Moerman Park

OMGEVING

Short description

OMGEVING won the design competition for the redevelopment of the Moerman parking lot in the centre of Roeselare. This asphalt surface was transformed into a climate-adaptive city park covering more than one hectare, a cool spot in the densely built-up heart of the city. The project was selected by the Flemish government as one of three projects to be shortlisted within the thematic call for proposals on heat-resistant cities.

The Moerman parking lot has been transformed from a hard surface into a green-blue lung extending from the Ronde Kom and the Kleine Bassin, a short distance from the central shopping area. The design focuses on solid urban foundation and was developed according to four basic principles that prioritise sustainability and quality of life. From the initial ideas, a conscious effort was made to create a park that fits seamlessly into its surroundings and is ready for the future.

1. Subsoil and relief as a basis
The soil of the site is an important starting point for the design. The removal of contaminated soil was avoided as much as possible. Where contaminated soil had to be dug out, it was safely reused on site after thorough analysis and covered with clean topsoil. By playing with micro-relief, a visually appealing and fascinating landscape has been created with a diversity of drought- and moisture-loving plants. The relief also supported the construction of wadis and walking paths.

2. The park as a sponge in the city centre
The park will play an important role in the city's water management. Two wadis along Teerlingstraat and Kleine Bassinstraat collect rainwater, even during extreme rainfall that only occur once every hundred years. This climate-adaptive system buffers and infiltrates rainwater, helps cooling the environment and contributes to the restoration of the groundwater table. The infrastructure around the park will be designed in such a way that rainwater from nearby streets and buildings can also be collected. In time, even the flow of the Sint-Amandsbeek stream can be redirected through the park.

3. An ecological hotspot
Moerman park will be an oasis for nature in the city. A carefully considered green plan provides for a rich variety of trees, shrubs and herbs, with plant species adapted to the soil, humidity and relief. The park thus not only offers cooling, but also food and shelter for numerous animal species. By using phytoremediation plants, the park also helps to eliminate soil pollution. A sustainable green plan starts with the planting, but also looks at how the vegetation will evolve in the first years and even decades. This creates a living, growing urban forest that changes with the seasons and the city.

4. A people-oriented design
The design is based on the genius loci. History and the desired contemporary use are important principles, with elements of the former textile inspiring the design. Moerman park is a cooling oasis and complements other parks in the nearby city centre.

Its proximity to the main shopping area, the station, various schools, etc. offers a wide range of potential uses. Thanks to its flexible design, the park will be able to grow with the city in the future.