DijleDelta, a new urban district at the Vaartkom in Leuven has been developing on the former brewing industrial estates since 2012, with a mix of housing, catering, office and community spaces. LAVA architecten are responsible for the phased realisation of the district, in which new construction and industrial heritage come together. The design carefully integrates historical buildings, such as the former joinery of the Artois breweries, and combines these with modern functions such as studios, offices and homes.
LAVA’s work in the district includes projects such as Havenzicht (catering, studios and residential), De Brouwerij (commercial spaces and office units), Dijlezicht (residential) and Watertoren (residential), De Horenblazer (affordable housing), De Smidse (market hall), Feestzaal & Eiland (residential). Each project refines the vision of the master plan, strengthens the urban dynamics and shapes the identity of the district. The Smidse market hall and the Feestzaal & Eiland residential buildings open up the Sluispark for a better interaction with the Vaartstraat. A public passage under the Watertoren increases the permeability of the district and provides a pedestrian connection between the Sluispark and the cultural heart of the Vaartkom. The buildings on the waterfront are designed to allow for a lively mix of functions. For example, the “rebuilt” joinery (Havenzicht) combines living with craft workshops and offices and the old industrial facades are rehabilitated with new window openings with an industrial character. The split levels in the plinth create a unique visual relationship and interaction with the ground level. The spaces in this plinth can be used as workshops or office spaces, which fit into the building as modules thanks to the flexible structure.
In De Horenblazer, 24 of the 30 homes were completed as social housing. A compact plan design was sought to optimise the available living space, with an eye for privacy and with the green view of the Dijle bank.
The district is a dynamic example of how urban development can be renewed both historically and functionally.