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2.3 Martelarenplein: the 4th wall of the square
Before its renovation in 2000, Martelarenplein was defined by just two walls: the train
station and the row of bars and restaurants on the city side. After the De Lijn building
was constructed, it became clear that the side of Tiensevest had to be completed
as well. The signal box located on this site is imperative for Belgian railway traffic
control, but really too small and unsightly to function as a real wall for the square.
(fig. 3) Since the development of the area between the station and Provinciehuis, the
specific characteristics of the fourth wall of Martelarenplein can be worked out.
Philippe Samyn and Partners’ competition design for the platform covering (1999)
already suggested the creation of the fourth wall of the square by means of the
‘SLIM’ box (smart box).5 (fig. 4)
On the one hand, the ‘SLIM’ box forms the missing wall of the square on the other
hand it formally defines the footbridge on both sides of the station covering. The
whole area is designed as a storage facility for a wide variety of items such as bikes,
lockers, and lost items. The area located under the footbridge will house the station’s
usual commercial functions such as a sandwich bar, a newspaper stand, a callcentre
and possibly an additional Red Cross station. The ‘SLIM’ box has a light structure.
The finishing material of the façade walls of the upper levels is semi transparent. At
night, the expanded metal mesh is lit in a way as to diffuse the light. This accentuates
the footbridge and creates a sense of security. From the inside, the wall material is
70% transparent, so travelers can have a full view of the station area.
The north wall of the signal box is conceived as a city billboard, used to present
cultural event posters to the public. The pedestrian ramp consists of low sloping
stairs, combined with 2 bike ramps (upward and downward direction).
Since the KBC project and the developments on the Kessel-Lo side, sufficient space
has become available to accommodate a bike garage in close vicinity of the station
building. This is why the ‘SLIM’ box was not executed according to the original
competition design. Together with the KBC-project design, Philippe Samyn and
Partners formulated a new proposal for the construction of the fourth wall of the
square. The signal box was enveloped, the bike garage eliminated, the stairs and bike
ramps were maintained, and another level was added. The design was consistent
with the KBC building design in terms of detail and durability. (fig. 5)
Philippe Samyn and Partners elaborated a third design at a later stage, in which
the signal box is wrapped in a metal construction that connects the footbridge with
Martelarenplein. The execution of this design is planned for 2009. (fig. 6)
A stairway leads from the footbridge to the station square, while the bike ramp
runs from the front side of the signal box in order to gradually overcome the height
difference between the levels. The ramp connects midway with the new promenade
situated in front of the KBC building. The semi transparent skin which is to envelop
the signal box and the ramp is indeed remarkable. It clearly accentuates the outline
of Martelarenplein.
The stairs and the ramp around the signal box will eventually direct the different
traffic flows in this transit area. A new and striking KBC bank building will be situated
on the corner of Tiensevest and Martelarenplein.
A 20m wide public stairway located between this new KBC bank building and the
wrapped-up signal box will connect Martelarenplein with the promenade situated
4m higher up. The promenade forms a green area that connects with Provincieplein.
The stairs consist of prefabricated concrete steps with a parapet and a handrail.6