Machinewerf

Design and elaboration

The urban plan is composed as an ensemble of residential buildings that together form a recognizable and diverse neighborhood. The buildings vary in height, volume, and roof shape, creating a rhythm that refers to the industrial roofscape of the historic shipyard.

The buildings are arranged in a loose layout, allowing for sightlines, visual connections, and green spaces. This preserves the spatial relationship with the surrounding shipyard buildings and the quay. The buildings are designed on all sides and orient their entrances and front façades toward the surrounding public space.

Variation in building heights and building lines creates an urban ensemble that aligns with the scale of the Machinefabriek while simultaneously providing a human scale for the new residential neighborhood.

Use and public space

Between the residential buildings lies a green, low-traffic inner area that provides space for meeting, relaxation, and play. This collective space forms the heart of the neighborhood and encourages social interaction among residents.

The public space also serves as the connecting structure between the different parts of the Scheldekwartier. Routes for pedestrians and cyclists link the neighborhood to the quay, the Machinefabriek, and the surrounding residential areas. In this way, a network of places and routes is created that anchors the new district within the broader spatial structure of the area.

Through the combination of housing, shared outdoor space, and active ground-floor frontages, a lively and future-proof living environment is created.

Buildings

Outdoor space

Structure

Important sightlines

Landscape and climate

The design of the public space combines a robust urban structure with a green layout. The green landscape between the buildings creates a pleasant microclimate and provides space for water retention and biodiversity.

Trees and planting enhance the spatial structure of the plan and provide shade, cooling, and an attractive living environment. Rainwater is captured and infiltrated locally wherever possible, enabling the plan to contribute to a climate-resilient design of the Scheldekwartier.