The Nieuwstraat serves as an urban spine for the largest commercial hub in the Brussels Region and urgently needs revitalization. To address this, the city of Brussels commissioned a masterplan, offering a comprehensive vision of the city center project area, and a full study for the redesign of a commercial and public space. Various ongoing and future projects already indicate that this area is transitioning towards a new urban district.
The masterplan transforms the former mono-functional office district, characterized by large unapproachable buildings, into a mixed neighborhood with housing, public amenities, and services. This renewal is a crucial link in the city’s overall transformation. At the same time, the “Nieuwstraat” must serve as a high-quality urban axis that connects different places in the city, accommodating various pedestrian activities and flows. It functions not merely as a shopping corridor but as an activator for the entire district.
The masterplan results from a balanced, inclusive participation process and facilitates the axis’ transformation into a complete neighbourhood. This ambition is framed within several urban planning principles and translated into three detailed concepts for the public space redevelopment:
1. The articulation of places
The street, featuring a strong longitudinal axis, subtly differentiates places with varying pedestrian flows and dynamics while the original design emphasizes the length of the street, thus creating a tunnel effect. A lack of benches, greenery and other stimuli make the street unattractive, and the street empties quickly after shopping hours.
The challenge was to find a design based on the existing structure of this street, considering its role in the northern district. Addressing its unique qualities, rhythms and dynamics by offering a structure including a succession of squares with seating areas, space for greenery and water.
Its historical heritage forms a cultural, social and architectural inspiration source that must continue to be developed in the future. The benchmarks between various routes for shoppers and other users are emphasized by urban attractions (magnets), such as landmarks, public buildings & squares. But also by sources (pushers), such as public transportation hubs. This rich range of possible routes enhances the attractiveness of the district.
2. Resilient public space
Previously devoid of greenery, Nieuwstraat’s new design must respond to climate adaptation needs. A shopping street typically requires a high degree of pavement since walking routes scatter in every direction, logistical accesses and emergency services’ reachability must be maintained and events in all forms will take place. The claim on space is substantial.
Responding to climate challenges requires layered greenery: trees, vegetation, water, … Trees are always a good answer, both in terms of biodiversity and experience and urban tree structures connect places spatially and ecologically. Introducing layered planting unfortunately is not as straightforward.
The selection of suitable paving materials, such as cut granite cobblestones, was crucial for continuity with the historical center, easy maintenance, and comfortable pedestrian use. These materials provide subtle color and structure variations. Accents were laid in the pattern with brass plates, emphasizing historical lines, marking walking patterns and indicating events. This choice of material also contributes to sustainability since recycling is still possible.
3. Secure public and logistic space
Safety and logistics are primary considerations in urban redevelopment. The lighting research of this street began with a functional layer aligned with the city’s plan, followed by scenographic lighting from a nocturnal perspective, highlighting both important city magnets, pushers and urban structures.
Hospitality played a key role in evening attractiveness, requiring space for terraces along walking paths. The activation of upper floors for commerce, offices, hospitality, and housing further boosts the area’s attractiveness.
Additionally, a solution for logistics was sought. Together with the city a pilot project that focused on sustainable transport from urban distribution centers, storageplaces, deliveries during the construction, implementation of pickup points, adjustment of delivery hours, and a waste plan for the buildings, were developed.
• All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape:
SWECO + Latz&Partners
• Other credits:
in collaboration with Atelier Ruimtelijk Advies & Idea Consult
