(05-12-2009) PROJECT UPDATE - Overleie Kortrijk (B)
05.12.2009 / We present research-by-design and vision to Eldermen.
Since the first quarter of this year, we have been deeply involved in an urban study and planning commission for the city of Kortrijk. Our main focus lies on how Overleie – a neighborhood with an immensely rich social, cultural and programmatical mix – can play a key role in an overall city development strategy. Adding up all that has been said and done in the past, and reflecting on the quickly changing conditions due to the re-structuring of the quays of the Leie, we see vast opportunities for Overleie to become a connector between the city center, the river and the surrounding countryside. In order to tap into this potential and nevertheless minimizing the segregation-effect, we propose a sub-division in development zones . Although each zone is primarily seen as a mixed residential area, they all have specific characteristics in regard to their morphology, development method and development speed. In the forthcoming months, we will translate this vision in a framework for future development. Next to that, we will look more closely into a set of strategic sites, setting up an operational plan for short-term action.