The history of the hamlet Noeveren, has created a bespoke topography and urban tissue. The location by the Rupel, and the recent abandonment of the brick factories, create a new ecological quality, with pioneer vegetation taking over and new animals finding their home. The enclosed character with limited car access but a big pedestrian network has created a leisure-friendly environment. The history brings character and a shared identity for the residents. The collective use of private land, the history and today's housing configuration have created a unique community with a strong social network. However, Noeveren is becoming more and more of a mono-functional residential area and is coming under constant threat of development. The site of Lauwers, one of three brick factories in Noeveren, has been abandoned for years and is one of those locations desired by developers. Possible reuse has been a topic of debate for years.

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This thesis proposes a bottom-up re-use to try and make Lauwers a catalyst for work-living, giving facilities to the current residents, and creating new opportunities for culture and tourism. On the other hand, restoring the historic roof-landscape surrounding Lauwers, defines the non-build space and eases appropriation, opening up the back(yard)s to the current site. The addition of housing strengthens and diversifies the community, keeping the social network intact. A slow collective and evolutionary process brings together newcomers and natives and gives them new agency over the site.

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Online pdf of full thesis