Building blocks of Haren
Haren’s urban blocks are currently under strong pressure from densification, particularly targeting their interior open spaces, in the absence of a sufficiently precise regulatory framework to ensure quality. Yet these open spaces hold significant potential to address contemporary challenges such as climate adaptation, the diversification of housing typologies, and the strengthening of functional mixity. In response to the diversity of situations and the fragmented nature of the territory, the City of Brussels has launched an urban study aimed at developing a comprehensive vision and a tailored methodology adapted to the specific characteristics of each block.
The proposed methodology considers the blocks as part of a broader, composite territory shaped by a rural legacy, an irregular street network, and a high degree of programmatic heterogeneity. It is structured around three main pillars: enhancing the distinctive landscape elements and the relationship to the ground as both an identity marker and a foundation for sustainable densification; rethinking the urban mesh by building on existing paths to improve permeability, mobility, and the quality of inner-block spaces; and fostering a balanced programmatic mix between housing and economic activities. The overarching goal is to anticipate long-term transformations, better articulate land and productive dynamics, and promote a form of gentle densification that consolidates the urban structure while preserving Haren’s unique landscape qualities.
*A framework and tools for the development of inner blocks in a rural neighbourhood (Urbanism, Regulation making, Research by Design), 300 ha, Brussels Belgium, 2025, with Karbon'.
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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.