Ardoyen UGent

The project provides a spatial framework to facilitate the future opportunities for the next decade of the site.

location . Technologiepark Zwijnaarde, Gent (BE)
client . University of Ghent, Buildings and Facilities Management Directorate
timing . 2023-2024 (study)

type . masterplan

program . infrastructure, park vision, landscape design

As part of the "UGent Verbeeldt 2050" vision,
a campus plan is being developed for the Ardoyen campus. The plan addresses existing issues while highlighting the area's urban potential. The landscape design focuses on creating a cohesive green space that evolves with natural planting. A grid-based tree structure is proposed to link the campus with its surrounding landscape, enhancing the campus’s connection to the rich tree-lined edges, allowing users to feel integrated with the natural environment.

In 2007, Place Flagey and Sainte-Croix were redesigned by Latz & Partners and D+A International. The former parking lot was replaced by a meeting place for young and old and evolved into a vibrant urban meeting place and events square. Although the square is actively used, there is an increasing demand for additional green spaces that take into account heat stress, water storage and biodiversity challenges. 

The design proposal builds on the guiding principles of the initial design and the idea of greenery around a central open space, referring to the historic ponds in the Maelbeek valley. This new ‘green layer’ for the two squares includes around 2.000m2 of extra green space and the planting of around 60 new trees. The new green areas also function as rain gardens for buffering excess rainwater. The planting areas of the existing trees will also be revised to improve growing conditions (drainage, substrate, aeration) The municipality of Ixelles and the Brussels Region foresee the construction of the project in 2024.