BRIDGING SOCIAL GAPS

1. The general functional division of the site

delimitations according to:- natural barriers (river, sea front, topography) - artificial barriers (roads)- different use of land

Reading of the site

2. Connections / disconnections

- the flows of people and directions of movement- no interaction between the different areas

Reading of the site

Reading of the site

3. The present points of interest

-the commercial spaces are grouped along the waterfront or in the market area, causing certain paths which cross the housing districts

Concept and strategies

4. Dealing with proximity

- To improve social cohesion, we suggest giving people the opportunity to work close to their homes, getting to know better their neighbours

Concept and strategies

5. Means of social cohesion

- Improving interaction both inside the limits of the housing neighbourhoods and between these different “cells” would mean making people communicate on different levels

Concept and strategies

6. New social networks and directions of interaction

-The present empty zone becomes the focal point of the whole area, the element that brings people together, connecting inhabitants, students and teachers from the academy, people from the neighbouring areas and tourists.

- the method for achieving this will not be by building more, but by giving NEW USE to the land, by adding a layer of multifunctional meaning to a currently deserted area.

Concept and strategies

7. Perforating barriers

-another important modification would be removing the northern harbor, so that the people living on the upper side of the neighbourhood won’t feel the pressure of living in a transitional area anymore; in this way, they will feel more secure and more in charge of their territory and wouldn’t feel the same need to build fences and protect themselves from outsiders

Interventions

Interventions

Interventions – the big picture

Interventions – a closer look

Interventions

Interventions

Context

Examples, references

Examples, references

Examples, references

1. Waterfront park in south Baltimore2,3. Park Bercy, Paris4,5. Park Spoor Noord, Antwerpen