Allee du Kaai

Two storage sheds and a plot of wasteland temporarily became the playground of Muriel Claeys, Brussels Cooperation, Oiseaux Sans Tête and Toestand, who submitted a project in response to the public invitation to tender issued by the department of environment for Materialenkaai. Although the name suggests otherwise, not a lot of new material was used for the project at Materialenkaai. The storage sheds were cleaned, benches made from recycled materials were installed and graffiti was retained to introduce a ‘local flavour’. The two sheds and plot of wasteland were the paltry leftovers that were meant to inspire an enjoyable experience at Allee du Kaai. This project mainly creates opportunities and infrastructure for its target audience of 16- to 25-year olds. Focused on sports, games and training, the sheds now provide space for boxers, skaters and Capoeira lessons. The small shed was transformed into a construction and wood workshop and homework classes were set up in an abandoned bus. The plot of wasteland that will be upgraded into a park still has the feeling of freedom associated with a playground.

This project was opened on the occasion of the 2017 Day of Architecture.