OKRA: The Melaan has been excavated and newly landscaped in the old city center of Mechelen. By bringing back water into the profile of the Melaan, this place is given back its logic, and has become attractive and livable once more. Water has become the catalyst of this urban development. Multiple aims are served by an integral approach: archaeology, mobility on land and on water, a tourist axis and the renewed city center all form essential aspects of the development. A route line and a water line express the asymmetrical character of the place. A curved road trace delineates the scene, and the zone between the stream and the route over the Melaan is designed as a as a low quay to linger.

Landscape Architecture: OKRA
Location: Mechelen, Belgium
Area: 2,5 hectare
Program: High and low docs along the Melaan
Cost: € 2,5 milj. (ex. VAT)
Completed: 2006
Photo credits: Ben ter Mull