BKP_ Forest-sur-Senne

Today, Forest is separated from the Canal area of Brussels and the river Senne by industrial areas and railway lines. These create strong urban barriers that separate very dense neighborhoods from large open spaces. ORG, together with Bureau Bas Smets (TV ORG-BBS), developed a masterplan aiming to improve the connection between the lower part of the Forest and the Canal area. The masterplan is focused on the coherence and quality of public space and aims to provide solutions to the need for qualitative open spaces and public amenities (park, playground, calm spaces, spaces for the youth).

The Masterplan proposes a strategy to improve the quality and coherence of existing public spaces in the area, create two fully equipped major new public spaces concerning hidden water bodies – the Senne in the industrial park and the “Marais” next to the Wiels and Brass cultural centers, create qualitative cycling and walking infrastructure, and globally enhance the connections between neighborhoods and the canal area, thus participating to a more legible public space and urban landscape.

Following recommendations made during the elaboration of this masterplan, the Regional Government decided to pursue the acquisition of the brownfield site behind the Wiels, to create a large public park. The park is centered on the preservation of an existing marsh and will be accompanied by a limited residential development.