Klavertje Vier

Programme

Development of Klavertje Vier school square

About

The project consists in the redevelopment of the public space along Avenue de l'Héliport, in front of Klavertje Vier primary school and at the foot of the Foyer Laekenois residential buildings.

 

Its aim is to improve safety around the school and provide a meeting and play area for users of the school and the neighbourhood. It also aims to facilitate the crossing of the avenue and strengthen pedestrian connections between the North Station neighbourhood and Tour & Taxis.

 

The project is part of a School Contract, a regional urban renewal programme that aims to strengthen the links between schools and their neighbourhoods. This programme is led by the School Service of perspective.brussels. The site is also included in the Héliport/Antwerp Sustainable Neighbourhood Contract.

 

The immediate urban context is changing: numerous projects are underway (Central Park, urban farm, community centre, etc.). The project therefore proposes a subtle and coherent development that meets the immediate needs of the school community and neighbourhood residents while remaining adaptable to future projects. 

 

The road is retained but significantly narrowed. Four large trees are planted on either side of the school square, forcing cars to slow down.

 

The project involves the complete redevelopment of the available space from façade to façade, with the creation of three widened crossings. The existing cobblestones are reused. The terracotta paving on the pavements forms a large mosaic that can be seen from the adjacent residential buildings. Open-joint paving surfaces mark the parking spaces for more local rainwater management.

 

The connection to the neighbouring Heliport slab happens via a large landscaped staircase. This staircase allows for passage and rest. It serves as both a meeting place and seating. The school square is sequenced by a linear pattern made of concrete borders. This is reminiscent of the railway that once occupied the site. The square is punctuated with benches that encourage interaction and encounters.

 

Playful elements that support the practice of cycling among young and old alike are placed on the school square. Each module is accompanied by specific signage that blends seamlessly into the urban landscape. These modest but effective interventions are perfectly suited to frequent use.

Finally, the planting strategy is studied in detail. Additional rows of trees are planted; species already present in the neighbourhood and in the nearby park are chosen. Smaller trees on the school side and taller species on the tower block side help to manage the difference in scale between ‘small’ and ‘large’ buildings.

Typology

Paysage, espaces urbains

Status

Construit

Year of conception

2019

Year of delivery

2024

Client

Ville de Bruxelles – service développement urbain

Total budget

900.000 € HTVA hors honoraire €

Per m² budget

1.500 €/m²

Constructed area

0 m² m²

More information
https://www.emiliebechet.com/#/klavertjevier/