MAROLLES
Public space – transformation of 7 inner blocks
client: City of Brussels
site: 1000 Brussels, BE
design team: act. + Baumans Deffet
participation: WAUW
stability: JZH
expert sustainability, mobility, ecology, water management: Aries
timing: 2021
status: competition
In the heart of Brussels, the Marolles constitute a densely built medieval fabric. Over time, buildings have been removed from the interior of the blocks to allow the neighbourhood to breathe. These spaces have become squares for sports and games, but are now aging. It is time to demineralize and re-vegetate seven of these inner blocks, and initiate an archipelago of green and blue oases over the sloped neighbourhood.
The seven outdoor spaces have different characters that can be classified into two types: the squares that are part of the streets - the "stages" - and the gardens hidden in the heart of the blocks - the "backstage". In the Marolles, the real "play" is played out behind the scenes, animated by the local actors. A series of outdoor rooms welcome the Marollians in various atmospheres. They are places to relax, to play, to meet and to dream.
A catalogue of interventions is set up to respond to the specificities of each site while ensuring a global coherence. It supports the many uses of the places, helps clarifying their status and improves their visibility by working on simple elements : multipurpose furniture, plant palette and materiality. The identity of the Marolles as a neighbourhood is reinforced.