A good city has logistics: a driving force for a healthy urban metabolism

The evacuation of garbage is part of the elementary flows that make a city operative. As a logistic activity it is often considered a source of nuisance and incomprehension. However, the role of logistics and industry is vital to sustaining the success of the city’s economy. Their proximity is indispensable for efficient operation and transport. The project area has to overcome the apparent contradiction between city and logistics, between the residential area Neder-Over-Heembeek and the logistic veins of Chaussée de Vilvorde and the canal. The latter offers the city a spectacle of logistics. Showing incoming and outgoing vehicles, parking, washing and inspection areas, NET Brussel takes part in the urban theatre. Showing the activity also improves social inclusion in the city.

A good city is adaptive: a generic urban and building typology

Sustainable development requires flexible and generic building types that can adjust to changing circumstances. The building of NET Brussel is conceived within a transitional strategy. Inverting the conventional industrial box-on-a-plot typology, the building considers a spatial and economically efficient land use, concentrating outdoor space in the center of the plot. The building is designed as a base with its upper side connecting to the level of the residential area behind it, creating a new “ground level” on top. The waffled slab of concrete is able to support the large loads of vehicles (now) or light building volumes (future). Pillars at its perimeter and spans of 25m create column free double-height spaces. The resulting generic building is able to accommodate future adaptations.

A good city has greening: a central green area to buffer and to connect

The existing Meudon Park separates the residential area from the industry near the canal. The new forested area in the center of the site creates a green tentacle that connects both urban fabrics. The central green space is designed as a resilient buffer area that separates different environments while also forging a link between them. The greening is a social core at the center of the working environment. It brings people together. Employees can have a chat on the way to their cars, have lunch in summertime or organize a staff party under the trees. The greenery acts as a filter for flue gases, fine dust, and noise – caused by the vehicles of NET Brussel. The trees minimize environmental disruption and create high comfort working spaces, maintaining quality of life in the neighborhood.