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
- Donysite2022
- Grote Markt2022
- Homborch2022
- Luxemburg in Transition2022
- Peterbos2022
- Tous Ensemble2022
- C-Mine Atelier2021
- StamEuropa2021
- Book Building2020
- ZIN2020
- ICC2020
- La Ville Hospitalière2020
- Noord Zuid Limburg2020
- Ontharding Redingenhof2020
- Victoria2020
- ASIAT2019
- Bpost2019
- Viaduct Gentbrugge2019
- D'Ieteren2019
- Fly Over2019
- Over the Ring2019
- Alvéoles Saint-Nazaire2018
- Ferme du Chaudron2018
- Lab North2018
- Lage Weg2018
- Lerend Landschap2018
- Citroën, the Soft Museum2017
- Huis van de Media2017
- Kaaitheater2017
- Skanderbeg Square2017
- Tri Postal2017
- De Lork2016
- Falconpoort2016
- Grootkapel2016
- IABR2016
- Maritiem Park2016
- Palaiseau2016
- Recypark2016
- Regatta2016
- Room in the City2016
- Suitsupply2016
- TID Tower2016
- Atelier Deep Geothermia2015
- COD2015
- Labo XX2014
- Thurgauerstrasse2014
- BUDA Art Factory2012
- Huis aan‘t Laar2012
- OCMW Nevele2012
- Speelpleinstraat2012
- Lyon Part Dieu2011
- Test Site Istanbul2011
- 50.000 Logements2010
- Brussels 20402010
- C-Mine2010
- Arteconomy2009
- Kantoor +2008
- Lana Bridge2008
- Europetrol2006
- Lamot2005
- Noka Blok2005
- WET 892005
- La Théorie du balcon2004
- Groeningemuseum2003
- Masterplan Farmhouse2001
- Robin Oratoire