Public space furniture & scenography

Eendensquare in Waterschei, Genk, is an example of the Garden City suburban typology, which was conceived in England in the early 19th century. In Waterschei, single-family houses surround a large green space every few streets. Eendensquare is one of these green spaces, offering plenty of room, but it was largely empty. Sixteen tall trees stand in a circle around a central tree, and a diagonal path crosses the grassy area. Since 2024, the square has formed part of the Genk in Motion event held during the summer months, featuring a fluorescent green walking route through the city. This has provided an opportunity to activate the square as an open-air meeting place and venue for events. The installation is intended not only for passers-by during Genk in Motion, but also for local residents to appropriate the square, as this is the only way to activate public spaces.

The project comprises a series of metal structures arranged in groups across three planes in Eendensquare. This family consists of a low podium, chaise-longues, a long table of various heights, and smaller tables accompanied by benches. Made of standard metal grids, they offer transparency while providing robust, weatherproof elements for the public. Their visibility is enhanced by their colours, inspired by the birds after which the four streets leading to the square are named.

Client: City of Genk
Location: Eendensquare, Waterschei Genk/ BE
Project directors: Eleni Lenaerts, Michael Diedderiens
Execution: Laswerken Nys & Stad Genk
Assistants: Olivia De Bree, Francesca Desantis

Genk op gang
VRT news
City of Genk