The bridge above the Kanaalkom becomes a green park ribbon over the water, where nature, recreation, and mobility come together
Kanaalkom Hasselt
Kanaalkom Hasselt
For the Kanaalkom in Hasselt, we designed a bridge that is much more than a simple crossing. The bridge functions as a park above the water, providing space for relaxation, experience, and biodiversity. Architecture and planting work together to form an integrated green structure connecting both banks.
For the design competition for a new bridge over the Kanaalkom in Hasselt, we developed an ambitious proposal that links bridge, park, and public space. Instead of a purely infrastructural crossing, we designed a fully-fledged recreational space above the water, with attention to nature, user experience, and urban integration.
The bridge connects the eastern and western banks of the Kanaalkom via a landscaped park ribbon. By separating pedestrians and cyclists, space is created for rest, meeting, views, and play.
The bridge connects the eastern and western banks of the Kanaalkom via a landscaped park ribbon. By separating pedestrians and cyclists, space is created for rest, meeting, views, and play.
A central open area on the bridge provides seating and sightlines toward the city center, making the bridge not only functional but also an active place to linger in the heart of the city. The planting concept forms the backbone of the design.
A layered vegetation structure—including perennials, shrubs, trees, climbers, roses, hanging plants, and annuals—creates biodiversity, shade, and climate resilience. Thanks to an innovative capillary irrigation system connected to the canal, the planting can sustain and develop itself over time.
The CorTen steel architecture is fully aligned with the landscape design.
The structure smoothly connects to both banks, supporting the park as a robust yet refined framework. Subtle references to Victor Horta’s design thinking—organic, rhythmic, and detail-oriented—are incorporated into the form language.
The design also includes nature-inclusive interventions, such as nesting spots for birds, habitats for insects, and shelters for bats, making the bridge an ecological link between both sides of the canal.
Although the project was very positively received by the city, it was ultimately not selected as the winning design. Due to internal decisions within the construction team, beyond our control, the implementation was halted.
