ABATAN

For the first time, The concept of a cargo tram is being researched for the flesh market in Kureghem, Brussels, Belgium. 1. The masterplan analyses the economic activity of the local huge flesh market (ABATAN) and the slaughter garbage it causes. It then formulates a proposition to move these dirty industrial activities of the flesh market to an industrial zone 5 km north of ABATAN, and make the connection through a newly implemented cargo tram line. In this way ABATAN, and therefor also Brussels city entre, can bring truck traffic to a minimum, and the canal zone could flourish again after 150 years of industrialization. 2. The design of this new ABATAN site, consists of a cargo hub, social housing, a renewed flesh market, a new cultural centre for ‘the basements of Kureghem’, waterfront square and cafés, and a library/bridge to the centre. All functions are carefully arranged in a longitudinal waty, around the market on one side, and the waterfront on the other side. The forms are designed based on arabic patterns yet envisioned in a contemporary manner, thus acknowledging local cultural habits together wth a new rsing generation. In this way, what used to be for more than 100 years the most dirty place of Brussels, now becomes literally purified. Inhabitants of Brussels can now relive the flesh market and the waterfront, that was thought of long lost.