An assignment to draw up a master-plan/visual quality plan was compiled for the planned urban renewal of the surroundings of ‘De Leet’. The aim of this assignment is to obtain a coherent vision for the various elements that determine the quality of the public space.

This urban renewal focuses on the redesign of the surroundings of ‘De Leet’ to form a modern, green central point in the town that also links up with the ‘Grote Markt’, which is now the ‘stone core’ of the historic town centre.

The project site comprising ‘De Leet’ and its surroundings lies in Ypres’ historical town centre. It is of inestimable historical value. Ypres was originally an agricultural community that arose on the banks of the River Ieperlee: the project area was the town’s birthplace and goes back to the 10^th century.

Ypres has earned its position as a part of Flanders cultural heritage: this site offers a reflection of Ypres’ role as one of the largest world cities of the Middle Ages. The memory of the ‘Great War’ in 1914-18 also puts Ypres firmly on the map. The site is of great importance to the town of Ypres, but its historical uniqueness transcends this local level.

Its central location makes it important that this site is used in the best possible way and is opened up to inhabitants and visitors. An in-depth approach must be taken to its relationship with urban amenities and functions, transport links, green spaces etc. The position and functioning of the project site as part of the urban environment must be given the attention it deserves.

The site has a number of problems to contend with:

• Overburdened due to transport issues.
• Spatial fragmentation.
• Disregard for its role as the ‘birthplace’ of the town.
• Undefined public spaces.
• A lack of spatial quality in the public space.
• Large paved area.
• Its function as a large square is underestimated.
• Potential for agreeable housing is also underestimated.

The complexity of the assignment derives from many factors:

• it is a unique historical location with high potential
• needs a finely-tuned approach which nevertheless dares to make radical choices
• requires attention to and respect for the valuable heritage in the surroundings
• needs layout with optimum results for the inhabitant and visitor
• demands a contemporary use of space
• must have spatial and functional links with the existing urban environment
• should be a setting for urban amenities
• needs to respond to the transport issue
• a high degree of ambition is required that takes account of climate change and every aspect of sustainability.

The assignment is one of great difficulty and demands an integrated multidisciplinary approach by a single design team that includes great expertise in several disciplines: dealing with unique heritage, respect for great historical worth, design that takes account of climate change, a new and modern green heart for the town.

Ypres town council gives the following principles priority in this project:

• Space for history
• Space for memory
• Space for encounter
• Space for accessibility and openness
• Space for greenery
• A new urban character
• Space for water
• Space for the contemporary and for renewal
• Space for sustainability
• Innovative in nature
• Sustainability in a unique historical context
• Climate adaptation
• Participation as part of a sustainable approach

This assignment lies at the point where urban development and architecture meet and requires an affinity with the organisation of spatial developments in classified urban views and the re-evaluation of the historical heritage. This master-plan plays a key role in a process in which several parties are participating. Apart from its design qualities, the design team is also expected to take a process-oriented approach so that the project is able to evolve as part of a series of participatory steps. 

Once the draft design has been provided, the design team will advise the town council when called upon to do so while the work is being carried out. The team that draws up the master-plan/visual quality plan and the draft design will be given the role of supervisor.