Brielmeersen

Landscape Park De Brielmeersen is not isolated but has the potential to be firmly anchored in the urban structure of Deinze. Between the Schipdonk Canal and the old river arm of the Leie we distinguish a recognizable sequence of urban fragments: the original city center around the church, the town hall and the market, the cultural and recreational strip along the Tweebruggenlaan with the Brielpoort, the new Leietheater, ... and finally domain “De Brielmeersen”. By creating a new entrance and a recreational main route in the landscape park, these places are more than ever connected with each other. Added value will be created for the residents of Deinze and De Brielmeersen and will become more attractive to visitors. The new catering pavilion plays an important role in the positioning of the landscape park. It acts as a bridge between the city and the countryside, as well as between the sports cluster and the nature zone in the landscape park. More than a catering destination, the multifunctional pavilion is a spatial link that brings people together.

A main route runs straight through De Brielmeersen from the entrance to the canal where a new bridge creates a recreational connection with the outside area. We see this route as a string of beads with various functions: the playground, an adventure zone, places for small events, the petting zoo and of course the cafeteria pavilion. The pavilion occupies a special place on the main path. Starting from the Brielse Poort, it is the first place where you really feel the park and forget about the city for a moment. It is important to us that the pavilion is tangibly present from the Brielse Poort. It forms a link between the two entrances.

We position the building in such a way that it fits both the current situation and the master plan. This makes our plan flexible and future-proof. The master plan is based on a park edge zone with a hard slope that forms a transition from the dry sports cluster to a (more) wet nature. For this, the stream must be diverted and water must be artificially pumped up. The question is whether this water system is in line with the stated sustainability ambitions.

The location balances on the tension between "clearly visible from the main entrance", "keeping motorized traffic out of the park as far as possible" and "an intense relationship between café, playground and the surrounding park". Taking into account both situations (current and master plan), we place the pavilion in the current forest edge.

We aspire to embed the pavilion naturally in the edge of the forest. This means that we keep as many existing trees as possible for shelter and nature experience. It also means that there are natural transitions between public and private, inside and outside. The pavilion will have an amorphous, semi-paved terrace that lies like an open space in the forest. Sight lines to and from the pavilion are optimal.

Natural materials such as wooden furnishing elements and semi-paving contribute to the woody atmosphere. The slope on the transition to the sports park will be planted with a picking forest, consisting of berry and nut bearing shrubs, such as roses and hazel trees. This picking forest not only provides added value for visitors to the park, but also makes a major contribution to local biodiversity. It provides food and shelter for birds and small mammals and also attracts bees and butterflies.

Playing is also nature-friendly. The absence of highly designed shapes makes playing part of the forest. An adventure zone is provided in the forest adjacent to the active park edge. Natural materials will be used and existing terrain conditions are strengthened. A willow maze, suspension bridges, rope ladders and other constructions inspire a journey of discovery where children of all ages can climb and scramble to their heart's content. We investigate the possibility of collecting the rainwater from the sports fields and pavilion in a stream and visibly drain it to the nature zone. It is a sustainable and nature-friendly solution that connects to the water system of the Leie without artificial constructions. The visible draining of water can also be a subject of educational nature programs.

We want to interfere as little as possible with the fine green structures of the park. Because the pavilion stands between the trees, we want to limit the used surface. A circle has the smallest possible footprint for a given area. It is also the ultimate all-sided figure. This figure may be sculptural. Striking because of its shape, subtle in its location.

An awning surrounding the building is part of the structure. It covers the entire paved area. In addition it helps prevent overheating and nuances the boundary between inside and outside. The spacious windows of the cafeteria can be almost completely opened in good weather. So inside becomes outside and vice versa.

The sun-oriented terrace is intended for cafe-goer as well as visitors to the park. Its inviting, accessible appearance underlines that it is not mandatory to have a drink, but you can also enjoy the place without obligation here. There is a clear and visual relationship with the playground. Parents can sit on the terrace, while they keep an eye on the children in the playground.

The bar as the central place in the pavilion acts as a kind of panopticon. It has a full view of the entire cafeteria, the terrace and the associated outdoor functions such as the playground. Due to its position close to the entrance, it can also easily be used as an information desk. It is the linchpin of the plan. An almost central watchtower rises above the pavilion and is located between the crowns. An optimal view of the stars is guaranteed by a wide view of the sky. The observatory viewing platform has a strong visual relationship with the surrounding landscape.