Promenade Sud: Rapport final de l‘étude

The traditional image of Brussels’ city center is defined by the Pentagon—the historic medieval core—surrounded by the inner ring road, which has imposed a radial structure on the urban fabric. However, the city is undergoing a profound transformation. With the closure of the metro ring and the five key stations (North, South, West, Luxembourg, and Schuman), a much larger central area has emerged. In this context, the canal, once a dividing line, is now a key connector, reinforcing the idea of an expanded metropolitan center. Additionally, the pedestrianization of central boulevards has marked a historic shift, reclaiming space from car traffic and returning it to residents, creating a multifunctional, livable city core.

The Promenade Sud study builds on this transformation, stemming from research-by-design initiatives launched in 2017-2018 by the BSI-Brussels Centre Observatory. The study explores how the pedestrian zone integrates into the broader metropolitan center, proposing a network of structured pathways for slow mobility and green-blue infrastructure. This approach seeks to address socio-spatial fractures and reverse the car-dominated hierarchy. Through thematic working groups, seminars, and masterclasses (Zoom In | Zoom Out in partnership with perspective.brussels), the project has identified key challenges and intervention areas, including mobility, logistics, economic activity, and accessibility.

The southern part of the Pentagon quickly emerged as a priority area, combining a dense mix of amenities and users with significant social challenges, including poverty, marginalization, gender and safety concerns, and public space accessibility. Despite these issues, the area presents unique opportunities through ongoing and future projects, as well as existing institutions. One of the first initiatives, Groen en Blauw, developed in parallel with Promenade Sud, was led by BSI-BCO, Atelier Groot Eiland, Architecture Workroom Brussels (AWB), and BRAL, with funding from the Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie (VGC). This study reinforces the vision of a more inclusive and sustainable metropolitan Brussels, balancing environmental and social dimensions in urban development.