Rainbow Square, Waregem by Sweco bv

Waregem, Rainbow Square
A New Entrance for the City and Stadium
Until recently, this space was merely an asphalt parking area, primarily serving the football stadium. With the arrival of an office building, a hotel, two apartment buildings, and the renovation of the football stadium, the site has undergone a complete transformation from single-use (parking) to a highly dynamic and flexible space. On home match days for Essevee, the area often sees more than 12,000 people moving around its immediate vicinity. On other days, this newly created public space serves as a pleasant and high-quality meeting and recreational area for passers-by, visitors, and residents of Waregem.

The site is located along the ring road of Waregem (R35). Travelers driving from the E17 towards the center of Waregem automatically pass by this site. Waregem had the ambition to turn this square into a landmark as the gateway to the city. Given the dense presence of buildings on the site, we had to maximize greenery in our design.

The Asphalt Expanse Undergoes a Climate Transition
In the new design, the area is cleared of car traffic and is only accessible to emergency services and TV broadcast trucks for live reporting during home matches. The paved area previously measured 8,000m², while in the new design, it totals 5,850m², of which 1,600m² are permeable grass concrete tiles. The extra width needed for emergency services access and the zone for TV broadcast trucks has been paved with grass concrete tiles in a tight pattern of 50% concrete and 50% grass. The net hardscape has been reduced by almost 50%, providing maximum space for rainwater infiltration.

The primary aim is to retain as much rainwater on-site as possible. Rainwater falling on the pavement flows towards the wadi where it can be buffered and infiltrated. When the water level is too high, it flows through special stormwater drains into the rainwater sewer. The zone required for emergency services has been paved with grass concrete tiles utilizing permeable foundations to maximize water infiltration into the ground.

Subtle Design
The design of the site was determined by analyzing the expected walking routes of the masses of supporters during home matches in combination with responding to the architecture/design of various buildings. Thus, the organic yet sleek design emerged, featuring a play of lines, materials, shapes, pavements, and greenery. For integral accessibility, the benches are easily and comfortably reachable due to the use of closed stone in the same format as the grass concrete tiles.

Other credits: Clients:
Stad Waregem

more by Sweco

Nieuwstraat Brussels by Sweco bv

Wenduine, Neighborhood Park Benjamin – Spioenkop by Sweco bv

Wonderwoud by Sweco bv

Forecourt be-MINE Beringen – Limburg

Markt Gavere

Renovated city park ‘De Motten’ with disclosure of the River Jeker in Tongeren