Port of Brussels

The large industrial zone in the centre of Brussels is going to be redeveloped in the coming years. In collaboration with a large team, karres+brands drew up a master plan for the area, which is owned by the Port of Brussels and has always been used for logistical and industrial purposes. Directly adjacent to the property are the large former postal building of Tour & Taxis and the former Maritime Station, once the largest railway station in Europe.

The assignment includes the preparation of a master plan with guidelines and rules for the urbanisation of the site. A new logistics warehouse will be designed, where in addition to workshops and office space, there will also be the possibility to add Europe's urban farm - above the roof. This urban farm is publicly accessible via stairs and a bridge connecting to public transport areas. The farm, which houses a café and offers stunning views over the city, is the ultimate ‘urban experience' in the heart of the industrial zone. The new logistics building could be an important stepping stone to further opening the Port of Brussels site to the public. 

An image quality plan has been drawn up for two subdivided business zones. This plan is based on the principle of the ‘shared business block', where several smaller development units within a set of (established) rules make up a large block. This block refers to the large logistics buildings and old station halls in the vicinity. There is thus a clear distinction between ‘hard’ rules, and ‘soft’ rules in the form of recommendations that should serve as inspiration for the architect, developer and homebuilder. The shared business block marks the transition between the very large buildings (former, present and new) and the smaller buildings in the immediate area, including the newly built apartment complexes in the Tour & Taxis zone. 

With the design of the public space, the commercial and park zones are connected to the harbour area’s atmosphere, and more specifically to the Tour & Taxis site. A combined green and mineral (stone) world serves as the basis for the landscape and public space within the project area.

In addition, the project includes the renovation of a little old station building into a restaurant / café. This building represents the ‘heart’ of the project and adds a human scale to the industrial giants and vast scenic areas. The design of the public space around the old station hall will connect with the building’s characteristics.