Samenvatting

At the location along the Westerschelde and the sea locks, Terneuzen offers a thriving industrial economy and comfortable living. Yet, it is also a fringe area secluded from national infrastructures, which competes hardly with other, more attractive places in Zeeuws Vlaanderen and Vlaanderen in Belgium. Youngsters find it difficult to return after their studies to the detriment of local culture, and despite many efforts the arts as well find little support to contribute to a lively urban life. In this design project the old center and harbor of Terneuzen are framed as a new incubator for cultural and artistic life, firstly by research of the inner urban network as a carrier for studio developments, and secondly by projecting a cultural and recreational center along a new dyke improvement, which extends into the old harbor and oversees the Westerschelde. In a sober and transparent design language a link is created between the old center and the old harbor, which reflects the closely bound values of tranquility and vibrancy for an inspiring and inviting community in an attractive environment.