An old branch of the River Jeker had become derelict and covered in the past. The city of Tongeren had the ambition to make the old historic riverbed visible and tangible again. Our aim for the project was to use the disclosure to reconstruct the former river valley within the city and add new value to an UNESCO heritage site. The guideline was the restoration of natural functions combined with experiences. The underlying idea was to focus on transition by connecting with the forgotten past and surroundings to reestablish old key values. To breathe new life into a place where the city had turned its back on the river.
The project is the result of a successful collaboration between various governmental institutions and administrations that took part in a strong ‘design and process-driven’ project. It’s an example of the interdisciplinary approach that we at Sweco and BUUR Part of Sweco as designers, planners and engineers practice. Within a complex assignment and constellation of actors, involving many disciplines and partners, design was key. Not only to carry the goals and ambitions through all the steps of evaluations and decision making but also to clearly communicate the core message throughout the entire process. With visual power both stakeholders and the general public were involved in an intensive journey with a compelling story that was feasible and technically substantiated. From survey through masterplan and design to execution, the entire process was completed in the short lead-time of 5 years and with 90% of the masterplan already realized.
The rich contrasts between the old city and the natural environment was used as a design principle. The riverbed has a hard urban and a soft natural bank. A recreational park with water features and natural areas was created along the river and the old Roman and medieval ramparts as it opens up the door to natural treasures and outdoor qualities in the nearby natural reserve ‘De Kevie’ and brings it within reach of the people of Tongeren and visitors. A set of new bridges rebounds the city with the park and living areas on the other side of the valley. Existing Community gardens were integrated into the valley and city life.
The Jeker as a river is just as atypical as the city of Tongeren. A former Roman city based on the banks of a river mainly watered by rainfall. Therefor the water flow varies greatly according to the whims of the weather gods and the seasons, the extent of human water management and the impact of climate changes. Flow control on the different branches regulates the flow and rate of the river to prevent flooding and shortage of water. Fish ladders in the course of the river make upstream fish migration possible again.
In a bend of the river, comfortably nestled against the old ramparts of ‘Kastanjewal’ a ‘Water Square’ follows the natural contours of the terrain and forms an open meeting space with a lowered amphitheater centered around the experience of water in all its forms. It makes the vital role of water tangible and visible and forms a safe and controlled water environment for all ages and as the ‘heart’ of the park a new focal point at the foot of the old city. It is visually linked to the Jeker without actually being connected to it. In summer it’s being used as a play fountain while in winter it can be transformed into an ice-skating pond. Ultimately, when the entire water system of the city center will be remediated, it will be fed by clean rainwater flowing down the hill, but in the meantime it’s still being fed by tap water.
In conjunction with the disclosure of more than 1 km of riverbed and redesign of a park as part of a river valley, the opportunity was taken to reduce the amount of hard covered surfaces linked to a new vision on mobility. Existing roads throughout the park and parking lots were removed, alternatives were sought in the surroundings or partly moved to the edges to be integrated into a new distribution system for the entire city center. Covered surfaces with no further use were removed and transformed into water surfaces and green open spaces with footpaths and bicycle lane that form the starting point for many cycling and hiking routes. Meanwhile a new fresh wind blew through the streets of the lower city with a new circulation plan in function which emphasizes on heritage, the residential character and safe school environments.
After more than 60 years the Jeker flows again through the oldest city of Belgium instead of past it. The area and its surroundings has become a revitalized meeting area with open spaces for recreation and retreat that can fully play its key role as a central park within the city and a vital link in the valley which makes it a good example of how water can give the transition towards climate adaptation and quality of life a solid boost in historic city centers. By means of a significant improvement of the public domain linked with local mobility.
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Location: Kastanjewal, Tongeren, Belgium. 50° 77’ 72,61’’ N 5° 46’ 58,30’’ E
Design year: 2015 – 2020
Year Completed: 2020
