Urban redevelopment project
Beveren | 2009
“Warande Shopping” in Beveren has been transformed into a prestigious new housing and shopping complex.
The aim of this project was to energise the various functions of the centre and offer the residents of Beveren and its suburbs an alternative to the nearby shopping centres of Sint-Niklaas and Antwerp.
Multifunctional project in a shop and stroll circuit
Design Agency BURO II planned the new commercial area as a shop and stroll circuit. In addition to the shops (8,532 m² in total), the new project also has space for 43 new apartments, a central square and a public garden. The underground car park has 275 parking spaces and several larger stores (2,755 m²).
Sustainable integration in the urban environment
BURO II took the existing context into account in every stage of the design process. Particular attention was paid to maintaining the quality of both the spatial and visual aspects when designing this public space.
The materials were chosen with care, to seamlessly integrate the new project into the existing environment. “Warande-straat and the central square were paved in the same material - a light grey natural stone - as the footpaths of the surrounding streets which were also repaved.
Key concepts of the design: interplay of lines, clarity and serenity, affordability
The backbone of the design is formed by the new northeast-southwest connection running between the Market and Vrasenestraat.
BURO II placed several resting places along this axis: a central square with creative, quirky seating, a public garden, a broadened curve with a café terrace and an entrance area with escalators to the underground spaces….
The essential lines of this design run throughout every level. The striking interplay of lines is enhanced by the pattern of the paving stones that have all been laid in the same direction. This pattern is intersected by lines from the architectural concept, that is enhanced by the sunken drainage channels.
The combination of the white bricks and large glass surfaces on the walls of the commercial buildings give the project an air of clarity and serenity.
Much thought went into concealing elements, that although necessary, are less appealing to the eye.
The serenity of the design carries on through to all the outer walls. BURO II designed a faced pattern that emphasises uniformity.
All the front walls of the upper buildings have been given a frosted glass finish on mat anodised aluminium curtain walls. These panels conceal the underlying structure and roof construction. A centrally managed steel profile on the front walls concentrates advertising on and in front of the outer wall.
This agreement regarding advertising also contributes to the building's allure and air of serenity.
Affordability was guaranteed by the industrial approach taken to the buildings.
pictures BURO II
Make a virtual walk throug the shopping complex.