Tinel site

An upgraded historic district with new public aminities.
Location
Mechelen | BE
Client
City of Mechelen
Status
completed
Period
2011 - 2022
Surface
11.357 m2
Role
city park, streets and meeting places, temporary parking
Partner
ARA

The Tinel site tells many stories. Located on the tributary of the Dijle River, the site was long part of the Pre-Dikeren monastery, which was later transformed into an army base next to the infamous Dossin barracks. Based on a master plan by De Smet Vermeulen Architects, the district is being upgraded with new urban amenities, including a new library (Hild und K Architekten in collaboration with Stuhlmacher Architects), an underground parking garage, new housing and a youth center. The new Holocaust Museum (AWG Architects) at the very top of the site opened at the end of 2012.

Public space plays an important role in the project. In the design, the atmosphere and use varies from the ceremonial space in front of the Dossin Barracks, to an open public park space between the museum and the library, to a green space with sports and play facilities for the neighborhood. The design was created in an extensive participatory process with local residents, future users and the involving Architects.