RESEARCH BY DESIGN

Research by design is a key tool for exploring the potential of a site, testing different scenarios and developing spatial strategies in response to complex urban, architectural and landscape conditions. Across different scales and contexts, these studies investigate how existing structures, new programmes, public spaces and landscapes can evolve and interact.

This methodology also provides a basis for processes of negotiated urbanism, allowing different actors to engage with complex spatial questions through concrete scenarios and spatial proposals.

In recent years, VELD has worked with various clients on questions requiring this approach. Within a framework contract for the City of Brussels, we have studied several strategic sites, including the Solvay site in Neder-over-Heembeek. For the City of Lommel, we worked on sites such as the Meysterbergen health campus, situated along the edge of the Meysterbergen forest. For the SAU, we developed “building passports” for different development sites within Mediapark.