Garden Bridges
General Context -
The event ‘Parckdesign 2012’ aims at reflecting the aesthetic, social, urbanistic and ecologic value of terrains vagues. At core this ambition is about public accessibility - factual, intellectual, or emotional - to these open spaces. The interventions within the framework of the event can in this sense not establish a newly designed landscape, but open new paths of perception. The projects can be part of a scrutiny of the existing „working landscape“ of the space.
Situation -
The site is characterized by the bridge across Charlesroi Canal. The project location in fact consists of five sites that are interstitial spaces between or next to the staircases connecting the bridge level with the canal level. The staircases are built in a historicizing, heavy stone construction. Albeit meant to facilitate connection and interchange, they are in themselves impenetrable, unapproachable objects. Due to their current ‚freestanding‘ urban context, their hermetic character becomes even more obvious. Originally conceived as decorative additions to the stairs, the interstitial spaces are dis- and misused, the same lack of attention applies to the adjacent brownfields. The stairs‘ heavy representational gesture goes amiss in an unbound urban context that consists of vaguely maintained remnant ornamental shrubs, ruderal vegetation and a heavy mass of refuse and urban debris. The site is an open place.
Project -
The project aims to bridge the stairs with its immediate surrounding, activating also these spaces. As a set of instruments for access, stay and observation, a number of scaffolding structures extend the functionality of the staircase. The scaffolding interventions (re)bridge the staircases on both sides of the canal. The dimensions of the interventions vary and adapt to the situation: the largest structure leads into the ruderal field behind the stairs next to Metro station Delacroix, creating the possibility of a lofty walk on a thin scaffolding platform. A ladder-like structure leading to the staircase‘s raised planting bed at Quai Fernand Desmets is possibly more a suggestion of access, than an opportunity to be taken by every visitor. A scaffolding balcony at the South Eastern stairs marks the garden interventions in a long vista from Rue Ropsy Chaudron, sharpening the view for the cohesive context of the sites around the bridge.
The project strategy points at enabling the individual discovery of the aesthetic value of empty spaces. It also enhances the aspect of transition as part of nature (and urban life). Essentially, scaffolding creates structure and opportunity in a „construction“ period. It also points to the future, as a promise of something happening - mostly a hopeful outlook, as construction conventionally brings improvements. The use of scaffolding material thus answers at once to the temporary character of the installation project (and the Parckdesign event). It also comments on the constructive, active character of public open space.
Communication -
The small individual sites themselves will not be re-designed, but will retain their raw, ruderal character. In order to better communicate the project and the focus object of the ruderal condition, a selected number of plant species will be pointed out on small signs attached to the scaffolding rods. A small map points out origin and geographical distribution of the plant. As ruderal vegetation often has a history of ecological migration, these signs will - especially in the multicultural context of the neighbourhood - open a larger international spectre of the site and the project.
Material -
The project uses materials that are standard in construction in Brussels. Essentially, alongside this principle issues of durability and security are met. The structures are intended to be accessible publically.
Implementation -
The project was implemented by June 2012 within a week‘s time with a small team of 100Landschaftsarchitektur and the support of a construction company from Brussels (especially for transport, machines). The project is conceived to last one season - for the period of the festival - until October 2012. The structures will be dismantled, removed, and reused on new construction sites by the scaffolding company.
