Welcome to Robohouse! This metal sheet covered social housing tower quite literally shines by the canal and is a prominent landmark in the area. The building, which is 70 metres tall, was adapted to better accommodate residents with reduced mobility. Additionally, Tour Brunfaut addresses the need for more housing in an already dense area, which is why during renovation the height of the building was increased. However, the goal was also to provide quality housing, where rooms are larger and more natural light is received.

The renovation pays homage to the original architect Julien Roggen, but is given its own personality to stand out from its surroundings. The park-side mirrored façade plays with the reflection of trees to create a distinct visual effect. Alongside visual effects, the buildings has an opened ground floor which leads to a small square that acts as a communal site for both residents of the tower but also people from neighbouring houses.

The creation and location of IMAL is fully in line with the Canal Plan, which stimulates both the redevelopment of the area and the maintenance of the productive activities in Brussels. Furthermore, the location being at a junction of two neighbourhoods, means that iMAL can radiate its cultural and artistic effect beyond its own limits. The technology and science that resides in the building indicatesthat it is a true beacon of innovation, which also helps the surrounding area to develop.

With an inviting cargo-bay-like entrance, it intrigues visitors of all backgrounds and professions to be creative or be inspired by the exhibitions. Simplicity of the renovation brings out the best qualities of the building, but also the art and innovation it holds. The curves within the building and firmness of the concrete and bricks show the adaptiveness of expression, and rigidness of its impact. IMAL also houses a Fablab and educational rooms – creating a truly rich building.

Named after the Belgian and Molenbeek native jiu-jitsu champion Amal Amjahid, this sports facility reflects all the core values of dedication and perseverance that are needed from an athlete. Its excellent location by the canal and connection to distinct neighbourhoods motivates the inhabitants to be active. Sport has always brought people together and so does the Amal Amjahid sports centre – it creates a common space for the many multicultural communities that reside there.

The main sports hall is nestled into the ground, giving users privacy and comfort, but also more room to display their skills; which the cafeteria allows spectators to marvel at the games while enjoying snacks and beverages. The two other sports rooms, including boxing room, are a complete knock-out. The use of concrete slabs and many arched windows and passages reinforce the quote by Muhammad Ali: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”

Square Sainctelette is an ongoing project that promises to be the glue within the canal area development. It will bridge together many points of interest in the future such as Kanal-Centre Pompidou, Kaaitheater, Amal Amjahid sports hall and more. Besides catering to other locations, it will be a spectacular square on its own, where people get to enjoy the theatre that is life in the city.Furthermore, it acts as a meeting point from which exploration of the canal front can begin: be there or be square.

Sainctelette square will give people more liberty within their city, as the project seeks to widen the square as well as the bridge itself for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport. All of this will be provided while retaining the passage for boats and canal cargo ships to pass along the waterway. With other landscape projects planned within the vicinity, such as Park Max-sur-Senne, the Sainctelette square will transform the canal front into a truly enjoyable environment.

As mentioned with other projects in this tour guide, the need for quality housing has increased in the Brussels region. This makes the canal front particularly attractive, since there is much potential to densify the area and create quality housing. This is especially important as previously the site was occupied by vacant office space which was completely cutting off the neighbourhood behind from the canal.

The three towers are reserved enough in their height that they do not break up the skyline of the neighbourhood while the linear block restores the quality of a street front on the backside. The slight nuances within the colour and design of the houses gives each building a character of its own. Additionally, the buildings cleverly make use of the existing parking garage underground, which will be used as the foundation for the housing complexes. Important to note is that it will accommodate assisted living, hotel space and commercial functions as well.

Access to water has owned great significance throughout the history of cities. When previously water was the source of livelihood for many, then in contemporary Brussels, the canal within the city serves rather for aesthetic purposes and mental well-being. Thus it is imperative that access to water is made simple for the residence. One such novel project is the Park Quai des Matériaux. The long promenade enables residents and tourists alike to enjoy the canal side of Brussels.

The importance of the park is amplified by the fact that is created to cater to all age groups. Families can stride along the water and kids can play in the sandbox. Couples have prime opportunities to have romantic dates by the canal. For youngsters and those who lack adrenaline have the chance to refine their skills at a unique skatepark. The whole project pays homage to the industrial past of the canal by the rustic use of concrete elements.

At a time when industry was leaving the cities in droves, Brussels adopted a ‘Canal Plan’. This aims to revitalise the canal zone in order to maintain productive activities in the city by mixing this activity with housing and public programmes. The Construction Materials Village not only meets the daily needs for renovation materials but by supplying them by boat, it also improves sustainable mobility.

Although it is a hangar for a building materials distributor, its impact on the canal’s urban landscape cannot be underestimated. The architects are proposing a saw-tooth roof, a reference to 19th-century industrial buildings. However, the slopes are reversed on each side of the building to create a dynamic variation along the entire length of the building. An opening in the hangar, at the junction with Rue de l’Entrepôt, makes it permeable to the city and reveals the canal landscape from the street.

Do not let the name fool you, Magasin 4 is far from a regular store. This building fosters a deep and rich culture of underground music. The music venue offers everything artists need to come up with a song and to eventually releasing and performing their art. They can get inspired by the canal view from the terrace and write profound lyrics; discuss it with friends and band members in the lounge and meeting rooms; record it in the studio and finally perform it in front of their fans. This is all done while bringing people together on a daily basis.

The architectural structure of the building may come off as simple, but is in fact very symbolic at the same time. The central console of the building is supported by two concrete columns, which leave a very fortified image of the structure. With green roofs and aclosed garden, Magasin 4 stands for the progressiveness of their art. This is since the site is planned in a way that future additions are easy to realise: NO FUTURE? FUTURE PROOF!

Tucked in besides the rail tracks in Laeken, the Pocket Park -La Halte- is a wonderful place to simply wind down. The park offers a beautiful view point and juxtaposition of modern rail infrastructure and the neogothic Church of Our Lady of Laeken. Pocket Park is also a perfect spot for train spotters to observe the passing trains. Of course there is an opportunity to sit down at the little station formerly used exclusively by the king from his adjoining garden or even lay down on one of the sunbeds.

Besides being a resting place for humans, it is also an essential location for many pollinators; as the tall grass offers ample habitat for many insects and plants. This park is also accessible to bicycles thanks to a gravel ramp that leads up to the viewpoint of the church.

For our tired traveller, this is the perfect spot to take a quick break and have a snack or some water. It offers a moment to relax and reflect on the many sites visited before until it is time to set off again.

Post-industrialism, a lot of neighbourhoods and buildings are a mere shadow of what they use to be – Brussels is no different. Hence the need for the Canal Plan, which aims to revitalise this part of the city. Palais-Usine is a prime example of this: the palace which was built in 1898 currently looks beat down, but is set to become an important housing project that will allow the clock-towered-building to stand proud once more – yet is given an entirely new function.

The new development will create 60 housing units, on top of which the complex will host more than 2000 m² of economic activities. The building is truly representative of the industrial era through the use of red bricks and typical factory façade. Additionally, the building is an ambassador to urban renewal and material reuse, as the existing structures will be used to its fullest extent, while giving entirely new outlets for the city.

For the safety of children it is essential that school surroundings are hospitable, accessible, and of course safe. However, it should also take into account the wishes of children. This is why the pavement invites kids to play: be it the different tracks paved into the ground, or the small mounds and blocks they can run on – all from a safe distance away from cars. Furthermore, there are three extended crossings; which put the children as the main priority. This gives a different view of the street, which is lively and flows freely; but is also secure.

Yet this site sends another important message to children and their parents: Cycling to school is a fun alternative to come to school, rather than with a car. This is reinforced by the fact that there is a bike repair station in front of the school.

Within the pavement there are details that are hidden away that reference the past of the area. See if you can spot them. Hint: It was first constructed in 1821 in England.

This large landscaping project will contradict head-on the taboo Brussels has with water by reopening 650 metres of the Senne river. by restoring the experience of water, the city will not only create a public place for its citizens, but also habitats for urban wildlife and strongly combats against the urban heat island effect and is of great help for flood mitigation. The park highlights current bottom-up initiatives such as the Maximilien farm by giving the complex a new building.

The project reinforces many other developments happening alongside the canal, which will help form one strong and continuous area in Brussels. Additionally, the park will have multiple chances for recreation, such as sports fields on Chaussée d’Anvers and other open fields that leave activities to the creativity of its users. Finally, the project acknowledges good park management practices by also leaving space for nature to operate and grow on its own with only necessary human intervention.

The main challenges that come with redeveloping the Citroën garage are the design of successful institutions, linking the interior public space to the city and building within the existing structure. A successful functioning of the building will be implemented with the clever use of climate control, which is achieved through the construction of three new buildings. This ensures that art is conserved optimally and other functions can be flexible within the space. A link to public space is created on the ground floor on all three volumes and act as entrances to the site.

The public space is extended to the first floor with the use of ramps, which highlights the importance of using existing structures. Subsequently, the building is utilized by the way it was left – with additions that were not there during the establishment of the garage. Historical façades are restored and extended.

How do you build in the Citroën workshops? By placing your trust in what’s already there!

A pearl within the canal district is the art deco style Kaaitheater, quite important in terms of patrimonial value. The Flemish speaking theatre which was finished in 1932 has been the beacon for Flemish culture for decades. However, the theatre outgrew its frame and demand surpassed capacity, which why the Kaaitheater will receive a modern face-lift and extension on the canal side, in parallel with the creation of Kanal-Centre Pompidou.

The sharp contrast between the old art deco façade and the modern additions demonstrates the essence of theatre and culture: it shapes our future, holds us in the present, and retains our past. The new-look theatre proves to be flexible as well, since it enables the theatre to perform both indoors and outdoors, thus catering to more people. What’s more, the Kaaitheater will provide city residents and visitors with a rooftop, which can function as a spectacular viewing point or a stage for a play.

Often overlooked are the communal effects of parks. Besides providing a break for our mental health, absorbing our carbon, retaining our water and providing leisure, parks also act as bridges for communities – which is exactly what Park Porte de Ninove does. The green space provides a much needed outlet for recreational space, where residents can enjoy being outside, being active and kids can play. Additionally it holds capabilities to host kiosks, where drinks and ice cream will be sold to cool down on a warm summer day.

Design wise, the layering of the park is evident: steps and slopes create rings throughout the park, which gives the park an intriguing look while maintaining an open space. Within the public space, there are islands of denser vegetation, which is critical for water retention and biodiversity. The plants which are used are characteristic of the plants that grew along the Senne river, which is currently covered.