WORDS Cheri Morris IMAGES Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Vincent Callebaut’s latest proposal sees an unused industrial area in central Brussels transformed into a mixed-use eco-neighbourhood that boasts forests in the sky.
Vincent’s plan will be built on an old customs clearance and storage complex that covers 40 hectares of former wetlands. With the subsequent lifting of customs borders, the building no longer serves a purpose – until now. The revamp will see the unused area transformed into retail, residential, office and leisure space.
The old warehouses and sheds will see a complete overhaul into 50 000 square metres of public amenities. Newly constructed offices and retail space will have a focus on reduced levels of energy consumption and will be divided into five parallel naves that will be decorated extensively with wrought iron, glass and greenery, with the intention to resemble a large-scale art nouveau masterpiece.
The interior of the buildings will feature an impressive public park and an eco-campus complete with a wealth of vegetation. The design of each nave will celebrate the original industrial heritage of the buildings, but remain completely detached from them. There will be three residential buildings spanning over 85 000 square metres adorned by vertical forests that surround the high-rise villas, a large natural and biologically-rich pond that connects to an adjacent canal, solar panelled-canopies to power some housing units and a breathtaking view of central Brussels.
To see more green projects from Vincent Callebaut Architectures, visit his website.
(h/t) designboom.com