Article source: OKRA Landscape Architects

The river Dijle is of great importance for the history of Mechelen. Right through the center flows the River Dijle. The river with its Dijle Tablets provide a physical barrier in the fabric of the city, but is also a fast connection from the surrounding countryside, along the city park ‘The Botanique’ to the center. The Lange Schipstraat is the part of this route that was designed by OKRA, and part of this route over the Dijle Tablets.

Image Courtesy © OKRA Landscape Architects

• Architects: OKRA Landscape Architects
• Project: Lange Schipstraat and Lekkernijstraatje
• Location: Mechelen, Belgium
• Client: City of Mechelen
• Planning area: 0.5 hectares
• Implementation public space: € 1.2 mio. (Ex. VAT), 2005 prices
• Completion Date: Period 2010 – 2012
• Completion public space: 2012

Article source: OKRA Landscape Architects

The assignment for the Sint Katelijnestraat is ambiguous. The idea is to develop the quality of the public space and further expansion of the qualitative network of the town of Mechelen.

Meanwhile, the heart of the town has gotten a large quality-impulse but a beautiful route to the centre is still lacking. Thereby, Mechelen will be an attractive town to visit. By that, the undiscovered heart of the centre will actually be exposed. Because of the structure of the town, the orientation in the medieval public space network is difficult. The redevelopment of the town radius Sint Katelijnestraat largely contributes to this and will thereby form an orientation line in the centre.

Image Courtesy © OKRA Landscape Architects

• Architects: OKRA Landscape Architects
• Project: Sint Katelijnestraat
• Location: Mechelen, Belgium
• Name initiator: Town of Mechelen, College van Burgemeester en Schepenen
• Size and nature of planning area: 8500 M2
• Execution costs public space: 1,2 million Euro, excluding VAT
• Delivery-date: 2009