Zuidboulevard
The project is located at the corner of Holstraat and Zuiderlaan, next to the new OCMW De Meers buildings, extending to the rear of the Pand. The library, a low and modest structure, will be positioned on the corner, serving as an inviting urban hub. A new connection, the South Boulevard, will link the library to the Pand, functioning as a wide pedestrian promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and residential buildings. Beneath the boulevard, a parking garage with 400 spaces will connect to the Pand's parking area.
The esplanade provides a smooth transition from street level to the Pand, creating a pedestrian loop that links the church, the park, and the Pand through a car-free boulevard. Parking traffic is diverted via a parking loop between Meersstraat and Zuiderlaan.
The residences are primarily located along the South Boulevard, offering views of the esplanade and park. This southwest-facing side is removed from the busy Zuiderlaan. Three shorter residential volumes surround the library, optimizing natural light in the apartments.
All residential units share the same finish and feature green rooftop gardens. The floors are designed for flexible layouts and are surrounded by balconies, providing extra living space and protection from the elements. On the southern side, the balconies are wider and serve as terraces with views of the boulevard or the library’s rooftop garden. Wooden sliding windows give the apartments a warm aesthetic and enhance the connection between the interior and exterior spaces.
