Molenwest Square

Playing, sports and studying in temporary hall ‘Molenwest Square’

The brownfield at Brussels West Station in Molenbeek had looked rundown for years. Within 10 years, the Brussels Capital Region's Urban Development Agency will build a lively neighbourhood with housing and green space there. Until then, you will find ‘Molenwest Square’ by 1010 Architecture Urbanism. This is a temporary hall where Brussels youth can let off steam.

Temporary meeting place as a basis for a vibrant neighbourhood
Molenwest Square is a sports and play paradise for children and teenagers. During the day and school holidays, Brussels youth can skateboard, cycle and play football in three indoor halls. And neighbourhood associations organise creative activities in containers, such as cooking and woodworking. But pupils can also go there for a homework class. The main aim of the hall is to create a fun and educational meeting place for young people in Brussels. They often do not have a place of their own at home.

Relocatable infrastructure
A mixed-use neighbourhood with housing, economic activities, public services and a park will emerge on the site over the next decade. That is why 1010 Architecture Urbanism opted for a temporary structure made with recycled and dismountable materials. For example, the insulated inner walls of the containers are made of demountable sandwich panels. The society can also give the roofs of the rooms and the technical installations a second life. And it will later move the six containers on the site to other projects.