Heverlee’s social housing for seniors in danger: 30 housing units could be demolished!

2024-09-08 10:09:14

The project carried out is a comprehensive project that, in addition to the design of 34 bungalows, also includes detailed instructions for landscaping and the layout of paths. The combination of a white and austere architecture in the style of Expo 58, including slightly inclined sloping roofs, overhanging on the front facade, so particular to this style, and a more organic green layout, characteristic of residential houses that were designed according to a plan and layout indissoluble relationship with the green space, gives this ensemble an inestimable architectural and heritage value.

On 2 September 1967, Ruelens Park was inaugurated by Mrs De Riemaecker-Legot, Minister of Family and Housing. As part of the National Competition for Green Spaces and Flowery Neighbourhoods, the National Housing Institute awarded the project first prize in category B, plantations in residential neighbourhoods, in 1969. For the National Housing Institute, this was an exemplary project, as evidenced by its publication in the journal Housing in 1972.

These 34 single-storey houses are all built in a row and oriented north-south. According to modernist principles, housing and traffic are strictly separated. The grouped bungalows are built in a continuous green park, crossed only by a service road for loading and unloading and bicycles.

A green area with large lawns extends to the facades, interspersed with paved footpaths, connecting the entrance of the bungalows to the main road. A coherent garden with flowerbeds, shrubs and groups of trees. The site is crossed by a stream, the original landscaping included two ponds and the bungalows are surrounded by a hedge with clean lines.

30 pavilions would be demolished?

Despite their renovation in 2014, the majority of the pavilions are abandoned but not neglected. The city of Leuven wants to keep only 4 pavilions, develop a 2-hectare park that better highlights the stream, but above all build two 7-storey buildings on the edge, designed for 56 social housing units. However, the residents and local residents of this district do not appreciate the project of the municipal authorities, and recommend the renovation of a certain number of the pavilions built in the Expo 58 style in order to preserve them as architectural heritage. These pavilions could thus be used for entertainment or meeting activities, such as art workshops or meeting rooms.

The new land use plan was provisionally approved by the municipal council in April, and a public inquiry was conducted in July. Will the citizens’ protest save this very beautiful subdivision?

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