Emma Bergdoll & Maxence Lefevre & Marie Marty

The project is located in Chênée, on the edge of Liège, on a former industrial site next to Chênée train station and along the river Vesdre. Once dedicated to factories, the land has been remediated and is now ready to host new urban functions. However, the catastrophic floods of 2021 strongly marked the site, underlining the urgent need to rethink its relationship with water. 

Historically, in the 19th century, the area was shaped by a network of canals and small islands that allowed water to circulate more freely. This historical memory inspired the project’s first principle: give back space to water. Rather than resisting floods, the design anticipates their recurrence and integrates water as a structuring element of the landscape. Open spaces, floodable areas, and ecological corridors are introduced to both mitigate risks and enhance the quality of the site. 

The second principle is to create functions that respond to local needs. While schools are located nearby, there is a lack of large-scale sports facilities in the district. The project therefore proposes a strong recreational and athletic program: a swimming pool, an athletics track, and complementary public facilities. These spaces are not only designed to serve local communities but also to connect into a wider network of sports facilities within the surrounding area. 

Finally, the site’s strategic position near the train station, major bus routes, and key road connections makes it an ideal location for a mixed-use development. The project introduces housing and office spaces to create an active, attractive neighborhood, where living, working, and recreation coexist.

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