In the 1970’s a housing project was constructed in an abandoned tree farm, formerly producing wood for the mining activity. The existing pine trees have been thinned out selectively to transform the homogenous and dark forest into a lush and active park.

Year: 2007 – 2012
Client: City of Genk
Landscape Architect: Bureau Bas Smets
Photographs: Michiel De Cleene

A series of platforms transform the steep, unused space into a central square. A hardscape in red pavers thoroughly changes its identity. Planted with mulitstem trees and provided with benches the public space acquires a new, strong identity.

Year: 2012 – 2021
Client: Sint-Joost Municipality
Design Team: Bureau Bas Smets
In collaboration with: Bgroup Greisch
Photographs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6): Michiel De Cleene

Development of a territorial vision for the metropolitan agglomeration of the city of Bordeaux.

Year: 2012 – 2014
Client: Communauté Urbaine de Bordeaux
Design Team: Bureau Bas Smets
In collaboration with: Transsolar, l’AUC, Office KGDVS, NFU, VUB-ESSC, Cafsa, Lams, Sébastien Marot

The different functions of a residential care centre are constructed around four enclosed gardens. Each of them is made with the same set of materials but appealing differently to the senses of the residents. Together, these gardens form one continuous landscape, connected by the built volumes of the building. 

Year: 2006 – 2012
Client: OCMW Lommel
Landscape Architect: Bureau Bas Smets
Architect: 360 Architects
Photographs: Michiel De Cleene

Design of the gardens and fields surrounding a listed “château”, based on an 18th century tapestry of the estate. Hedges are planted on the contour lines of the fields, halting erosion and creating an intriguing labyrinth.

Year: 2005 – 2013
Client: Dennis Piel & Elaine Merkus
Design Team: Bureau Bas Smets
In collaboration with: Martin Basdevant

Concrete tiles have been removed from a blind wall to expose the underlying wooden lattice structure. Climbing plants attach themselves to the wooden elements and create a vertical landscape.

Year: 2008 – 2013
Client: Les Ballets C de la B & LOD
Landscape Architect: Bureau Bas Smets
Architect: De Vylder Vinck Taillieu
Photographs: Michiel De Cleene, Filip Dujardin

Urban study for the transformation of a region marked by urban sprawl.

Year: 2009
Client: City of Watou
Landscape Architect: Bureau Bas Smets
Architect: Office Kersten Geers David Van Severen

The project for the lock re-establishes the relationship between the canalised river and its historic trace. The dead arm was reconnected to create an island. At its far end a lower plaza has been constructed. A bench beneath two weeping willow trees allows new views on the lock, the river and the city.

Year: 2011 – 2020
Client: Consortium LeieLand
Landscape Architect: Bureau Bas Smets
Architect: Zwarts & Jansma architects
Photographs: Michiel De Cleene

On the roof garden of the PMQ design centre in Hong Kong an urban jungle is created with different types of bamboo. The vegetation protects the terrace from views of the adjacent buildings and offers a suspended moment of calm in the chaotic city centre.

Year: 2013 – 2014
Client: PMQ
Landscape Architect: Bureau BAS Smets
Architect: Thomas Chow Architects

A series of horizontal platforms are carved out of a sloped forest. Planted with a dense grid of trees they organise the outdoor facilities of the sport centre such as the entrance, parking, and storage. The platforms demarcate the usable area, while the trees frame the natural forest.

Year: 2010 – 2015
Client: Ministère de la Communauté Française
Landscape Architect: Bureau Bas Smets
Architect: Baukunst
Photographs: Michiel De Cleene