M.Sc. Transforming City Regions / Integrated Project II - Engage for Change

RWTH Aachen University MSc. Transforming City Regions Integrated Project II

Engage for Change Ghent Old Dockyard & Afrikalaan Neighborhood

Athena Akbari

Riya Mandal

Seher Ulusoy

Tugce Iratci

INDEX Analysis a. b.

Structural analysis Social and environmental analysis

Framework a. b. c. a. b. c.

Stakeholders installation Programmatic Vision Current Site Conditions vs Planning by Sogent & OMA Heritage & Landmarks Energized Land Use to Energized Interior Case Studies

Vision a. b. c.

a.

b.

Master Plan Development phases Concept of spontaneity Unit level spontaneity (Design of Spontaneous order for residential development) Residential artery i. Unit structural specification and samples ii. Unit Orientation Strategies Public space / Main artery design i. Art & Cultural centre design

ANALYSIS

Structural Analysis

Greeneries around Old Dock Green infrastructure needs more growth to create a lively neighborhood, e.g. grass areas, parks with small-scale plants and community based gardens.

Sustainable Mobility Implementations Lack of bicycle parks, bicycle services, car sharing spots and charging stations emerges the need of sustainable mobility. E.g. wellconnected cycling and walking paths.

Mobility Infrastructure New stops for public transportation and main cycling routes, water public transportation and more pedestrian connections needs to be strengthen.

Sport Activities Volleyball, skating, outside fitness, football areas will take place in the neighborhood.

Proposing a multi purpose sports area invites the ‘sport community’ to the site and trigger further development of economy around activities.

Health Facilities The Old Dock proposal should contain the facilities to follow the homogeneously distributed pattern. Two Child and Family center and two Lokal Service Centers are located close to the site.

Education Facilities The adjacent neighborhoods have 3-4 primary schools, 1-2 secondary schools, and art education school. Proposed exhibition areas and school at dockyard support a stronger connection between education facilities and society.

Social & Environmental Analysis

Actors & Stakeholders Installation / Execution-Connection-Action

Actors and Stakeholders in Afrikalaan + Process

Actions by,

Step I: Initial Memorandum searches answers for area layout, zoning options, environmental effects of new development. By municipal spatial planning committee (GECORO) ,the relevant Flemish authority provincial advisory bodies screen for advices and comments.

Step II: Process memorandum lifts preliminary draft and consultation with public inquiry. Municipal council and planning team present proposal to board of mayor before publication. “bringing together the right partners with the right ideas”

FRAMEWORK

Programmatic Vision & Framework The framework of the Afrikalaan neighborhood project is combination of short term and long term initiatives, absolutely necessary and as follows-

In a society we are only stronger together, no hierarchy is recommended. Selfsustainable economy & public participation is current trends of urban projects. Nature based solutions to be verified and integrated to the built environment.

Concepts like inclusionary zoning, circular economy are some of key ideas for the project.

Site Conditions / OMA Proposal / IP Proposal

VISION

Engage for Change

Public Use and Open Spaces

Landmarks & Connections

From Lines and Nodes to Energized Land Use

Energized Land Use to Energized Interior The afrikalaan neighborhood consists of industrial lands at great percentage since early 19th century which is not vibrant anymore. The units and their surrounding spaces need to be more activated, socially vigorous for locals as well as visitors.

Case Studies

Master Plan

Development Phases

Spontaneity at Neighborhood Level

Neighborhood Development Unit Conceptual Structure

Ground Floor Conceptual Site Plan & Section

Residential Artery A detailed cross section has been shown highlighting important site barriers and proposal of OMA & Afrikalaan neighborhood project. Also, sketch of the perspective view from one of the residential building located at south Afrikalaan has been showcased projected towards northern green open space and residential spaces.

A’

V1

A View V1

Section AA’

Unit Development / Southern Unit Sample

Ground Floor Plan

Mid-Floor Plan

Unit Orientation Test and Facade Strategies

Public Spaces - Main Artery B

A large section of Afrikalaan neighborhood site which showcases the essence of the project and horizontal-vertical built unbuilt space relations at the site. A nice sketch from the central neighborhood towards the marketplace, sport complex, cultural hub, expo building has been visualized. In short, one can get an impression of the effectivity of public spaces in the project.

V2

B’

View V2

Section BB’

Unit Development

Art & Culture Centre

This building is designed as one of the significant identifier of Afrikalaan neighborhood in the near future. The six floored height of the building will allow witnessing nice repetitive view of port, train station, public space including neighborhood from various levels unlike other buildings at the vicinity.