Mechelen Lamot

´Brownfield´ is a term used for grounds that - due to the presence of soil pollution - are no longer suitable for use. Such industrial grounds often enjoy a good location, close to the urban centre. We clean them up, integrate them into the urban fabric and redevelop them into lively new residential neighbourhoods.

We ´reprogramme´ existing buildings (whether they have been classified for preservation by the government or not) so that they meet contemporary standards, with full respect for their historical and architectural value. Such as an earlier barracks, an old hospital, a vacant office building, a former brewery.

All stakeholders are involved in a ´participatory process´ when a new residential neighbourhood is designed: the local community - the nearby residents and their possible associations - as well as local government authorities, social housing companies, roads and traffic, nature and forest, … Goal: a residential neighbourhood with which and in which everyone can have a wonderful life; and a project that is welcome in the neighbourhood.

Matexi encourages neighbourhoods where we can simultaneously live, shop, work, go to school and relax. So we reduce the use of autos and a neighbourhood remains alive long after school is over and offices have closed. Inner-city core reinforcement with sufficient neighbourhood amenities encourages not only the neighbourhood experience, it also brings the people who live there closer to one another.