In early 2018, the City of Vilvoorde acquired the former ASIAT military site, located in an industrial context along the Zenne River. The redevelopment of this 60,000 m² site was entrusted to Plant en Houtgoed in collaboration with 51N4E. In 2023, the DARSE site—a vacant plot on the opposite bank of the Zenne—was added to the project area. Thanks to years of non-intervention management, both sites have developed high ecological value, characterized by spontaneous vegetation, rich biodiversity, and a distinct immersive atmosphere.

From the outset of the project—which spans from master planning to execution and long-term management—the existing, spontaneously grown nature was not seen as an obstacle but embraced as a foundational asset. The initial phase focused on activating the site through temporary uses: community gardens, cultural festivals, a summer bar, skate initiatives, and other collective activities provided access and meaning to the space. This temporary programming was supported by targeted spatial interventions, including the creation of access routes, lighting, nature-inclusive measures, and signage.

In parallel with this temporary use, a long-term spatial framework was developed, emphasizing the removal of excessive hard surfaces, the integration of water management strategies (infiltration, retention), and ecological enrichment. Populations of valuable native species were introduced to strengthen the existing ecosystem. This approach illustrates how nature can act as a driving force in urban renewal processes—both in temporary and permanent phases.

Following the completion of the design and implementation stages, Plant en Houtgoed also took on the coordination of the greenery management. This management is not purely technical but functions as an extension of the design itself. By guiding and making room for natural processes, biodiversity is enhanced, and the distinctive atmosphere is maintained and further developed. This methodology positions maintenance as an active, formative part of the design discourse—a central pillar in our Design by Maintenance approach.

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