This design strategy works to build upon what is existing on site. Opening the existing WTC III tower enabled me to create vertical streets and public spaces within the existing structure. By carving out of the existing structure I designed circulation which meandered up the building, enabling me to create open streets (opposed to corridors).

This same design strategy was then taken into the new build. The creation of a new urban wall around the existing structure protected the inner spaces from the prevailing South-West wind. Carving into the new urban wall allowed for light to reach specific spaces. The larger arts programmes will break this urban wall and expand onto the internal courtyard space.

Creating vertical connections through programme, the streetscape and the architecture was explored through model making. Plaster, thread and foam were all used to create 1:1000 models which assisted the spatial organisation and design development of the project.

The Boulevard Roi Albert II is where a lot of the high-rise corporate offices are located within the North District, however you can see in the land use diagram that this strip is bordered by multiple communities. On site I found that the spaces where the corporate offices were located were often lacking in activity. Whereas when you cross some of the physical boundaries present, like the railway, you enter vibrant neighbourhoods.

The lack of programmatic diversity is clear within the heart of the North District. This proposal will focus on how we can bring this diversity, both programmatic, cultural, and social, present on the borders of the north district into the WTC III high-rise.

By implementing a variety of programmes within the structure, including residential (alike to the land use diagrams from Ixelles and Schaerbeek), I plan to rebuild a successful community within the WTC III. This thesis recognises the use of the arts as a programme which spans cultures and languages. This project will intertwine the arts with programmes which are found on vibrant streets, and shown in these land use drawings, to create a successful community within the WTT III.

The existing tower and plinth will house the more functional programmes found on the street. These will be the programmes of ‘necessity’ like a school, shops, places of work, post office and gyms etc. The new build will house the ‘leisure’ activities as well as the larger arts programmes. It will also house the other types of accommodation within the roofscapes, temporary housing, hostel rooms and a hotel.

The diverse range of housing (permanent, temporary, hostel and hotel) will assist the structure in providing for a diverse range of people. Indeed, utilising the vacant office space in the North District could solve the housing crisis.

I felt Brussels had a particularly successful street typology which utilises street activity daily. Outdoor interaction along boulevards, gathering in large public spaces and the clever use of courtyard space within the urban block all encouraged interaction between Brussels inhabitants. This is something I feel the North District could benefit from when thinking about how to create in a new diverse community.

As you walk through the structure different moments of the Brussels urban grain have been designed into the circulation creating an experiential route through the building.

The Grand route is the main mode of circulation through the structure. The street menders through a diverse range of programmes including the arts before reaching the very top where there is a large flexible open-span space.

The arts act as separate ‘town centres’ and can be reached easily by lift. Furthermore, every designed space is accessible by lift.

Public spaces are designed within the route occurring at specific levels to allow views over the city and spaces of gathering. Moreover, the roof of the larger arts spaces will provide moments of relief along the route in the form of open green space.