Fall 2023 Studio Booklet_PART 03 Foothill Heverleebos

FALL STUDIO 2023

POST - CAR FRONTIERS FOR THE LEUVEN UNIVER -

Leuven, Belgium

Master (of Science) Human Settlements & Master (of Science) Urbanism, Landscape and Planning

Faculty of Engineering and Department of Architecture

Promoters:

Mircea Munteanu (Metapolis), Teodora Romanova Stefanova (Gradoscope), Thomas Willemse (Studio Thomas Willemse) with Bruno De Meulder and Kelly Shannon (KU Leuven)

CITY

© Copyright KU Leuven

Without written permission of the thesis supervisors and the authors it is forbidden to reproduce or adapt in any form or by any means any part of this publication. Requests for obtaining the right to reproduce or utilize parts of this publication should be addressed to Faculty of Engineering and Department of Architecture, Kasteelpark Arenberg 1 box 2431, B-3001 Heverlee.

A written permission of the thesis supervisors is also required to use the methods, products, schematics and programs described in this work for industrial or commercial use, and for submitting this publication in scientific contests.

05 SWEANENBERGH

05.A OVERVIEW, A PHOTOGRAPHIC STORY

05.B INTERPRETATIVE MAPPING

05.C HOUSING ANALYSIS

05.D STRATEGIC PROJECTS

06 GASTHUISBERG

06.A OVERVIEW, A PHOTOGRAPHIC STORY

06.B INTERPRETATIVE MAPPING

06.C HOUSING ANALYSIS

06.D STRATEGIC PROJECTS

07 GALGENBERG

07.A OVERVIEW, A PHOTOGRAPHIC STORY

07.B INTERPRETATIVE MAPPING

07.C HOUSING ANALYSIS

07.D STRATEGIC PROJECTS

08 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

STUDIO LEUVEN - kick-off

Topography and sections

KELLY SHANNON BRUNO DE MEULDER

MIRCEA MUNTEANU TEODORA ROMANOVA STEFANOVA THOMAS WILLEMSE

01 STUDIO CHALLENGE

HILLS, EARTHWORKS AND SCARS

WITNESS AND OTHER HILLS

The site is comprised of fragments of urban fabrics on the western side (Witness hills) of Leuven, squeezed between the highway and ‘vesten’ (medieval earthworks) landscape (that was turned into a ring road). Since the 1950s, the area has become a dumping ground for larger institutions (university campus, university hospital, music academy, bank headquarters, big retail, etc.). The area is, in general, overinfrastructured (including large parking lots).

As a monofunctional dumping ground, the site lacks a clear structure (besides the underlying landscape) morphology and, despite its heavy programs, urbanity. The area’s potential identity and value is compromised by the dominant car-orientation and complete lack of (qualitative) public space.

Specific sites for intervention were identified due to their relationship with the university (and a broader discussion of city - (monotonous) university), the gentrifying effect of the university and major shortages in the (student) housing market). All the sites are comprised of fragments of tissues (hospital, school, convent, etc) and the strong topographical relief that characterizes this area of Leuven.

The city walls of Leuven mark a strong new artificial topography around the city. The Ferraris map of 1777 shows the clear distinction between the inner city development and the wide agricultural landscape beyond the walls. The flanks of the witness hills on the west side of the city form a strong agricultural landscape within the city walls with fields and vineyards. The steep slopes in this area explain the hesitant urban growth.

Earthworks around the city

Institutes in a landscape

The Vandermaelen map from 1850 highlights the larger institutions that are set within the landscape. The larger estates of these institutions define figures in the landscape and often form the nucleus of car-dominated campuses of the enormous institutions that we find around Leuven today.

MaULP Leuven Studio, Fall 2022

Infrastructure as destruction

Over time the city ramparts have been transformed into a linear park like the Remy boulevard. In the 1970's this landscape was dramatically uprooted. Through highway engineering a ring road is carved into the landscape. The dominance of the car becomes all-present around the city.

THE POST-CAR FRONTIERS?

Hypotheses

1. Post-car/ post-carbon city

All sites must address the radically downgrading of car-infrastructure (including recuperation of parking lots, downsizing and re-arranging profiles).

2. Adaptive reuse

All sites include the transformation of complexes (and their parking lots) into mixed urban fabrics of (very) high density (mainly housing)

3. No new greenfield development

The consumption of landscape must not continue. On the contrary, projects must re-engage productively/constructively with the surrounding landscape.

4. Tissues of multiplicity

Tissues of multiplicity. The Univer-City is not mono-functional and it should not be segregated. Synergies must emerge from a multiplicity of functions, demographics, typologies, cultures.

Challanges

Challenges based on hypotheses

Density:

For each site, the design should aim for a density with a Floor Area Ratio of minimum 2.0 in relation to the existing impervious surfaces on site (parking, roads and buildings)

Multiplicity:

The urban tissue should provide a high degree of urbanity, with mixed-use complementary functions, but ensuring that housing represents between 60% and 80% of the Total Floor Area.

Units:

The design should ensure an average floor area per inhabitant of 50 m2/p from the Total Floor Area for Housing.

GROUP A

ALIREZA MIRSHEKARI

JANNO DELISSEN

GIULIANA PAOLA

PALAEZ RODRIGUEZ

GROUP B

BRAM VIDTS

PHAM NGUYEN THAO

MARTIN ADRIEL

PURNOMO

GROUP C

ELLA HENS

ALFONSO NAVA

LOPEZ

UNNATI KHANDURI

GROUP D

GAUTAMI MANISH KASAT

SANTOS ALBEIRO BLANDINO

NGOC DIEU TRAN HOANG

FOOTHILL HEVERLEEBOS

The site is centered on the backside of the modern Arenberg Campus 300: the cluster of Rekencentrum and of the CIT and the adjacent parking lots. The relatively remote 300 Arenberg Campus has 1970 buildings with an adaptive value that all have large, underused parking lots. Its relation with the river is substandard (with cheap warehouses for the logistic services of the university dumped at the riverside).

A Photographic Story

FOOTHILL HEVERLEEBOS

ODYSSEY IN THE VALLEY

© Alireza Mirshekari

© Janno Delissen

Paola Pelaez

© Paola Palaez

© Nguyen Thao Pham

© Alfonso Nava

Ella Hens

FOOTHILLHEVERLEEBOS_C

© Ella Hens

© Unnati Khanduri

© Gautami Manish Kasat

© Hoang Ngoc Dieu Tran

© Santos Albeiro Blandino

Interpretative Mapping

Lost in the Concrete Jungle

How does the relationship between the river and the built environment impact the overall quality of life for residents in terms of aesthetics, recreational opportunities, and a sense of place?

Alireza Mirshekari

Foothill Heverleebos A

Enforced order ... or not ?

Foothill Heverleebos

Janno Delissen

The rigid structure and rational hierarchy of the site is reflected in both the architectural scale and topological scale creating a grid that seems disconnected from its surroundings.

Human interventions are palpable, firmly anchored and strongly present. They are starkly contrasted with the inherent fluidity of the site.

What does this mean for the possible future of this site?

Restricted Valley

Logistic/Facilities buildings, long walls whitout relation with the street, machines and trash near the educational buildings, big parking areas for cars and bikes, vegetation near the river that blocks the view, and lack of conection between the campuses... How to rethink the relation between the river, the urban context, and the university’s buildings? Activities in the public space:

Paola Pelaez

1. After class meeting

2. Harvesting apples

3. Canopy

4. Running

5. Looking at the birds

6. Taking photos of the ducks 7. Let´s have a picnic

8. Take a seat on the river’s bank Foothill Heverleebos

Spaces of opportunity

Foothill Heverleebos C

How can we re-think the use of car oriented spaces to expand the public space for more interactions at a human scale?

Geathering points

Bike flows

Car flows

Potential spaces

Alfonso Nava

Figure Ground: Boundaries

Heverleebos

How can the site be perceived when the “walls” or boundaries (meaning ‘things we cannot cross’ in this case) are mapped?

Ella Hens

Foothill

River as Terraces

Foothill Heverleebos_Group D

Gautami Manish Kasat

How will the urban fabric transform if we start placing the dynamism of water, vegetation and terrain at the forefront, as opposed to the current practice of designing buildings first and accommodating nature later?

Grey Sea, Green Borders

Foothill Heverleebos - Group D

Santos Albeiro Blandino

How can green open spaces gain protagonism in a grey dominated area?

Lawn

Natural barrier (Tall grass)

Closed lawn area

Hedge/topography barrier

Closed paved area

Paved area

Replace this box with your interpretative reading.

Thalmatt Siedlung Halen

Atelier 5

Analysed by Ella Hens (r0760607)

MaHS_Foothillheverleebos_C

DESCRIPTION

Thalmatt Siedlung Halen, designed by Atelier 5, is a housing project located on a hillside in Bern, Switserland. The Halen estate consists of 3 different stages; Siedlung Halen (1960), Thalmatt 1 (1972) and Thalmatt 2 (1985), which add up to a total of 144 terraced houses. Siedlung Halen determined the site and dwelling design principles, which were later used in Thalmatt 1 and 2. Halen combines the ideas of the modernist program (1920) on community and privacy with notions of the garden city and has become a prototype for low rise, high density housing.

CONCEPT

The notions of modernism and the garden city are translated into a suburban housing project with identical, rationalised long and small three story dwellings, which are organised like a village around open spaces to create a collective living environment with shared ownership over the communal spaces (including a swimming pool, playground, shop, garage,…).

EVALUATION

(Urban tissue) - All three stages are standing relatively alone, not interacting with the surrounding urban tissue. But they are all embedded on a hillside and the topography is used to structure the design.

(Building typology) - The Halen stages are car-free designs, where everything can be reached by foot through collective open stair cases and covered walkways. These also connect the collective spaces. The buildings consist of almost identical row houses, but through slight variations, three different typologies are realised: family housing, houses with a workshop and studios.

(Individual dwelling) - The design is characterised by a certain strictness due to the modernist influence. This translates into standardised housing sizes and types, with small rooms and high walls. But the strictness is what makes the design sucessful. Due to the topography and high walls, each garden and balcony of each dwelling gives complete privacy, while being part of a collective living project.

FREE STANDING OBJECTS OPEN SPACE STRUCTURE

(Source: https://architectuul.com/architecture/halen-estate, https://monocle.com/magazine/issues/65/estate-of-the-art/)

(Source: Google earth 2023)

THE COMMON SPACE

PUBLIC-PRIVATE STRUCTURE

Public Private

TERRACES ON A HILLSIDE CONTEXTUALISED VOLUMETRY

(Source: Google earth 2023, https://atelier5.ch/arbeiten/1961-siedlung-halen-herrenschwanden, https://atelier5.ch/arbeiten/1974-thalmatt-1-herrenschwanden, https://atelier5.ch/arbeiten/1985-siedlung-thalmatt-2-herrenschwanden)

(Source: https://atelier5.ch/arbeiten/1961-siedlung-halen-herrenschwanden, https://atelier5. ch/arbeiten/1974-thalmatt-1-herrenschwanden, https://atelier5.ch/arbeiten/1985-siedlung-thalmatt-2-herrenschwanden)

HOUSING TYPES

Type 12

Type 380

Type 380 + Workshop

Studio

Studio + Atelier

BUILDING SECTIONS

Type 380 + Workshop

Type 12

(Source: https://atelier5.ch/arbeiten/1961-siedlung-halen-herrenschwanden)

Space used during day time // night time

(Source: https://atelier5.ch/arbeiten/1961-siedlung-halen-herrenschwanden)

FUNCTIONS

(Source: https://halen360.ch/en/estate, https://monocle.com/magazine/issues/65/estate-of-theart/)

SEIJO TOWN HOUSES

BLURRING GREENS OPEN SPACE STRUCTURE

Analysed

Gautami Manish Kasat_r0967867 Kazuyo Sejima

by

MaULP_Foothill Heverleebos D

DESCRIPTION

In Tokyo, outer-city housing projects often feature stacked apartments. Seijo Houses present an alternative approach, emphasizing a spatial structure that blurs the boundaries between apartments through the use of courtyards and interior gardens. This design maintains a cohesive and unified image for the complex.

CONCEPT

The 20 cubes of varier heights (one to three floors) are arranged in a staggered layout forming a unified unit with flowing exterior spaces. The formation programs single-family homes, atrium buildings, and apartments. This creates a harmonious living environment balancing semi public gardens or spill over spaces and private dwelling spaces within the complex.

EVALUATION

Briefly evaluate

• In relation to the urban tissue the site is located in a densly populated compact zone. The complex houses 20 appartment units with garden and shared space. A luxury which is very rare on site.

• The building typology is a staggered arrangement of twenty apartment modules connected diagonally. These apartment modules have dynamic level play ranging from one to three floors creating either a patio or a roof terrace for every unit. This arrangement also opens up the possibility of having various shared spaces serving specific functions.

• Each dwelling unit opens up to a garden space either on the ground floor or the upper terraces. The entry to every unit is a planted courtyard. The module is divided in a set of private and semi private spaces. The level play and staggered stacking gives possibilities of overlap spaces blurring programs and achieving community and shared spaces. Shared spaces become access ways to navigate from one house to the other.

(Source: WIETZORREK, U., Housing +, Berlin: Birkhauser, 2014, pp. 152-57, https://arquitecturaviva.com/works/apartamentos-seijo-9 )

(Source: https://arquitecturaviva.com/works/apartamentos-seijo-9)

SITE LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF A DENSE URBAN TISSUE

(Source: https://seijotownhouse.blogspot.com/p/planimetria.html)

(Source: Google earth)

BUILDING PLANS

BUILDING SECTIONS

(Source: https://seijotownhouse.blogspot.com/p/planimetria.html)

(Source: WIETZORREK, U., Housing +, Berlin: Birkhauser, 2014, pp. 152-57)

KITCHEN & DINNING LIVING ROOM

MASTER BEDROOM COURTYARD

(Source: https://iwan.com/portfolio/seijo-apartment-sejima-tokyo/)

SHARED SPACES AS CONNECTOR

GARDEN COURTYARD

PUBLIC GRADEN TERRACES

GWL TERREIN

Analysed by Santos Albeiro Blandino_r0966187

MaHS / MaULP_Foothill Heverleebos D

DESCRIPTION

The GWL Terrein in Amsterdam, a car-free, eco-friendly residential area on a former water company site, boasts 600 housing units, leafy spaces, and preserved historical elements, offering a serene escape from urban chaos. It was completed in 1998 with a distinctive cohesive, high-density design.

CONCEPT

Car-free design: It promotes alternative transportation modes.

Ecology: Sustainable materials, open spaces, and renewable energy.

Mixed-use development: Includes communal housing, live/work spaces, and traditional apartments seamlessly blending with its surroundings.

EVALUATION

• The site is an open zone with residential blocks amid nature. It serves as a transition between the Staatslieden neighborhood and nearby businesses to the west. It has proximity to public transportation, amenities, and is bordered by two main streets to the north and east.

• Building typology features form different densities from an elongated block that goes from 4 to 9 stories, to 14 blocks of 4 to 5 stories that form a park-like ambiance. All the blocks have red brick facades that blend with the residential surroundings but contrast with the natural areas.

• Dwellings vary from 1 to 2 stories small apartments to family homes, with private gardens or balconies. Housing types include flats, maisonettes, 3 to 5 room houses, group houses, studios, and units for individuals with disabilities and seniors.

A PARK INVITING ACROSS THE GRID OPEN SPACE STRUCTURE

Urban grid projections into the site open space

Canal

Built form

(Source: https://gwl-terrein.nl/ https://www.kcap.eu/projects/25/gwl-terrein)

(Source: Adapted from Google Maps (Google, 2023), OpenStreetMap (OpenStreetMap contributors, 2023), and Snazzy Maps (https://snazzymaps.com/)

PRIVATE ENRICHED BY PUBLIC

PUBLIC-PRIVATE STRUCTURE

Semipublic park-like area

Private courtyard

Public bldg

Semiprivate bldg

Private bldg

A TRANSITION AREA CONTEXTUALISED VOLUMETRY

Staatslieden neighborhood

Business Activities

GWL Terrain

(Source: Adapted from Bing Maps (Bing, 2023) and Google Maps (Google, 2023)

BUILDING PLANS

Owner Housing Café-restaurant

Rental Housing

Park-like surroundings

Owner housing, commerce and cultural use

DWELLING TYPES

FUNCTIONS

Community center Hotel Park-like environment

Residential (Multi-types housing)

Residential/Commercial/Culture/Education

Commercial (Café-restaurant)

Block 11

(Source: Adapted from Bing Maps (Bing, 2023) and Google Maps (Google, 2023)

Hillside Terrace

Fumihiko Maki

Analysed by Unnati

Khanduri

_ r0972046

This housing/commercial facility was built in four different phases spanning 30 years. Over the years, the Daikanyama neighborhood has changed from a quiet farming village to one of the most high-end areas in town. The transformation brought by developments of each site using these patterns; Subdivison of the site, continuity of the site, and integration of the site and cases without redevelopment.

CONCEPT

Concept of “Group-Form” applied - based on five categories.

MEDIATING- between interior and exterior, or between public and private.

DEFINING- to mark a differentiation with the surrounding environment.

REPEATING- and underlining the group character.

MAKING SEQUENTIAL PATHS.

SELECTING- the location EVALUATION

The Hillside Terrace project exemplifies Maki’s architectural philosophy, exhibits a careful theoretical thought process that emphasizes the relationship between building and environment in the urban context. Despite aesthetic differences in design, each building of Hillside Terrace relates to each other as parts of a unified whole. Group form grows organically out of the existing whole, adapting to changes over time.

Hillside Terrace functions almost like a small town. There is an art gallery, an exhibition hall, a performance venue, a tea house, a shrine, a club, office space, and, perhaps most importantly, large quantities of housing. There are many shops in the complex as well, but Maki subtly separates them from public spaces by use of steps, ramps, and indirect entries. For good or for ill, one never gets the sense that any of the businesses have ownership over the plazas to which they are adjacent. The presence of public art in the complex adds to the sense of a shared, civic identity.

Source:Shan JIN, Keshi CHEN and De TONG,2012

Source: Lyu, Zhaoyi, 2020, Daniels - University of Toronto DESCRIPTION

POROUS INTERSPACE

PUBLIC-PRIVATE STRUCTURE

HUMANISED RE-SCALING CONTEXTUALISED VOLUMETRY

(Source: Yasuko KAMEI,2023

Source: Lyu, Zhaoyi, 2020, Daniels - University of Toronto

BUILDING PLANS

BUILDING SECTIONS

Source: Takashi, Ono ,2017

In this section one can observe a series of six spatial layers. The pathway, which makes use of the subtle changes in topography, is an intricate space with a sense of inwardness that is provided through the use of stairs and an atrium entryway.

(Source: Yasuko KAMEI,2023

DWELLING TYPES

Source: Shi, Fengyao, 2020, Daniels - University of Toronto

FUNCTIONS

Residential

Restuarants/ Retail

Residential

Restuarants/ Retail

Source: Shi, Fengyao, 2020, Daniels - University of Toronto

HOLLAINHOF

Analysed by Paola Pelaez_r0967413 Neutlings Riedijk

MaHS / MaULP_Foothill Heverleebos A

DESCRIPTION

The Hollainhof (1993-1998) is a social housing project located at the center of Ghent (Belgium), between Brusselsepoorstraat and a tributary of the river Scheldt. The Project comprehends a total of 120 dwellings, 90 parking lots, a central courtyard, and a Day Care Center. The dwellings are contained in 15 clusters agruped in 02 main block bars, each one with 04 floors. The first bar is aligned to the street, and second bar is aligned to the river. Both bars are organized arround a semi public coutyard.

CONCEPT

The premise of the project is to mix and find the balance between urban (density) and rural scale, the community and the individual (tranquility), the public space and the private space.

EVALUATION

• Relation to the urban tissue: The project propose a continuity of the open space trought the creation of a large semi public space: the central coutyard, accesible from the street by a single entrance, where is located the Day Care Center, stablishing a plattaform to build and enjoy living in community. The building has an urban scale next to the street, but a smaller scale in the coutyard and next to the river.

• Building typology: The relation between the public and private defines the typology of the building: the central courtyard with a public-private atmosphere, the front gardens between the courtyard and the dwellings, or the terraces between semipublic circulation and the dwelling on the first floor. These spacial solutions (filters) argument the final composition of the building.

• Individual dwelling design: The project offers a large variety of dwelling typologies, between duplex and flats, optimized in minimum space but preserving the quality of life in the building trough guarantying the privacy of each of the departments and giving most of them a view to the courtyard or to the river.

SEMI PUBLIC COUTYARD OPEN SPACE STRUCTURE

BRUSSELSEPOORSTRAAT

Source: AA Files No. 37 (1998) pp. 3-11, RACO Revistes Catalanes amb Accés Ober (1999)Source: Own elaboration based on Google Earth (2023)

RIVER SCHELDT

PUBLIC-PRIVATE STRUCTURE

RIVER SCHELDT

PUBLIC

COURTYARD

BRUSSELSEPOORSTRAAT

FRONT GARDEN: FILTER PRIVATE/ PUBLIC

DIFFERENT CONTEXT/ VOLUMETRY CONTEXTUALISED VOLUMETRY

Source: http://lamba84.altervista.org/universita/tra/opera.html#foto

BUILDING PLAN: SECOND FLOOR

BUILDING SECTIONS / FUNCTIONS

COURTYARD/ DAY CARE CENTER

RIVER

PARKING STREET

Source: Own elaboration based on A+T, Madrid (1998) ed. 12 pp. 90-103

Source: A+T, Madrid (1998) ed. 12 pp. 90-103

DWELLING TYPES

SECOND FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR

GROUND FLOOR

THIRD FLOOR

THIRD FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR

BUILDING SECTIONS / FUNCTIONS

Source: Own elaboration based on A+T, Madrid (1998) ed. 12 pp. 90-103

Source: AA Files No. 37 (1998) pp. 3-11

COURTYARD

RIVER PARKING

LA BORDA - BARCELONA

Lacol

Analysed by Nguyen Thao Pham_r-0971666

MaULP_Foothill Heverleebos B

DESCRIPTION

La Borda is a cooperative housing project in Barcelona which has 28 units and community spaces such as kitchen-dining room, laundry, multipurpose space, space for guests, health and care space, storage, exterior and semi-exterior spaces namely the patio and roofs. A central courtyard reminiscing a “corrala” locates at the heart of the building which all other functional spaces articulate around.

CONCEPT

La Borda housing cooperative is a development self-organized by its users to access decent, non-speculative housing that places its use value in the center, through a collective structure.

EVALUATION

Briefly evaluate

• Relation to the urban tissue: The project locates in La Bordeta residential area which is high density and extremely diverse in use; since this area has various multi-story mixed-use buildings. This adds to the project’s success of becoming a community-centered and affordable place to live. The project also promotes the continuity of Hartzenbusch Street, allowing a direct connection between La Bordeta and Can Batllo park.

• Building typology: The architectural structure is derived from the “corralas”, social housing which is characterized by a courtyard surrounded by large balconies, connected together as breezy corridors on several floors. The “balconies” here are in fact large social spaces which promote circulation, access, interaction and coexistence. The building aims to be sustainable through various design schemes such as the use of wooden material, natural heating and ventilation, water harvesting and recycle technology.

• Individual dwelling design: The project offers a highly flexible apartments which can change its structure and size according to the needs of the inhabitants. The design provided for three sizes of apartments (40, 60 and 75 square meters), composed by adding modules and conceived as compartmentalized spaces thanks to their simple wooden walls.

(Source: https://www.archdaily.com/922184/la-borda-lacol https://jgonzalezfarias.medium.com/la-borda-barcelonas-social-housing-utopia-3883c7157bde https://www.floornature.com/cooperativa-drsquoarquitectes-lacol-la-borda-barcelona-14965/)

A PART OF THE VIBRANT

LA BORDETA

OPEN SPACE STRUCTURE

(Source: https://pin.it/xaN8mlE || https://www.openstreetmap.org/)

LA BORDA PROJECT

PUBLIC-COMMON-PRIVATE TRANSITION

PUBLIC-PRIVATE

STRUCTURE

Continuity of spaces of interaction

HOLLOW

CONTEXTUALISED VOLUMETRY

Courtyard, multipurpose space, walkways and roof, continuity of spaces of interaction.

(Source: https://www.detail.de/de_en/la-borda-in-barcelona-von-lacol || https://www.philippmolter.com/filter/flexibility/SHARED-URBAN-FUTURES || https://www.lacol.coop/projectes/ sotrac-habitatge-cooperatiu/)

(Source: https://www.archdaily.com/922184/la-borda-lacol)

Private Spaces

LA BORDA

Can Batllo

Block 121

Communal Spaces Neighbourhood community center Future Park

BUILDING PLANS

Hartzenbusch Street Continuity

BUILDING SECTIONS

Natural heating during Winter:

- Greenhouse closes to reduce heat losses (exceptionally open to release CO2)

- Air temperated for air renewal

Natural ventilation during Summer

- Greenhouse opens to dissipate heat + sun protection

- Open gallery + sun protection

- Cross-ventilation

(Source: https://xximagazine.com/c/new-forms-of-conviviality)

(Source: https://arquitecturaviva.com/works/lacol-arquitectura-cooperativa-la-borda-28-en-barcelona-zs6o2-1)

DWELLING TYPES

TYPOLOGY S (40m2) MODULES FLOOR 1,2,5,6

TYPOLOGY M (58m2)

L (76m2)

(Source: https://www.archdaily.com/922184/la-borda-lacol http://www.laborda.coop/en/project/architectural-project/)

NOTATION

TYPOLOGY S (SMALL)

TYPOLOGY M (MEDIUM)

TYPOLOGY L+M (EXTRA LARGE)

TYPOLOGY L+M (EXTRA LARGE)

TECHNICAL ROOM

(Source: https://www.floornature.com/cooperativa-drsquoarquitectes-lacol-la-borda-barcelona-14965/)

FLOOR 3,4

NOVACITY

DDS+, Bogdan & Van Broeck

Analysed by Student Alfonso Nava_r0968707

MaHS / MaULP_Foothill Heverleebos_C

DESCRIPTION

The project is located in between the crossroads of several communication axes such as the railway, the ring and one of the principal road to access the city of Brussels, Chaussée de Mons.

Location of the new construction: Brussels (Anderlecht), Belgium

Type: Residential, Equipment (workshops)

Area and number of units: 15.422 m2 (Residential 7.876m2) (7.546m2 SME workshops) with 63 apartments

CONCEPT

The project considers the overlapping of various functions to give rise to mixed uses. Under this concept, interactions are developed and exchanged, through innovative spaces of coexistence around the housing units, which allows a relationship of collective spaces, on the ground level. The workshops are connected to these are office spaces and on the first level there are 4 volumes of dwellings and shared circulation spaces with different heights that function as long open spaces so that sunlight reaches the pubic spaces and neighboring dwellings.

EVALUATION

• Relation to the urban tissue: The project shares a strong relation with the different functions, the housing units are linked to the productive functions of the first level that function as different levels of interaction, which makes it possible for them to be integrated at the district and city scale, connected with pedestrian spaces and logistics routes for the workshops.

• Building typology: The various heights of the residential towers allow the transition between public and private spaces that share views towards the patios and terraces.

• Individual dwelling design: Is considered to offer maximum flexibility and adaptability over time and use. There are 2 main types of housing: 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments.

(Source: https://www.dds.plus/projects/novacity)

CAPTION

OPEN SPACE STRUCTURE

(Source: https://www.bogdan.design/projects/novacity/, https://www.dds.plus/projects/novacity )

PUBLIC-PRIVATE STRUCTURE

(Source: https://www.bogdan.design/projects/novacity/)

CAPTION

CONTEXTUALISED VOLUMETRY

(Source: https://www.bogdan.design/projects/novacity/)

BUILDING PLANS

BUILDING SECTIONS

(Source: https://www.dds.plus/projects/novacity)

(Source: https://www.dds.plus/projects/novacity)

Ground floor

First floor

DWELLING TYPES

3 bedrooms apartment

FUNCTIONS

2 bedrooms apartment

(Source: https://www.dds.plus/projects/novacity)

(Source: https://www.bogdan.design/projects/novacity/)

Residence for Researchers

Bruther

Analysed by Alireza Mirshekari_r972274

Arenberg edge_A

DESCRIPTION

Situated at the southern border of Cité Universitaire park, this urban project seamlessly merges architecture with nature, even without park ownership. It’s strategically designed on a small plot near a busy road, offering spacious studios with adaptable partitions to cater to residents’ unique needs. What sets it apart is the dedication to surpassing minimum requirements, promoting interaction, socializing, fitness in a rooftop gym, and relishing city views.

CONCEPT

This unique residence stands alone, appearing as a “split and raised” cube, with a clear layout that’s easy to see. Inside, it’s divided into three main parts running from north to south. Two parts are for living spaces, and the space in between is for moving around. But it’s not just practical – the staircase and the elevator are designed as standout features in their own stylish shapes. This modern home transforms into an attractive combination of glass and metal, creating a connection between the inside and outside, the park and the building, and the privacy of the living spaces with the boulevard.

EVALUATION

• The building thoughtfully integrates with its urban surroundings. It addresses challenges like the ring road with semi-underground access levels, and being at a small plot without green space while maintaining an open and connected feel to the external environment.

• The building’s typology is well-defined and practical. It takes the form of a “split and raised” cube with a clear organization, offering a variety of social housing. The inclusion of common areas on the eighth floor adds a communal dimension to the building’s layout, enhancing its appeal.

• The individual dwellings are efficiently designed with a tight structural grid, maximizing open living spaces with natural light. The use of sliding partitions in some units adds flexibility. High-quality materials and full-height curtains in the façade design enhance both functionality and aesthetics.

URBAN SPACE SYNERGY

(Source: https://hicarquitectura.com/2019/04/bruther-residence-for-researchers/) (Source: https://hicarquitectura.com/2019/04/bruther-residence-for-researchers/)

STRUCTURE

(Source: https://hicarquitectura.com/2019/04/bruther-residence-for-researchers/)

URBAN PATHWAY ALIGNMENT

CONTEXTUALISED VOLUMETRY

(Source: https://hicarquitectura.com/2019/04/bruther-residence-for-researchers/)

BUILDING PLANS

BUILDING SECTIONS

(Source: https://hicarquitectura.com/2019/04/bruther-residence-for-researchers/)

(Source: https://hicarquitectura.com/2019/04/bruther-residence-for-researchers/)

DWELLING TYPES

(Source: https://hicarquitectura.com/2019/04/bruther-residence-for-researchers/)

FUNCTIONS

(Source: https://hicarquitectura.com/2019/04/bruther-residence-for-researchers/)

ROSE MIXED-USE APARTMENTS VENICE

Brooks + Scarpa

Analysed by Martin Adriel Purnomo_r966574

MaHS_Foothill Heverleebos B

DESCRIPTION

CONCEPT

This four story mixed-use apartments consist of commercial zone and residential area in responding the surrounding land use. In order to maximize the land use area, the building height consist of 4 storeys in which the 3 upper floor for young adult dwellers connected by courtyard to grow sense of community. The project aims to serve as a low cost dwelling by water recylcing, photovoltaic energy source, less vehicle use, multi function and high density housing.

EVALUATION

• Urban Tissue - The building U shape organization of the project is an approach to conforms the neighboring urban tissue instead of following the bold form of its original land subdivision. The void of the building allows the inhabitants to have connection to the outdoor and the street.

• Building Typology - The Rose Mixed-Use Apartments consist of multiple commercial spaces and dwelling area in effort to adapt its location in which surrounded by both commercial area and residential area.

• Individual Dwelling - The space allocated for each inhabitant is relatively small due to the targeted occupant which is young adult who is forced to leave youth facility.

OPEN SPACE IN THE UPPERFLOOR OPEN SPACE STRUCTURE

(Source: Google earth 2023)

(Source: https://brooksscarpa.com/)

PUBLIC-PRIVATE STRUCTURE

(Source: Google earth 2023)

FOLLOWING THE RULE CONTEXTUALISED VOLUMETRY

The building heights of the project relatively exceeding the height of neighboring buildings to maximize the density of the land. To merely break the impression of the height, the front of the building is subtracted in depth as its getting higher and presenting natural element as horizontal line in the upper floor.

(Source: https://www.behance.net/gallery/89461283/Rose-Mixed-use-Apartments-Venice-CA)

BUILDING PLANS

(Source: https://brooksscarpa.com/rose-apartments4)

BUILDING SECTIONS

(Source: https://archello.com/)

Stacked vegetation area on the first floor serves as soft barrier for safety reason also presenting natural element in the upperfloor.

The main stairs in the centre of the courtyard role as a main connector between 1st floor and 2nd floor also serves as collective area to sit and watch activity in the courtyard area which grows sense of community between inhabitants.

The void roles as an opening for the inhabitant to have direct connection to the outdoor toward the courtyard as the inhabitant public space, allowing the inhabitant to have natural light and air flow.

(Source: https://archello.com/)

The void serves a visual connector for the inhibitant meanwhile providing spatial privacy.

DWELLING TYPES

FUNCTIONS

Inhabitant

Inhabitant Possible Inhabitant

Inhabitant

(Source: https://brooksscarpa.com/rose-apartments4)

Possible Inhabitant

COURTYARD

Functions

Mixed-Use Organization

The commercial zone is organized on the ground floor to allow public permeability due to its mixed-use program meanwhile dwelling above are visually connected to the courtyard in which serves as public space for the dwellers. Commercial

(Source: https://brooksscarpa.com/rose-apartments4)

VOID SPACE/HINGED SPACE

analysed by Janno Delissen_r1003781 Steven Holl

MaHS / MaULP_Foothill Heverleebos A

DESCRIPTION

the residential project - in Fukuoka, Japan, 1991 - is a residential complex, with 28 residential apartments, conceived as a rather solid and inert mass of concrete, yet possessing a certain airiness and porosity due to the openings, the (partially) curved floor plan and the four patios present . The mysterious facade is extended to the interior where a dynamic play is created between silence and emptiness.

CONCEPT

four active north facing voids interlock with four quiet south facing voids to bring a sense of the sacred into domestic life. The interiors are conceptualized as “hinged spaces” that allows growing and shrinking of areas according to the desire of the inhabitants.

EVALUATION

relation to the urban tissue:

the building follows the existing road and there is a clear distinction between the public plinth on the ground floor (commercial) and the private housing above it. This distinction is made in part by the materials chosen (concrete and aluminum) and by the transparency of the various elements.

the building typology:

the different variants of the 5 different types (L, I, D, DI, DL) allow great freedom and flexibility. In addition, each facade enjoys natural light and views through the intelligent stacking of the volumes. Furthermore, a sense of passage is heightened by three types of access, by allowing apartments to have exterior front doors, and by interlocking apartments like a complex Chinese box.

the individual dwelling design:

the 28 apartment interiors are conceptualized as “hinged space,” a modern interpretation of the multi-use concept of traditional Fusuma. Episodic hinging reflects change in family over time; rooms can be added or subtracted accommodating grown-up children leaving or elderly parents moving in.

(Source: https://www.stevenholl.com/project/fukuoka-housing/)

AN ORDERLY CITY IN A CHAOTIC CITY OPEN SPACE STRUCTURE

private acces (pedestrians and cars)

acces (pedestrians)

PUBLIC-PRIVATE STRUCTURE

the residential complex is formed by two concepts: “articulated” spaces (articulated space) and “empty” spaces (vacant spaces). These different spaces and their interaction forms the basis for moving from public to private.

the structure of the building allows the sunlight (which is also reflected in the ponds) to fill the paved courtyards and the murmur of children playing and the chatter of the cafes to seep into the mediation space.

Holl uses the ponds to create a separation between the noisy and the quiet space. The corridors also create a sense of flow inside. Furthermore do the voids also creates an opportunity for all apartments to interact with the outdoor environment.

(Source: https://issuu.com/d.q.d/docs/void_space-hinged_space_housing)

DIFFERENT FAÇADES

CONTEXTUALISED VOLUMETRY

(Source: NCSU Libraries)

view of south facade looking west

view

view of north facade

pond

void space

BUILDING PLANS

BUILDING SECTIONS

(Source: https://www.stevenholl.com/project/fukuoka-housing)

(Source: https://nicolearoach.com/void-space-housing-analysis)

(Source: https://www.stevenholl.com/project/fukuoka-housing)

(Source: cdesqueeze.files.wordpress.com)

WESTGATE 1515

Author

Analysed by Bram Vidts_r0754351

MaHS_HeverleebosB

DESCRIPTION

Westgate1515 is a project designed by LOHA in West LA, located on what used to be part of Route 66 and is now close to the busy Santa Monica Boulevard. It aims to create a more community-oriented and urban space in a neighborhood known for constant traffic. The project spans an entire city block, replacing a former car dealership, and combines student housing with civic purposes. The building’s design is open and welcoming to the street while providing privacy for residents. It features various roof heights and common outdoor spaces, breaking up the long façade along Santa Monica Blvd. Strategic voids create public spaces within the development, encouraging pedestrian activity. Overall, this project seeks to transform the neighborhood and engage the public in a livelier pedestrian environment along Santa Monica Boulevard.

CONCEPT

Westgate 1515 is designed to break down the scale from a typical housing project. It mediates between the typology along the boulevard and the surrounding residential fabric. This is done by dividing the large building block in seperate volumes towards the top while also creating interior more human scaled circulation.

EVALUATION

• the project inscribes itself in the urban fabric by respecting the building block layout

• the building finds a balance between the two surrounding typologies, the larger building blocks along the boulevard and the smaller residential dwelling spaces

• the individual dwelling is designed very spaciously, perhaps more standard according to American standards

• while the architects put an emphasis on enhancing the public aspect of the immediate surroundings of the project, apart from some indents, the project does not have an impact on real public space as commercial space is far from public

Description based on: https://www.theplan.it/eng/architecture/westgate1515-by-loha and https://loharchitects.com/work/westgate1515

BUILDING BLOCK FIT FOR A BOULEVARD OPEN SPACE STRUCTURE

Drawing based on Google Earth 2022

http://zimas.lacity.org/

BUILDING PLANS

TWO LEVELS OF CIRCULATION

Underlaying images from https://www.theplan.it/eng/architecture/westgate1515-by-loha

BUILDING SECTIONS

THE RAISED STREET

Underlaying images from https://www.theplan.it/eng/architecture/westgate1515-by-loha

DWELLING TYPES

SPACIOUS STUDENT DWELLING

FUNCTIONS

COMMERCIAL PLINTH

Underlaying images from https://www.theplan.it/eng/architecture/westgate1515-by-loha

(Source: https://references)

apartment

duplex

section

BIJGAARDEHOF

Analysed by Hoang Ngoc Dieu Tran_r0961080 &bogdan (the Bogdan & Van Broeck) (2009)

MaHS / MaULP_Foothill Heverleebos D

DESCRIPTION

Bijgaardehof - designed by &bogdan, is part of a site that once belonged to a textile factory and then to a metalworking plant that closed down in 1997.

Close to the centre of Ghent, Bijgaardehof is a community including three co-housing groups (Wijgaard, De Spore and Biotope) with 59 dwellings, a neighbourhood health centre, a circuit of collective indoor and outdoor spaces and a workshop with a view of the Bijgaardepark.

CONCEPT

Bijgaardehof’s specificity lies in the ambition to mutualise a set of functions overlapping at various scales: the three co-housing groups each have a communal space with a collective kitchen, dining room, living room, laundry room and a play area for the children.

The three groups also share a workshop, quiet areas, a winter garden, a roof garden for urban agriculture, collective generation of renewable energy.

EVALUATION

• Bijgaardehof upgraded and turning a vacant brownfield along the railway tracks to a community fills with gardens and sharing functions; combining urban nature and urban agriculture; densified the urban fabric in the vicinity of local amenities and public transport.

• Bijgaardehof includes 3 different co-housing groups, forming 3 buildings with different heights and facing into a shared central community garden. Each housing unit has their own terrace facing different dirrections to maximize the view but still keeping their own privacy.

• Bijgaardehof with 59 housing units which separated into 5 categories: 4 studio units, 7 one bedroom units, 23 two bedroom units, 20 three bedroom units and 5 four+ bedroom units. Some two bedroom units are connectable to create a larger unit and some three and four+ bedroom units are located on 2 different levels. Every unit has their private area away from the active zone, offer plenty of choices for different groups of users, create a diversity, inclusive and reliable community.

(Source: https://www.bogdan.design/projects/bijgaardehof)

A TOUCH WITH NATURE OPEN SPACE STRUCTURE

(Source: https://www.bogdan.design/projects/bijgaardehof https://snazzymaps.com/)

(Source: https://www.bogdan.design/projects/bijgaardehof https://snazzymaps.com/)

COMPACT CONVENIENCE

CONTEXTUALISED VOLUMETRY

(Source: https://www.bogdan.design/projects/bijgaardehof https://snazzymaps.com/)

BUILDING PLANS

BUILDING SECTIONS

(Source: https://www.archdaily.com/988277/bijgaardehof-co-housing-and-healthcare-centerbogdan-and-van-broeck)

(Source: https://www.archdaily.com/988277/bijgaardehof-co-housing-and-healthcare-centerbogdan-and-van-broeck)

DWELLING TYPES

1 bedroom unit [40 - 50m 2]

2 bedroom unit [80 - 85m 2]

3 bedroom unit [100 - 120m 2]

(Source: https://www.archdaily.com/988277/bijgaardehof-co-housing-and-healthcare-centerbogdan-and-van-broeck)

FUNCTIONS

Wijgaard [20 units, 8 levels] De spore [11 units, 6 levels]

(Source: https://www.bogdan.design/projects/bijgaardehof)

+4 bedroom unit [120 - 150m 2]

Biotope [18 units, 7 levels]

KALEIDOSCOPE OF SPACES

FOOTHILL HEVERLEEBOS _ A

ALIREZA MIRSHEKARI

JANNO DELISSEN

PAOLA PELAEZ RODRIGUEZ

axonometric view of the site according to our vision

ENFORCED ORDER ... OR NOT ?

The rigid structure and rational hierarchy of the site is reflected in both the architectural scale and topological scale creating a grid that a priori seems disconnected from its surroundings. Human interventions are palpable, firmly anchored and strongly present. They are starkly contrasted with the inherent fluidity of the site.

LOST IN THE CONCRETE JUNGLE ...

The buildings turn their back to the river and are scattered ad hoc. This approach seems to be the - questionable - result of the natural terraced topography. The weak relationship between the river and the built environment impacts the site in terms of aesthetics, recreational opportunities and the genius loci.

DIJLE’S ROUTES

In this map we can see the routes or the movement of Dijle river through different years since 1769, and that the landscape design of the site historically includes water elements as ponds and water channels, some of them remains today and others don’t.

combination of the three different interpretive maps

The site is mostly characterized by the following aspects: - terraced topography and the presence of the Dijle - geometrical grid and axes of existing infrastructure - existing axis that connects the open spaces.

The site vision considers these elements to propose a new structure of open spaces in order to rebuild the relation of the site with the river. Our main concept - in addition to some strategical interventions in the existing infrastructure - is the introduction of 3 axes each with their own space and atmosphere. The wet axis (BLUE) near the river gives more space to the water and has some new ponds. The formal axis (GREEN) –that is highlighted by monumental trees - is an extension of the existing grandeur like the castle. This axis also connects existing and new open spaces for the public. The sharp axis (GREY) near the railroad focusses on mobility with a new bus station among other things.

ECOFLOW HORIZON

ZOOM TISSUE 1

ALIREZA MIRSHEKARI

EcoFlow Horizon is an innovative part of our site that envisions sustainable living along a connected green spine. Three distinct terraces, meticulously integrated with terraced walkways, converge at a scenic riverfront esplanade. Emphasizing post-car principles, the project harmonizes nature, pedestrians, and cyclists, fostering ecological resilience and vibrant community interaction.

connected green spine concept

unveiling a panoramic tapestry through strategically positioned block typologies along each trace of EcoFlow Horizon, where every angle frames a stunning view, harmonizing modern living with the scenic beauty of the connected green spine. typology / maximazing nature's canvas

site sections seamlessly weave lush green open spaces with architectural marvels- each section is a testament to the intentional connection between nature and building, fostering a harmonious coexistence that defines the essence of sustainable living. sections / green harmony unveiled

IN BETWEEN CHAOS AND ORDER

ZOOM TISSUE 2

JANNO DELISSEN

Labyrinthine connectivity, intriguing passages and ambiguous atmospheres are part of the kaleidoscope - while some of the newly added interventions act as architectural carriers that provide an overall structure and stability, resulting in a certain macro-order that makes chaos and growth possible and allows dynamic interplay between the different transitional spaces.

the site has different gradations - just like a kaleidoscope - as a result of which the overall image, atmosphere and characteristics of the different spaces changes if you move throughout the site - this happens in all directions. sequence of transitional spaces

the yellow spine is a rather radical intervention that acts as a support structure and sprouts from the new bus station, finds its way throughout our site and eventually takes root in the landscape - providing a strong sense of passageway and connectivity.

THE SCALES OF WATER INTERSTICES

In this zoom, open spaces are organized by new water elements. Open space A, includes the principal pond and square, and is shaped by a new tower (for education facilities and student residence) and a new building (for housing and commerce). Open space B, includes a small pond and has the atmosphere of a courtyard, and is shaped by existing buildings reused for housing.

PAOLA PELAEZ RODRIGUEZ

ZOOM TISSUE 3

floorplan of zoom 3

Reuse for Housing

New Housing Building Commerce (1st and 2nd floors)

New ponds

New waterlines

Open Space

Pond + Square

Courtyard + Small pond

Dijle River

general structure

New Tower: Educational Facilities Student Residence

Common area

Common area Rooms

Agora Flexi Space

Parking bikes

GRAIN TOWARDS

THE VALLEY

FOOTHILL HEVERLEEBOS _ B

BRAM VIDTS

MARTIN ADRIEL PURNOMO

NGUYEN THAO PHAM

caption/image titles use - Avenir Next Demi Bold 14pt

captions and text use - Avenir Next 12 pt

GROUND SURFACE

The existing KU Leuven campus is car oriented, which equals a lot of impermeable and oversized surfaces for circulation and parking spaces. The different types of ground surfaces are precisely mapped to be able to have specific interventions. This has also allowed to calculate the minimum required density.

TREE FOLIAGE

By investigating satellite images, the tree foliage on the site and the surrounding area is mapped. The darker, the higher the tree. Big tree typologies become clear. A line of trees visually separates the site from the valley. Monumental bunches of trees are spread over the site. In one part, the line of trees tries to enter the site.

BUILDINGS' STRUCTURE

During our survey we learn that the site is disconnected from the valley due to multiple big constructions along the valley border. The structural analysis of the buildings provides an insight in how to open up the valley not only to the site, but also to the urban area across the railway. Rather than going towards the valley, the valley enters the site.

Ground Surfaces

Existing Buildings' Structure

SITE VISION

The design proposal is structured around some general ideas. The first one being a detailed reuse of existing (infra)structures. A precise mapping of the current situation allows for specific interventions centred around the idea of durability in terms of materials.

Then, to integrate the site into the surrounding fabric, three major moves structure the design vision. The Willem de Croylaan abruptly stops at the entrance of the site. This street now continues along the railway to provide access to the displaced logistics that used to be a barrier near the valley. The Herendreef is currently a straight axis flanked by beautiful trees. This boulevard will enter the valley to create a dense urban axis and a visual connection across the site. The street also connects the above laying campus to this site. Lastly, the swirly path in front of the library is continued to allow public access near the valley.

This vision hopes to create a lively and diverse part of the city of Leuven.

Section 2-2'

Section 1-1'

Section

Herendreef

WillemdeCroylaan

THE URBAN AXIS

CONNECTING URBAN AREA - THE CAMPUS AND THE VALLEY

ZOOM TISSUE 1

NGUYEN THAO PHAM

The main concept of this design is to create a physical as well as visual connection between the urban area, the campus and the valley, hence creating an urban axis leading to the valley. This high-density axis provides the survey site with various activities such as commercial, entertainment, space for events, offices and housing, etc. Furthermore, the design takes existing structures into consideration and aim to make the most use out of the existing structures/ tissues.

DISTRIBUTION DIAGRAM DURING DIFFERENT OCCASIONS

SECTION C-C'

FLOOR 1

FLOOR 2

FLOOR 3-4

FLOOR 5-6

FLOOR 7-8

FINGER OF THE VALLEY

ZOOM TISSUE 2

MARTIN ADRIEL PURNOMO

Extending nature by verdant fingers to direct the flow of people and generating activities toward the valley while blending the type of function, activities, and users to generate a sense of vibrant community.

The massing of the buildings are gradually smaller toward to the river to form more passages

Creating curb terraces to hold water and bioswale to optimise water retention in the site and putting trees along toward the river to absorb the water upward.

Water Story

Turning the Front

Turning the river to become the front of the project to celebrate the river and the valley as the natural advantage of the site surroundings by generating activities.

ICTS_An Urban Commons

ZOOM TISSUE 3

BRAM VIDTS

The rational structure of the ICTS building allows the current offices to be mixed with new residential and public functions. The building forms a common ground between two public axes. The precise mapping of ground surfaces, trees and structure results in a precise intervention, making as much use as possible of the existing.

The recent bird watching tower is thought to scare away rare water birds. It is removed and replaced by trees. The design proposal takes a step back and looks from a distance at the important sand catch.

Residential Day Night

Office/Logistics

Public Interest

Productive Space

Typologies in Plan + Section

The present corridor becomes a collective internal mode of circulation, connecting different residential zones, work places, public functions and the common rooms.

Axonometric view + Horizontal reach to the valley

Coexistence of the different functions within the same structure. A current glimpse of the valley is used to approach the sand catch, making use of the existing hard surfaces.

GLIMPSES OF THE VALLEY

FOOTHILLHEVERLEEBOS_C

ELLA HENS

UNNATI KHANDURI

ALFONSO NAVA

The Axonometric drawing shows the main public spaces of the design.

LINEARITY AND BOUNDARIES

There are different kinds of linear boundaries present on the site. Not only the buildings, but also the green structure along the river prohibits contact with the Dijle valley, which all follow the distinct terraced topography present on the site.

PLUVIAL FLOODING AND IMPERMEABILITY

Due to the terraced structure, the linearity of the existing buildings along these terraces, and the vast amount of impermeable surfaces, the site is prone to pluvial flooding. The linearity also creates a certain loss of direction, leading the visitor to nowhere specific along the existing buildings.

Linearity and boundaries

DESIGN CONCEPTS

The design responds to the analysis by enforcing the existing patterns of opening and closing of the buildings along the railway line, guided by the terraced structure, the new infiltration system to accommodate pluvial flooding and adaptive reuse of existing structures where possible. These principles guide the placement of new buildings.

Design concepts - 3 main guidelines

1. Shifting topography

2. New drainage system

3. Opening up (existing buildings)

Pluvial Flooding and Impermeability

Design Vision

SITE VISION

The goal of the design is to open the site up towards the valley by inversing and repeating the existing rhythm of opening and closing along the different terraces. Along the railway line, the existing wall along the Cardinaal Mercierlaan is continued through placing buildings, drops in topography, or vegetal boundaries, keeping only one entrance for the public to enter the site. Once inside, the bike path takes the visitor parallel to the different terraces, where it is possible to catch glimpses of the valley through openings in the tissue. On each terrace, there is a specific public space, functioning as an orientation point on the site. Here, people are invited to switch directions, and looking for visual or physical interaction with the valley. Each terrace has a different living environment, varying from private houses with collective gardens, student housing, to work/production meets housing, proposing a versatile living environment.

MULTITUDE OF POROSITY

ZOOM TISSUE 1

UNNATI KHANDURI

Existing urban boundaries have left our site lacking definitive direction. The urban square pulls people into the site, functioning as a starting point which provides guidance with in the urban tissue, overlooking the valley and redirecting focus . When stepping down towards the valley, housing complexes with collective gardens create a more private atmosphere for living.

Emerging new openness in the urban fabric, both in terms of built structures and allowing water

Site plan

By strategically integrating biofiltration gardens and housing units with collective gardens culminating in swales, a new tissue emerges. This intentional approach promotes water infiltration, enriching the permeability of constructed units and elevating the overall permeability of the urban fabric.

Section A- Nature based water managment system

Integrating bio-filtration basins and swales within the urban fabric strategically manages pluvial flooding.

Balcony and bridges for congregation and connections

Elevated bridges and balcony provide the transition from collective to private space and glimpse of valley.

BEYOND THE WALL

ZOOM TISSUE 2

ALFONSO NAVA LOPEZ

As we step down towards the valley, the typology of the tissue became more family oriented, it can be visually read first as a private/collective space that starts from the railway with a wall that guides the entrances through the patios, then it starts to open to a transition space and finally gets to a public view point park.

View of daily functions

The topography plays and important role on the viewpoint, creating a dynamic scenery with the wetland.

Grocery shop selling vegetables

View point wetland

From private to public /site plan

The housing units are connected through collective spaces indoor outdoor, housings with a view towards the valley and one collective garden that serves as a transitional space welcomes you to be part of the public space where you can sit on the slope and admire the valley

A-A'

Where the collective and public reunites

The wall at the front is a functional element where you can park your bike behind and it is intended to be a welcoming structure, where from the first sight you notice different sizes of buildings and trees that enhance your curiosity on what is beyond.

Section

TOWARDS THE RIVER

ZOOM TISSUE 3

ELLA HENS

Along the final terrace towards the valley, people are invited to interact with the river. This final major public space is connected to a network of smaller public spaces, creating a diverse living environment where housing goes hand in hand with production, education, logistics and recreation.

Different users

Students

Researchers

Families

Production

Logistics

Offices

(Top) The network of public spaces creates overlap between the different living environments.

(Top Right) An abstract representation of the network of public spaces in the transect.

THE CAMPUS FOREST

HEVERLEEBOS _ D

GAUTAMI MANISH KASAT

HOANG NGOC DIEU TRAN SANTOS ALBEIRO BLANDINO

Seasonal celebration of the pine and maple forest

THE TERRACES OF FORESTS

The site is surrounded by a various forests system, starting from the hill forest, then the garden forest, toward the valley, water and marsh forests. The site is acting as a connecting corridor and is now turning into a campus forest.

EXISTING VEGETATION

The site is divided into 3 big terraces, the first 2 on the south contained largely built components, with scattered vegetation system. The last terrace toward the river has an ecological corridor with a very thick vegetation system of marsh - water and trees.

ACTION PLAN

The existing programs on site included campus, admin and logistics.; the new addition program is housing. Most of the buildings on terrace 1 are retained and modified, and the footprint on terrace 2 is redesigned.

The terrace of forests

Accessible Grass Clearing

Inaccessible Grassland

Vegetation Barriers

Existing Trees

Dense Trees along the River

Dense Grassland along the River

Marshland

Marshland with dense Trees

Existing Buildings

Existing impermeable Kept buildings

Demolished buildings New footprints Entrance Campus Residence

Admin and Logistic Action plan vegetation

Marsh forest

Water forest

Campus forest

Garden forest

Hill forest

Section AA - Looking towards the Valley Campus Admin & Logistics Housing

SITE VISION

Nestled amidst diverse forest ecosystems like marshlands, swamps, and hills, the site envisions a transition campus forest in a terraced valley opening to the river. Purposefully designed for reflection, healing, and communion with the environment, it seamlessly integrates campus spaces, administrative functions, and housing.

The design focuses on introducing pine and maple forest areas, varying from thin to thick, promoting a stronger relationship with the river through a diverse mix of vegetation species. Embracing the seasonality and nobility of the forests, the proposal advocates a return to our fundamental connection with nature, encouraging a shift in urban form to allow the reclamation of space by forests.

This negotiation includes restoring the forest surface and crafting visions of expansive scenery through sloping typologies, open balconies, and hidden gardens. In essence, a harmonious blend fostering a connection between human activities and the natural environment that surrounds them.

Section BB - Looking from the Valley

Existing Trees

Proposed Trees

New Thick forest

New Moderate forest

New Thin forest

Marshland

Proposed Buildings

Existing Buildings

Vehicular Road

Cobble Trail

Rammed Earth Trail

River Biking Trail

Undefined Trails

THE CAMPUS FOREST ZOOM 1_FOREST OF

Section AA - Forest Elevation

Section BB - Forest Valley Section

Forested Terraces

Thick Pine forest with working pods + Rainwater barriers

River Forest + Viewing Decks

Thin Forest + Rainwater Barrier Grass Clearing + Green roof

Courtyard Housing

Standard Room - 15sq.m

Large room with Patio - 24sq.m

Studio room with Private Patio50sq.m

Family Studio with Private Balcony80sq.m

Garden Balconies

Utilities: Kitchen, Laundry, Toilets Common Spaces Circulation Core Corridors KUL Campus

FOREST OF REMEDY

ZOOM TISSUE 2

The healing comes in many forms toward human: strolling on the elevated lane through the branches, meditation walks under the high canopies or sitting in the pods among the quiet seasonal alley garden… It is also the healing spaces for the forest, where lights are turned away for its peaceful sleep at night, and water is being kept for the roots to thrive.

HOANG NGOC DIEU TRAN

The Rythm of forest - garden - building through each slice

Pines

Maple

Kept building

Proposed building

Grass slope

Elevated metal net lane

Walk-cycle soil trail

Cycle cobble trail

Sitting pod

Low bushes

Dense low vegetation

Elevated cycling lane Walk through the canopy

Garden of colors: Summer-Autumn

FOREST OF GATHERINGS

ZOOM TISSUE 3

SANTOS ALBEIRO BLANDINO

Fostering dynamic communities, the forest of gatherings seamlessly blends communal spaces, diverse housing units, and amenities to facilitate social cohesion. Simultaneously, it aims to forge a stronger connection between residents and nature through spaces for riverside admiration, forest camping, and seasonal harvests of apples, plums, cherries, and pears.

Section 1

Section 2

A thin forest community sheltered by a thick and moderate forest. 1. Elevated corridor - Continuous groundcover.

2. Garden terraces surrounded by forest.

through the forest 1

Looking

New Thick Forest

New Moderate Forest

New Thin Forest

Marshland

Proposed Buildings

Existing Buildings

Vehicular Road

Cobble Trail

Rammed Earth Trail

River Biking Trail

Undefined Trails

Existing Trees

New Pine Trees

New Maple Trees

Housingintheforest2

New apple, pear, cherry and plum trees

Key Spaces, Transversal Section & Strip

Promoting a life surrounded by forest.

Sitting pods & elevated walking trail

Gathering by the fire Harvest of fruits

Studio - 1 bedroom - 30m2Studio - 2 bedrooms - 45m2

▀▀ Common space

▀▀ Circulation core

▀▀ Commerce

▀▀ Office

▀▀ Sanitary Access point

Typical Student Housing - Upper Floors

▀▀ Shared Kitchen

▀▀ Shared Bathroom

▀▀ Student Std Room 14.5m2

▀▀ Studio - 1 bedroom 30-35m2

Housing complex - Ground floor Typical Section - Low RiseTypical Section - High Rise

The housing typologies are accommodated in low and high-rise building blocks that follow the same pattern with mixed-use ground floors. Meanwhile, the upper floors accommodate housing typologies for studios as well as standard student rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

POST-CAR FRONTIERS FOR THE LEUVEN UNIVER-CITY

Leuven, Belgium

Guests

External Jury Members

Yuri Gerrits, KU Leuven

Guido Geenen, KU Leuven, WIT architecten

Joris Moonen, KU Leuven, MIDI

Sarah Van de Velde, Bureau Bas Smets

Ward Verbakel, KU Leuven, PLUSOFFICE

Annelies De Nijs, Atelier Horizon

Cristian Panaïté, METAPOLIS

Els Van Meerbeek, KU Leuven, Carton123

Pieter Van den Broeck, KU Leuven

Ellen Verbiest, KU Leuven

Guest Lectures

Janina Gosseye, TU Delft

Yuri Gerrits, KU Leuven

Dr. Xiaoxuan Lu, University of Hong Kong

Fadi Masoud, University of Toronto

Mircea Munteanu, METAPOLIS

Thomas Willemse, Studio Thomas Willemse

Projects visits

Korbeek winners - Els Van Meerbeek, Carton123

Centrale Werkplaatsen - Tom Boogaerts, &bogdan

De Drie Kreeften - Roeland Joosten, WIT Architecten

Teaching Team

Mircea Munteanu, affiliation

Teodora Romanova Stefanova, OSA Research Group, KU Leuven

Thomas Willemse, affiliation

Kelly Shannon, KU Leuven

Bruno De Meulder, KU Leuven

Stakeholders Exercise

Pieter Van den Broeck, KU Leuven

Student Groups

FOOTHILL HEVERLEEBOS

- MAHS/MAULP 1

Group A

Alireza Mirshekari

Janno Delissen

Giuliana Paola Palaez Rodriguez

Group B

Bram Vidts

Pham Nguyen Thao

Martin Adriel Purnomo

Group C

Ella Hens

Alfonso Nava Lopez

Unnati Khanduri

Group D

Gautami Manish Kasat

Santos Albeiro Blandino

Ngoc Dieu Tran Hoang

FOOTHILL GROENVELD

- MAHS/MAULP 1

Group A

Tom Van Laer

Praveenkumar Paramagourou

Asmae El Rhazi

Group B

Huijun Liu

Trang Minh Thuy Nguyen

Group C

Gayane Maes

Saba Asir Khan

Bezawit Tekle Gasso

SWAENENBERGH SITE

- MAULP 2

Group A

Verma Harshika

Paola Salvatierra Castro

Saran Maiprasert

Group B

Alexia Chalouli

Sri Keshava Tanguturi

Radhika Rishi

Group C

Eva Clara Atcheson

Tanvi Rajesh Belhekar

Group D

Ria Das

Junyao Su

GASTHUISBERG

- MAHS/MAULP 1

Group A

Elton Kibet Birir

Konstantina Nikoletta Karasarini

Yuhan Dong

Group B

Fatima Akman

Maha Abumaria

Yingjie Li

Group C

Dimitra Makraki

Alexa Gomez Custodio

Jinhao Cen

Group D

Radhika Somani

Victor Hugo Martinez Perez

Irene Gracia Aranda

GALGENBERG

- MAULP 2

Group A

Angelos Chouliaras

Muyleng Heng

Lamia Farhat

Group B

Marie Meurice

Javier Eduardo Lazarte Remisio

Vu Linh Chi Duong

Group C

Kato Belmans

Kshipra Mangesh Deolalkar

Group D

Supanut Udomsilaparsup

Zhang Yalan

Paedar MacCarthy

Booklet Layout & Editing

Mircea Munteanu

Teodora Romanova Stefanova

Thomas Willemse

Khalda El Jack

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

MASTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

MASTER OF URBANISM LANDSCAPE AND PLANNING