SchaapbeekBARB 55: Stables and Trams

In Schaarbeek, a former tram hall was given a new use following neighbourhood research and street interviews. The redevelopment includes a multi-purpose room, laundrette and extensive facilities for children of all ages. A crèche and after-school care for older children are part of it.

Another common complaint from the neighbourhood was the lack of green space. To address this, a bold idea was taken seriously: a hill at the centre of the project, where sheep could graze. Two other buildings, designed by others, would serve for wool processing.

A versatile space has been created on the ground floor that uses the existing rails. This space has two movable roofs, which can be used both inside the space itself and outside on the street.

On the second floor, half of the space is dedicated to people and half to sheep; in this way the sheep interact with both the street and the activity within the building.