Sint-Gillisvoorplein

The Voorplein (Parvis) in Saint-Gilles connects successive monuments with a sequence of parks. A study of the topography and activity on the square, resulted in a design based on 5 parallel strips, which reposition the church back on the forecourt and create a recognizable and flexible space that can be used for many different purposes. Bureau Bas Smets will make maximum use of, and recycle, already available materials and trees as part of the project strategy. The existing blue stone tiles have been cut in half and inserted between the new granite paving. The architects decided to preserve any healthy trees and further enhanced the square with 8 new trees, some of which are surrounded by a round bluestone bench. The forecourt is reserved for pedestrians providing a surface free from obstacles such as fixed elements. Numerous activities can now spontaneously take place. The forecourt thus acts as an open and recognisable intersection that reinforces the existing landscape structures.

This text is based on the project text provided by the architects.