GERBEN VANDERYSE
portfolio.
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SEMI-PUBLIC PLACE, BRUGSE POORT - GHENT
Starting the second year of the bachelor Landscape and Garden Architecture, we had to design a site of the so-called 'beluikjes'. A 'beluikje' is a collection of workers' houses from the 19th century in a street or around a square. The houses itself are very small and often consist of one room downstairs and one room upstairs. I started my design from a grid. Everything was based on this structure.
In the northeast, I made a square where the owners can put some benches, picnic tables, etc. The trees provide shade so the temperatures during summer will be low enough so they can enjoy the nice weather. Because the trees are deciduous, they won't be bearing leafes in the winter so there is still plenty of light in the darkest season.
In the middle of the space, there is grass provided. Here children can play, people can relax and enjoy a picnic. At the edge, there are a few benches so parents can talk to each other while keeping an eye on their children.
Because the terrain is slightly concave, it also acts as a bioswale. When it rains for a longer period of time, water will accumulate in the middle of the piece of land. There it can slowly infiltrate in the ground. This helps to prevent a possible drought duren summer.
At the facades, I would plant perennials that bloom in spring, summer and autumn and give a nice structure during winter. My intention is that every season something interesting is present in the plant borders. A combination of nice grasses and ferns, perennials and small shrubs would be perfect.
I also put some climbing plants against a couple of facades (in agreement with the owners). Climbing plants protect the facade against the harms of the weather, provides numerous benefits for insects, birds,... and insulates the house better.
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