IN THE OUTSKIRTS OF BRUXELLES, BUDA STATION
Located on the outskirts of the city in a wasteland, the site has natural qualities, highly prized by inhabitants of the suburbs. Vegetation already present is a comfort and representative of the quality of life.
The challenge of a program such as a relay station is to connect different types and scales of connections. Meshing is important here. The flows are ordered hierarchically but still must cross without disrupting the rhythm of each, or the quality of the life nearby. The new district related to the station welcomes in its whole more than 200 homes. In the West, 138 units are available in group of 90 units / Hectares. Reuse the concrete blocks fences bordering the site is a way to interpret this cheap material as a connector rather than a barrier.
The semi-open blocks typology permit to both protect and offer a quiet courtyard in a complex and poluted network. It provides an interiority while giving views as far as possible. This also allows passers-by to take some more quiet paths. The central space in the heart of the block can accommodate its inhabitants in an semi-public park that offers a protected space from nuisances. The ground-floors include grocery shops and offices to give the neighborhood a good autonomy. The proximity of the station is the major asset of the area enabling residents to enjoy the quality of life of the suburb, while remaining connected to the city center. Vegetable gardens are offered to the privates living in collective housing who do not possess private gardens.
Vegetable gardens for collective housing and fast bicycle lanes on old train tracks
Waiting for the train in a green house station
Bird view of the housing and the train station
