Commercial streets in the historic centre, Kortrijk

The ultimate aim of remodelling these commercial streets in Kortrijk, Belgium, is to redefine its historic centre.

The commercial activity of this centre is a vital element in its enhancement, but this driving force of activity cannot be taken apart from other functions that today contribute to forming an urban area complete with facilities. Added to these are numerous interventions already carried out by the municipality.

The project exploits the potential of this conjunction to create a synergy between the streets to be remodelled and the town’s other public spaces. It is not merely a cosmetic operation but of using this operation to give it structure and effect an overall improvement.

The streets will be given a sober treatment with the aim of exuding a degree of calm that will serve to highlight the continuity of the various spaces. The use of noble materials will continue to be freely available and age well, and which also respond appropriately to the functional duality of streets, making them both convenient for pedestrians and resistant to occasional traffic.