For the redevelopment of the Slachthuiswijk LOLA, Sweco and Posad Maxwan made a new design, commissioned by AG Vespa, for the public space in this Antwerp area. The Slachthuiswijk will become a green district with housing, recreation, services and businesses as main functions. The redevelopment concerns both new and existing public spaces, of which the concept design has recently been approved by the Antwerp City Council.
The concept design was preceded by an extensive participation process with the area’s residents. The Slachthuiswijk will be a car-free neighbourhood with a focus on pedestrians and cyclists. In our design we turn the public space into a real green ‘connector’. The new and existing areas are connected via green playing, sporting and meeting zones.
In the public space design each zone has its own unique character. In one you mainly see children playing, while elsewhere there is space for resting and relaxation. All will blend via the streets, paths and squares, and via the planting. In addition to the existing trees, many new trees will be planted. The planting not only connects the various zones, but it also provides protection against heat, wind and noise. All this greenery in the area makes you feel as if you are in a piece of urban nature.
This urban nature also provides better protection against flooding and drought. Adding green space means that water penetrates the soil more easily. At the same time, in various places the water is used as an element of play. By the end of 2021, the final design of the public space will be completed. LOLA remains to be involved up to the implementation phase.
