‘Forest Track’ by Gijs Van Vaerenbergh a new architectural gem on the Diepenbeek campus
Limburg DC has gained a new landmark. Today, the first of two new walkways has been opened on the campus in Diepenbeek. The walkable artwork ‘Forest Track’, designed by architecture studio Gijs Van Vaerenbergh, winds in an elevated path through the nature area and connects the Health Campus with the Construction Campus. The path combines a practical function with a distinctive architectural experience.
With the new path, the campus not only gains a shorter route between two heavily used zones, but also a striking new element in the landscape. Those walking from the Health Campus to the Construction Campus will now follow a route that moves between trees and water.
Through forest and water
The path runs through a forest managed by Natuurpunt, which also serves as a water buffer. Because the water level can fluctuate significantly, the walkway has been constructed in an elevated form. In this way, it seems to float through the landscape, without major interventions in the environment and while preserving as many trees as possible.
“One of our goals was to respect nature while making the campus more accessible,” says Tom Vandeput, Deputy for Economy and Chairman of POM Limburg. “With this path, we connect the Health Campus and the Construction Campus in a way that strengthens rather than disrupts the surroundings.”
A winding design
The design is by the Belgian architectural duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh, known for their sculptural interventions in the landscape. Instead of a straight line, the path winds between the trees and along open spaces in the forest. The structure in corten steel and ochre-coloured concrete gives the whole a warm, earthy appearance.
“The form and route of the path originated from the terrain and the existing trees,” says architect Pieterjan Gijs. “We searched for a route between the trees in order to limit the impact on them as much as possible.” The result is an irregular path that folds through the landscape. In some places it bends around trees; in others, trees stand within cut-outs in the walkway. The route passes through different zones of the forest: densely vegetated areas, open woodland clearings that can flood at high water levels, and the forest edge with views of the landscape. This creates a layered spatial experience of the forest.
More than a connection
The elevated path is not only a faster route between two campuses, but also a place to experience the landscape. It passes through various zones of the forest: densely vegetated areas, open woodland clearings, marshy zones that can flood during high water, a pond, and the forest edge overlooking the landscape. This results in a layered spatial experience of the forest. The route invites visitors to pause and view the area differently.
“Gijs Van Vaerenbergh previously realised the ‘reading between the lines’ church in Borgloon, commissioned by the provincial authorities, which has grown into a tourist attraction,” says Tom Vandeput. “Here too, we look beyond a purely functional connection. This walkway is an architectural asset as well as a tourist added value for the campus. Soon, not only students and staff will be able to use it, but also residents of Diepenbeek and Godsheide. Once the campus is fully completed, they will be able to fully enjoy the new park and public green space.”
For campus users, the path also means a clear saving in time. Roundabout routes make way for one clear connection. “Where the walk from the Construction Campus to the Health Campus used to take thirteen minutes, it now takes four minutes,” says Tom Vandeput. “You notice that difference immediately.”
First of two
With this inauguration, only the connection between the Health Campus and the Construction Campus has been opened for now. It is the first of two planned walkways at Limburg DC. The second walkway, which will connect to the UHasselt transport hub, will open this summer.
