Buurtpark Munthof

The layout of the Munthof neighbourhood park, designed by the landscaping and urban development office Cluster, filled in one of the final remaining spaces in Antwerp’s inner city.

The design for a new park is based on two spatial principles: the creation of an architectural frame and differentiating the use of the public space. The garden fences are designed as fully-fledged architectural façades, acting like a face to the park. The articulation of the outer walls consists of three spatial components: wide bays with benches, small bays with patio doors and plant boxes, and vertical support bears as a carrier for a pergola construction. This creates a differentiated facade with a strong rhythmic articulation.

The park is divided into three complementary public spaces with their own characters: a slightly raised walkway among Muntstraat and preschool, a private park area with solitary trees, and an urban square with horeca. Two sides of the park are defined by a covered walkabout under a wisteria-covered pergola construction.

This enclosed space provides a social environment for the local residents: it is where children play football, passers-by stop for a rest and youngsters study, and where the elderly residents from the nearby rest home take a stroll. In addition, a pavilion designed by Radar Architects houses a branch of The School of Life, which organises workshops on the theme of ‘good ideas for everyday life’.

This text is based on an article by Bart Tritsmans, published in Flanders Architectural Review N°12: Tailored Architecture.