Reinvigorating a Historic Square

't Zand & King Albert Park, Bruges, BE

Drawing on the rich historical, cultural and scenic layers of ‘t Zand, this redesign offers a renewed identity, unearthing a full-fledged ‘Bruges’ character for the square.

The redesign focuses on extending the experience of the adjacent green King Albert I Park, and thus embedding the iconic Concert Hall (Concertgebouw) in a more natural context. Double rows of Linden trees around the square create a sense of intimacy, whilst preserving its open character.

At 8,500m2, ‘t Zand is the largest public square in the historic city of Bruges.
The square hosts over 200 events per year and is an important link in the city’s network of public spaces.

“The plan is revolutionary in its simplicity. It harks back to the site’s original urban structure prior to the development of the Bruges ring road, with allusions to Marcus Gerards’ 1562 medieval map…Thanks to this plan West Bruges will now be reconnected to the historic center.”

– Mayor of Bruges, Renaat Landuyt