The Rives Ardentes project is an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming a former industrial site into a model eco-district for sustainability and urban innovation. This project is a result of Liège’s bid to host an international exhibition in 2017, where the site of Coronmeuse was chosen as the location for the expo. Although Liège was not selected to host the expo, the authorities of the City of Liège decided to continue the dialogue to develop Coronmeuse into a sustainable eco-district.
The main focus of the project is residential development, with 1,325 units of HQE (High Environmental Quality) construction. One of the key characteristics of the project is the diversity of housing types, including apartments, single-family houses, co-housing, multi-generational housing, waterfront houses, and urban lofts. The range of housing options will cater to different needs, with sizes ranging from a minimum of 65m² to a maximum of 140m².
The site will feature local shops, restaurants, and businesses that promote short supply chains and local production. Other services such as hotels, assisted living facilities, childcare centers, community centers, covered organic markets, urban gardens, and bike repair workshops will also be available.
Car circulation on the site is strictly limited to maintenance service, with underground parking facilities provided for inhabitants and visitors.
The 4-hectare Astrid Park is extended to a 6 ha fully renovated and expanded urban park, featuring sports facilities, wellness installations, playgrounds, quiet areas with fountains, water features, and paddling pools. The Equerre building within the park will be refurbished and repurposed as a daycare center, community center, and changing rooms for park users.
The waterfront areas along the Darse and Meuse rivers will be revitalized with boardwalks and riverfront esplanades. The Darse will be transformed into a marina with around 100 yacht berths, a marina office with hospitality services, and waterfront studio homes.
To enhance connectivity, two pedestrian bridges have been built to link the Saint-Léonard neighborhood to the eco-district. A tiered beach area is created at the head of the Darse, near the marina office.
The Grand Palais building, with its impressive dimensions, will undergo complete renovation while respecting its architectural composition and original materials. It will be repurposed as a market for organic products, a bookstore, and organic restaurants. The rooftop of the Grand Palais will be converted into an urban rooftop garden that will supply the organic market. The surrounding area will house an elementary school, and the main building will be transformed into a multi-sports hall.
Sustainability is a key focus, with low-energy buildings that use environmentally friendly materials and clean technologies. The eco-district will offer a variety of housing options to meet the needs of different demographic groups, while promoting social diversity.
Special attention is given to the development of public green spaces, increasing urban biodiversity and providing residents with outdoor relaxation and meeting areas. These green spaces will also play a crucial role in stormwater management, thanks to natural infiltration and water recovery systems, reducing the impact on the sanitation network and contributing to flood prevention.
The project’s mobility plan prioritizes sustainable transportation, with the creation of cycling paths and pedestrian lanes, reducing car dependence and improving air quality. The implementation of a tram line will connect the eco-district to the city center, facilitating access to services and enhancing its integration into the urban fabric.
The Rives Ardentes project in Liège stands out for its significant qualitative results: improving the quality of life through increased green areas, enhancing social cohesion through diverse housing options, innovative stormwater management promoting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable mobility with dedicated spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, thereby reducing air and noise pollution.
In terms of quantitative results, the Rives Ardentes project aims to promote urban sustainability. It includes the transformation of 10,750 m² of roads into pedestrian areas and parks, as well as the addition of 6,500 m² of greenery. The water management is innovative, with complete on-site infiltration of rainwater to prevent flooding. Planting 17,000 shrubs, 527 trees, 40,100 perennial plants, and 94,000 bulbs will enrich biodiversity. Over 1,300 eco-energy-efficient housing units, public facilities, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, as well as a tram line, are planned to reduce car usage and emissions.
Project category you wish to submit to: Bridges & Piers; Campus; Residential; Post-Industrial
Architecture offices involved in the design: Syntaxe, Artau, Altiplan and Atelier du Sart Tilman
Location: Astrid Park, Quai de Wallonie, 4000 Liège
Design year: 2017-2019
Year Completed: 2024
