The CPAS (Public Centre for Social Welfare) in Ixelles wishes to reorganise the vast site that it owns, including its main premises. Located at the crossroads of several different neighbourhoods with their own history and sociology, the site has become urbanised over a number of phases from the second half of the 19th century through to the present day, on a hillside with a very stark topography. The initial hospital buildings were spaced out in accordance with precepts of the social hygiene movement of the time. Then, a few Art Deco buildings were added, some of which have undeniable heritage value. Finally, since the 1980s, various large scale buildings, such as Etterbeek-Ixelles Hospital and its extensions were to follow, as well as a care home. The result is a completely disorganised urban block, with no urban coherence. Furthermore, several buildings are in a state of severe disrepair.
Given the complexity of the project, Ixelles CPAS is launching a call for bids to develop and oversee a Master Plan that will define the site’s urban development and landscape, rooted in a programme with the following principles:
- Re-housing and re-thinking the administration of CPAS services
- Developing housing and social service infrastructure
- Building around 100 public housing units
The overall project aims to develop all aspects of the neighbourhood while prioritising environmental and landscaping challenges. The Ixelles CPAS aims to become a model in these areas and is using the ‘Référentiel Quartiers Durables – Be Sustainable’ guidelines as an integrated tool in the project specifications.
This study will be carried out prior to developing one or more architectural projects (which are not part of the mission).
The contract will take the form of a single agreement with just one participant. It includes at least one initial mission relating to putting in place the Master Plan. The public authority may award subsequent contracts for one or more types of other services, in accordance with its later needs.
The multi-disciplinary team that is being sought will include the following expertise: urban planning, architecture, landscaping, town and architectural planning, sustainable development, financing for real estate operations, public procurement law, engineering and stability, architectural heritage and civic participation practices.