How can we evolve a harmonious integration of an isolated historical defence infrastructure within a current society? A recipe in which a burial site, a green landscape and a public character are blended into a seamless unity.

Abstract

The fortification forms an important part of the Belgian history. Due to the fast-changing technology, several reinforcements were quickly out of day. A decrepit fortress will be closed and, unfortunately, in many cases it stays empty for the rest of its lifetime. We can only be grateful of the strong construction of the fortresses so that we are able to keep these important story carriers of the Belgian history. In this master’s thesis, the adaptive reuse of the Fortress of Kessel, a heritage building of Flanders, forms the main focus.

Thanks to the underutilization of the heritage sites, the maintenance is neglected which accelerates deterioration and therefore, threatens the continuity of heritage values. According to the limited human activity, many sites turned into nature areas. A fortification site consists of two main assets: the silence that prevails and the green surrounding landscape. Two important elements that we can barely find in the current society where everything focusses on the busy daily life.

A meaningful reuse for a defence building can be found in the rural cemetery movement and two case studies (Stockholm Woodland Cemetery and De Nieuwe Ooster) which are dealing with three main ingredients: a burial ground, a green environment and a public character. Combining the three elements into a seamless unity creates a suitable recipe for an abandoned fortress to integrate in into the current society.