The social housing block "Rue Haute" is situated within the city centre of Brussels, in the Marolles district. It is part of the Brussels SLRB - BHGM social housing company. Close to the Metro and Tram station of Port de Hal, Midi/South station, it neighbours the Hospital Saint-Pierre as well as the Cité Hellemans housing complex, and embedded within the divers social infrastructures of the Marolles. The ensemble of the “Foyer Bruxellois”, together with the Cité Hellemans, is part of an original masterplan conceived by Charles van Nueten. It was envisioned to have additions to only a few existing buildings, almost a tabula rasa of the previous housing structures and alleyways within the block. Compared to the situation around 1930, major reshaping of the site began in the 1950s - a series of 3 courtyards were planned, each marked by new building blocks on all sides, with circulations for cars connecting to the surrounding streets. 

Analysis:Several existing buildings and structures of the site are critically damaged, such as the garage or tower B2. Therefore some parts have to be demolished, while for some building blocks renovation works in the near future would be required. Occupancy rates vary, some buildings being completely vacant nowadays.This creates interesting interdependencies within the site, since some of the structures, bound to be demolished, are still occupied by residents, while others are vacant but can still be renovated and used.

Hypothesis:It is clear today that the original masterplan never got built in the way that it was originally planned. The urban fabric is always evolving, and history shows us the complexity and uncertainty of any future developments.Together with the chronological matrix of possible transformations, and knowing that programs and constructions can change over time, we realise that there is no possibility to draw out another new masterplan.Instead, we are    EMBRACING UNCERTAINTY      in order to tackle the ever changing processes and demands, establishing long term resilience at the Rue Haute site.