being a fixed form, this proposal serves as a framework for participatory actions, as it allows for the targeting of areas to be equipped and others to be planted with vegetation. This figure allows for the creation of a variety of spaces with different atmospheres and facilities, while ensuring a common identity.
The traffic pattern has been redesigned to optimize car space without losing parking spaces, and to free the square from fast-moving traffic (bicycles, scooters) by organizing it on a green strip along the edge. A large part of the square is thus calmed and greened. Seven sub-spaces have been created, including three gardens. The city stadium is thus surrounded by two gardens containing various facilities (play modules, workout equipment, street furniture, vegetable beds, etc.), which will be specified during participatory workshops.
During the four months of on-site consultations in the square, one of the most frequently criticized aspects of the current project concerned the benches: poorly positioned, uncomfortable, hard, and cold. After a detailed survey of the eight different types of benches present, we proposed several reconfigurations as well as wooden additions (backrests, seats) to improve their comfort and usability.
- A broken bond of trust between residents and public authorities.
- Intensive participation process with different audiences and stakeholders, with a specific focus on the inclusive use of public space.
- Participation tools used: bilateral consultations prior to collective forums, a project center, analog and digital communication tailored to the target audience.
- Programming exercise carried out with the community
The Square Jacques Franck project aims to extrapolate the existing situation by increasing the number of activities (recreational, sporting, landscape) in order to dilute the current over-importance of the city stadium. A comb-like layout is proposed, alternating between programmed spaces (city stadium, play modules, commercial pavilion) and green spaces. Far from being a fixed form, this proposal serves as a framework for participatory actions, as it allows for the targeting of areas to be equipped and others to be planted with vegetation. This figure allows for the creation of a variety of spaces with different atmospheres and facilities, while ensuring a common identity.
The traffic pattern has been redesigned to optimize car space without losing parking spaces, and to free the square from fast-moving traffic (bicycles, scooters) by organizing it on a green strip along the edge. A large part of the square is thus calmed and greened. Seven sub-spaces have been created, including three gardens. The city stadium is thus surrounded by two gardens containing various facilities (play modules, workout equipment, street furniture, vegetable beds, etc.), which will be specified during participatory workshops.
During the four months of on-site consultations in the square, one of the most frequently criticized aspects of the current project concerned the benches: poorly positioned, uncomfortable, hard, and cold. After a detailed survey of the eight different types of benches present, we proposed several reconfigurations as well as wooden additions (backrests, seats) to improve their comfort and usability.