Ralph Kieft, architect and partner at ZJA, says, ‘Our aim was to design a sports complex that would merge into the landscape, forming an integrated whole with the structure of the paths and the undulating terrain. And to give the buildings a distinctly rounded, organic shape. The light and transparent structures of steel and glass and the green roofs enable the inviting sports complex to merge harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.’
City park with a multifunctional sports complex
The Heizel Park will soon be the home base of three major sports clusters for athletics, hockey and rugby. The multifunctional building at the centre of the park will accommodate offices and include extensive sports facilities, including a shooting range for the Royal Belgian Archery federation, a multi-sports hall and changing rooms for sports-loving people who come to the park.
There will also be a Grand Café with a delightful view of the surroundings. The complex will therefore offer a varied and multifaceted experience to both sportspeople and park visitors. Underneath will be parking facilities for both cars and bicycles.
Sustainable water management in new sports park
Like other cities, Brussels is faced with a water storage problem. A cleverly designed system means that the new sports park will contribute to a solution for water management. Rainwater will cascade into an underground water storage facility, a system that is not only sustainable but advantageous for both nature and the experiential value of the park. The water will be used to irrigate the park itself and other locations nearby.
Green oasis in the city
The new sports park in the Heizel Park will soon be more than just a sports facility. It will be a green attraction in the heart of the city. With a huge water surface, the largest in Europe, a playground for children and a calisthenics zone, the park will be a meeting place for both sports lovers and families. Extensive planting with native vegetation will enable city residents and visitors to find cool shade, peace and relaxation in this richly varied park.
An inspiring destination for both sports enthusiasts and nature lovers, and an asset to the city of Brussels.
In collaboration with OSK-AR architects and Witteveen+Bos
Commissioned by: NEO CVBA (a company of which the City of Brussels and the Brussels-Capital Region are shareholders)
Co-financing: NEO CVBA and Brussels-Capital Region
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