Gabrielle Jacob

The project is part of the Masterplan's strategy to create transversal landscape connections between the river and the hillsides. It is located at the heart of a chain of parks that links Cointe Park, passes through Halkin Park (the only park in Sclessin), and extends to the Sart Tilman hill via a cable car. An analysis of Halkin Park reveals that the living spaces are fragmented (due to the railway barrier and football fields) and that the existing park entrances lack identity and quality. 

The sports area is relocated and expanded to the western edge of the park, allowing the vast park to unfold, now equipped with a new pedestrian bridge for active mobility. 

A unique house, available for purchase, offers an opportunity to establish a new cultural hub, designed around activities already present in Sclessin, such as those organized by the neighborhood committee, the youth center, library, and exhibition space. These functions, which can extend into the park, are currently in spaces with limited light and inadequate size. 

This new cultural hub ensures the park’s vitality and creates a new northern entrance, establishing a sensitive connection to the neighboring residential area. The entrance, located at the intersection of two streets, has become a public square, which acts as a transition from the street level to the park. The preserved house becomes the main entrance to the building, with each function having its own entry. 

The flexibility of the building allows for space modulation according to the activities. A cultural space, with a foyer and exhibition room, activates the street, while the library and ludotheque overlook the park with their own private garden under a canopy, providing a peaceful place to read. The youth center and multipurpose hall, both open to the garden, encourage outdoor creativity and play.