This project aims to create a smooth passage for cyclists and pedestrians along the maritime canal, within the dense fabric of the city of Brussels, by creating passages underneath existing road bridges. Simultaneously, the public spaces around these passages have been redesigned. The two interventions devised by UTIL-Gijs Van Vaerenbergh at the "Jules de Trooz" and "Sainctelette" sites testify to the sustainable ambitions expressed by the Brussels-Capital Region, both in terms of infrastructure and public space as well as maritime traffic in Brussels.
By meticulously mapping the existing works of art at the "Jules de Trooz" site, UTIL-Gijs Van Vaerenbergh was able to propose passages that require no adaptation of existing infrastructure, nor the creation of new infrastructure, providing a sustainable and perfectly reversible solution.
At the "Sainctelette" site, in the corner of the Beco basin, a public esplanade is designed (gained) above the canal. It consists of 2 footbridges and solitary islands between which the canal water continues to flow simply.
The passage of the underground metro and car tunnels on this site also poses an additional challenge within the design.