DELVA Landscape Architects and plusofficearchitects designs Vlaspark concept for Kuurne, Belgium

DELVA Landscape Architects and plusofficearchitects were recently selected to plan long-term redevelopment for the 35ha Heuelebeek-Leiemeersen region in Kuurne, Belgium.

In the team's latest ecological park project, their "Vlaspark" concept will better re-connect Kuurne to its open land surroundings and rivers. The plan will also emphasize Kuurne's agricultural heritage through local community workshops and other interactive events.

Read more about the plan below.

Project description:

"The Vlas park concept that DELVA – plusoffice are p roposing, combines the open space – where there is room for nature development and agricultur al activities – with recreation and flax heritage. Kuurne is historically connected with the water, although this is currently not visible or readable. Through reopening views and creating new visual rel ationships Kuurne will once again lie on the Leie."

"The chief ambition is the realisation of an attract ive village ring that connects Kuurne with its valuable open space. Landscape structures form the contextual basis for the landscaping plan. By identifying promising places to create access to th e currently inaccessible terrain a physical connection can be made between the village and its landscape, between the landscape park and its larger surroundings. The municipality has bought s ome areas of ground for this purpose and will investigate what else is possible."

"There is also a future for the four built-up clusters that are located in the area. Three of these we re built during the time of the flax industry and stil l have a spatial relationship with the open fields. A fourth cluster is concentrated around the historic farmhouse. For each cluster a vision will be created on three levels of scale. Firstly we will look at the position of each cluster in relation to the others, the surrounding space and the proximity of other functions and routes. On this scale the development plan gives a thematic layout to each cl uster and the rolls that they can play within the centre."

"The second scale level looks at the internal structure of each cluster, the manner in which the buildings are joined together, the building-DNA as it were. Each of the clusters is indeed differently organised and it is often a benefit to continue this organisation when you are considering redevelopment, demolition or new-build. Finally, on the scale of the individual buildings, the development plan formulates a series of principles on how to deal with the existing volumes."

"The landscape context is special in nature. The stream valley and its estuary and an open field that exudes heritage, and all this against the southerly village edge of Kuurne. A classic village park in this place could be a medium for answering a number of questions. This suggestion goes further, much further."

"The different current assignments of water, ecology, recreation, social sustainability and heritage will result in a working landscape park. An area where water will be purified, where there is room for spontaneous interpretations such as events and where recreation is in the DNA of the park. In short; the Blue Lung of Kuurne."

Images courtesy of DELVA Landscape Architects and plusofficearchitects