VenhoevenCS architecture+urbanism has designed the master plan that the City of Liège will use to submit its candidacy for the EXPO 2017. The City’s plans were presented to the political circles and the BIE (Bureau International des Expositions) on 7 June and were received with great enthusiasm. In December 2012 the decision which city will be hosting the EXPO 2017 will be announced.
In recent years the City of Liège has undergone a strong transition. Three major projects, the Grand Curtius museum, Médiacité (designed by Ron Arad), and the Guillemins station by architect Calatrava, which connects Liège to the North-West European high-speed rail network, are manifestations of this development. Winning the right to host the Expo is a logical next step for the City of Liège to further boost the growth of the city. Expos are not just a temporary spectacle, but are also known for the economic, urban development and architectural impulses they generate.
Master plan
In the master plan of VenhoevenCS the design for the Expo is not a stand-alone event, but rather the start of the development of the site. The Expo is the first step in the transformation into a new eco-neighbourhood where it will be pleasant to live, work and relax. A future development on both banks of the River Maas, which will give the city new access to the river.
All of the new access roads that will be developed for the Expo will contribute to the longterm quality of Liège: the new tram connection with the town, slow traffic routes alongside the water and to the centre, the re-profiling of the E25 into an urban boulevard with a green quay, a bridge with green planting between Coronmeuse and Bressoux and an additional ferry service will enhance the connection with the city – not just for the experiences of the Expo
visitors, but mostly also for the existing residents of the city.
Location
Coronmeuse, a peninsula in the River Maas between Liège and Herstal, has been designated as the site for the Expo. The need to make this location easily accessible for the Expo and connect it with the city centre offers many opportunities for the future development of this area. The site can become a new cornerstone in the urban structure of Liège, which will reinforce the role of the River Maas as the backbone of the city. The site also has historical significance: the last International Exhibition in Liège took place in this same Coronmeuse in 1939. This event was halted abruptly by the international tensions that broke out on the eve of the Second World War.
Theme
The definition of the theme of the Expo started with the decision made by the municipal council of Liège on 25 January 2010, to base the candidacy of the city on the need to find new, sustainable ways of life. Creativity and innovation, both in the scientific and the human domain, were the starting points. Based on these elements the theme ‘Connecting the world’ was chosen. This theme focuses specifically on human domains: health, sustainable transport, environment, culture and education.
After the Expo
The design for the master plan and the buildings is based on the use after the Expo. The terrain is not primarily laid out for the event, but offers a framework for a sustainable residential area on the River Maas after the Expo. The main designation of the new, sustainable neighbourhood is housing, services (schools, libraries, shops and restaurants) and offices. The various special slow-traffic routes and the new multi-modal junctions form a sustainable value increase for the City of Liège and the region as a whole. The Expo area forms the basis for the development of a green eco-district and the overture to a lively, green
residential area on the River Maas.
Candidacy and exhibition
The success of the candidacy is strongly linked to the involvement and support of the local population in and for the project. Supporters can sign to support the candidacy of Liège on the website of Liège Expo 2017.
The model of the VenhoevenCS master plan is on display at the exhibition that is held in the MAMAC in Liège from 8 June to 18 September 2011. This exhibition depicts the history of the Expos and the impact on the cities hosting the Expos. The exhibition also looks at the legacy of the 3 Expos previously held in Liège (in 1905, 1930 and 1939).
Web: www.VenhoevenCS.nl
