51N4E . photos: © Dieter van Caneghem
The province of Limburg is a fragmented region, characterized by a collection of nature reserves, industrial remnants and automotive infrastructures. However, this disconnected landscape is changing: as part of a recent, transit-oriented, masterplan, soon the Spartacus-2 or HOVHM trambus will connect Hasselt to Maasmechelen—linking city centers, suburban housings, office buildings and wilderness zones by public transport.
Eleven shelters will define the future stops and identity of the line. In response to this brief, the project explores the extent to which transit architecture can define public structures.
Thinking of shelters as recognizable landmarks in the landscape, these structures not only provide a comfortable waiting environment, but also accommodate various site-specific functions. For this purpose, rather than proposing a repetition of a singular formal solution applied en-mass, the project develops a design methodology that is both systematic and responsive to various local conditions and programmatic needs.
Robust, low-tech and spacious, each of these architectures is made up of three superimposed elements: a floor, a post and a canopy. At the base, brick paving defines the edge of the platform, which thickens according to the topography, becoming a seating area, a piece of furniture. A grid of staggered wooden posts rhythmize the space, supporting a canopy of gently curved woven planks above. Together, these three elements create welcoming spaces that, through simple adaptations, uniquely engage with their surroundings while retaining a common and recognizable identity.
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Location
Limburg, Belgium
Client
De Werkvennootschap (DWV)
Programme
Public transportation shelters
Completion
2022 – ongoing
In collaboration with
Tractebel, Arcadis, Common Ground
51N4E project team
Janik Beckers, Pu Hsien Chan, Hunter Doyle, Matteo Frangi, Freek Persyn, Sacha Trouiller, Kristal Virgilio
51N4E involvement
Full Process
Structural engineer
Tractebel + BAS/Dirk Jaspaert
Technical engineer
Tractebel
Lightning
Tractebel
Built surface
8.600 m²
Construction cost
11.000.000 € (excl. VAT)
Photography
Dieter van Caneghem
Image credits
51N4E
