Atelier Track Design

Atelier Track Design as an interactive experiment with a crucial role for design research.

Atelier Track Design looked into experimental and innovative (spatial and process-based) concepts regarding the transition to a circular economy. The findings were presented for inspiration to the designers of the Masterplan for the Ford site (Genk).

With the disappearance of the Ford factory in Genk (BE), a site of over 140 hectares along the Albert canal became available. There was an opportunity to link the planned remediation and redevelopment to the planned development of linear infrastructures in the area. The simultaneity of these new economic and spatial developments offers opportunities for the transition to a circular economy, in which the exchange of flows and the closing of cycles form the starting point. Moreover, it is also important for the spatial and functional transformation of the Genk region.

At that same time, a Masterplan was being prepared for the redevelopment of the Ford site. Atelier Track Design offered the master plan study an experimental thinking space to inspire with innovative spatial and process strategies around closed energy, water and material flows and with future-oriented architectural, urban and infrastructure concepts. The studio looked for synergies with current developments and investments along the Ford site and other strategic locations such as Centrum-Zuid, the Thor site and the Kolenspoor.