STW0011 - SINT-GILLIS-WAAS - grid & fields
design: masterplan Houtvoortsite
type: urbanism
client: Gemeente Sint-Gillis-Waas
designteam: Studio Thomas Willemse
in collaboration with Metapolis (Cristian Panaité, Mircea Munteanu)
time: 2017-2018
The site is part of a strong landscape figure, namely the green agrarian landscape of 'Waasland' that is characterised by large fields separated by small canals or creeks lined with trees. This blue-green framework consists of fields – that each have another infill – and a framework – the grid of paths and canals.
The structure of the sports site blends with this landscape with playing fields defined by paths for people (bike, car or by foot), animals (horses) and water. Each field has its own infill: American football, football, a sportshall, a parking lot, a horse riding school, a playground, ... with auxiliary functions in the thickness of the framework – changing rooms, stands, storage rooms, …
In this way the program of the site can become the transition between the village centre and the fields. The link with the houses is made with a park structure along the creek where the youth clubs can romp. The park structure has paths to stroll or jog, a water retention lake where kids can play, a bmx and mountain bike loop, …
The central zone is transformed to an open play area with a shared use of the fields, the cafeteria and changing rooms that overlook the sport fields, playground, outdoor fitness, …
On the edge of the meadows and the fields of the farmers, the playing fields are situated that are appropriated by the clubs: football, the horseback riding school and the dog school.