Memorial Garden

Project: Memorial Garden
Architect: RESERVOIR A

Momentary association

RESERVOIR A (paysagiste : Carbonifère, ingénieurs : GEI)

Programme

The Memorial Garden is a place of reflection and healing, designed to honor the memory of victims of pedophilia while offering the people of Charleroi a soothing and contemplative environment.

At the heart of the design is a planted tumulus, symbolizing both protection and renewal, accompanied by a protective wall, a secluded alcove for quiet contemplation, and a subtle artistic intervention. Together, these elements create a delicate balance between remembrance and hope, allowing visitors to find comfort and peace.

The landscape is carefully curated to encourage connection and serenity, while also playing a role in revitalizing the image of the neighborhood. A selection of evolving vegetation and natural materials enhances the space’s gentle and luminous atmosphere, reinforcing its role as a sanctuary for resilience and remembrance.

About: A memorial garden has been created in Marcinelle to pay tribute to Julie, Mélissa, Sabine, and Laetitia. The architects from RESERVOIR A designed this place of remembrance with a local dimension, in collaboration with artist Christophe Terlinden and landscape designers Carbonifère. They worked together with Charleroi Bouwmeester and in consultation with the victims' parents to heal the very site of the tragedy that shook the entire country.
Words can bring solace, and time helps to ease the pain of tragedies that can never be erased from memory. As the remaining walls stand as silent witnesses, it was essential to entrust the space itself with a restorative role. The Dutroux house was demolished, and today, the site comes back to life through a wonderful garden—between earth and sky—where color, softness, and light take center stage.
Facing the railway tracks, at the corner of Avenue de Philippeville and Rue des Damzelles, the garden is protected by a high retaining wall that cannot be crossed. This height ensures a certain distance from passersby, preserving the serenity and cleanliness of the space. An alcove is directly integrated into the brick retaining wall, designed with a specific orthogonal pattern. This discreet recessed element allows visitors to pay tribute, leave a flower, or a token of remembrance. On the embankment, the selected plant species were chosen for their delicacy and harmonious color palette.
The memorial garden and the public space are illuminated by the existing lamppost, which has been renovated and reinstalled on a new mast. The gable walls are covered with glazed white bricks that reflect light, even on gloomy days. On one of these walls, an image full of hope—a child with a kite, cherished by the neighborhood residents—has been reinterpreted by artist Christophe Terlinden and integrated into the design.