Sequencing GatesMARB 24: A Policy Whispering Praxis / The Green Colony (Tervuren)

The ‘Sequencing Gates’ project took place within a studio dedicated to identifying and subtly solving problems. My personal commitment focused on a study around Tervuren square, which functioned more as a car park than a real square. This led to an in-depth analysis of Tervuren’s traffic plan, with the aim of finding a solution to the creeping traffic that also manifested itself around the square during busy hours.

Moreover, it sought to answer the crucial question: “What makes a square successful?” The clear answer was: identity. This insight led to two simple geometric interventions. A circle was drawn around the church, with the potential to form a covered market space. In addition, a rectangle was added that encompassed the entire square. By literally representing and concretising these shapes, a clear visual element was created in the streetscape. This element tells passers-by that they are not just on a random street, but in a special place with its own identity.

The jury process and presentation focused on getting a ‘live’ message across effectively, especially since the jury panel included an alderman from Tervuren. For this reason, a PowerPoint presentation and a large table-filling model were used. After the presentation, a debate ensued in which different points of view could be exchanged.