The Transformation of the Leopold Barracks into a Green Oasis in the Heart of Ghent
Leopoldskazerne Gent
Leopoldskazerne Gent
In the heart of Ghent, the former Leopold Barracks has been redeveloped into an urban inner area with a mixed program of housing, work, culture, and government. The new public space has been designed as an urban green lung, where a refined planting concept plays a key role.
The planting is not used merely as a decorative element but as a guiding and interactive part of the design. The concept is dynamic: certain plant species are allowed to spread in a controlled manner, resulting in a gradual, natural transformation of the visual composition. This approach also enhances the overall resilience and ecological value of the site.
The planting is not used merely as a decorative element but as a guiding and interactive part of the design. The concept is dynamic: certain plant species are allowed to spread in a controlled manner, resulting in a gradual, natural transformation of the visual composition. This approach also enhances the overall resilience and ecological value of the site.
Today, the Leopold Barracks serves as a public space where historical heritage, contemporary architecture, and landscape converge.
At the core of the design is the planting concept: a fine-grained system of roses, perennials, shrubs, trees, climbers, and bulbs creates a layered structure and dynamic experience within the urban interior. Every season is felt, and every view changes subtly. The design emphasizes future-oriented greenery, taking into account plant habit, growth expectations, soil conditions, and the urban microclimate.
The path network follows the existing site framework but is strategically elevated in certain areas to prevent trampling and protect root development of the greenery. At the same time, this enhances the experience of the landscape.
The entire site is fully accessible. Belgian porphyry was chosen as the unifying material for hard surfaces: it appears in cobblestones, loose stone, and as aggregate in prefabricated concrete elements.
