Labo XX
The ambition to densify Antwerp’s twentieth-century belt demands new dwelling solutions and innovative typologies as well as the reimagining of the relations between built and open spaces to achieve attractive living environments. But that is not all: how can we overcome the difficulties presented by the characteristically fragmented territory and ownership patterns of this area? Besides thinking new spatial models, the housing production itself needs to be rethought as a chain of decisions and actions that generate the conditions allowing for smart solutions to emerge.
The reflection on ways to generate conditions favourable to the urban renewal of this territory – and a set of new tools and processes to assist it – stood at the core of the study. This research is deliberately partial, as it investigates the roles of financial institutions and operational instruments as crucial segments in the interplay between policy and inhabitants, on the one hand, and between housing forms and housing production, on the other. Indeed, the way in which they, a actors in the field, perceive certain developments can limit or facilitate opportunities.
On the one hand, we departed from this specific angle to formulate tangible innovative proposals that can help to reimagine and reactivate the housing production. On the other hand, we aimed to open up the conversation to all parties involved by implementing a specific approach in which the operational dynamics, spatial proposals and financial instruments are seen, visualized and discussed as a complex interplay, thus taking further steps towards a more integrated and integral housing policy in which spatial solutions are developed in conjunction with policies and operational actions.
This research by design thus only becomes relevant when made part of a bigger picture. Rather than an autonomous solution, we see this research as part of a programme that requires further development in order to drastically increase the variety and rapidity of the densification and renewal operations.
Following the study, the Lageweg pilot project was proposed to the municipality and followed up by 51N4E to test the strategies proposed by the study and to refine a replicable redevelopment model.
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Location
Antwerp
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Client
City of Antwerp
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Project
Study
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Completion
2014
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In collaboration with
Connect & Transform
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51N4E project team
Freek Persyn, Johan Anrys, Dieter Leyssen, Annaïk Deceuninck, Tom Baelus, Ye Han, Samuel Jaubert de Beaujeu
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51N4E involvement
Full Process
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Exhibition
StadBuitenStad, DeSingel International Art Campus
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Full publication
Projects
- 50.000 Logements2010
- Alvéoles Saint-Nazaire2018
- Archiweek2021
- Arteconomy2009
- Atelier Deep Geothermia2015
- ASIAT2019
- Bpost2019
- Book Building2020
- Brussels 20402010
- BUDA Art Factory2012
- C-Mine2010
- C-Mine Atelier2023
- C-Mine Masterplan2023
- Citroën, the Soft Museum2017
- COD2015
- Corridor2022
- D'Ieteren2019
- De Lork2016
- Donysite2022
- Europetrol2006
- Falconpoort2016
- Ferme du Chaudron2018
- Fly Over2019
- Groeningemuseum2003
- Grootkapel2016
- Grote Markt2022
- Homborch2022
- Huis aan‘t Laar2012
- Huis van de Media2017
- IABR2016
- ICC2020
- Kaaitheater2017
- Kantoor +2008
- Lab North2018
- Lana Bridge2008
- La Théorie du balcon2004
- La Ville Hospitalière2020
- Lerend Landschap2018
- Labo XX2014
- Lage Weg2018
- Lamot2005
- Luxemburg in Transition2022
- Lyon Part Dieu2011
- Maritiem Park2016
- Masterplan Farmhouse2001
- Noka Blok2005
- Noord Zuid Limburg2020
- OCMW Nevele2012
- Over the Ring2019
- Ontharding Redingenhof2020
- Palaiseau2016
- Peterbos 92024
- Recypark2016
- Regatta2016
- Robin Oratoire
- Room in the City2016
- Skanderbeg Square2017
- Spartacus2024
- Speelpleinstraat2012
- StamEuropa2021
- Suitsupply2016
- Test Site Istanbul2011
- The Former Train Museum2024
- Thurgauerstrasse2014
- TID Tower2016
- Tous Ensemble2022
- Tri Postal2017
- Viaduct Gentbrugge2019
- Victoria2020
- WET 892005
- ZIN2020