Contemporary Garden City / L’atelier DEV architecture

The Bon Air A neighborhood in Anderlecht is a rare gem among Brussels garden cities. Unlike most others, which have been absorbed into the city's dense urban fabric, Bon Air remains in the suburbs, preserving its low-density character and open, village-like feel. This distinction gives it a unique place in the city's history, but it also presents challenges that need to be addressed in a thoughtful and contemporary way. Originally, Bon Air was designed with a network of smaller streets complemented by wide pedestrian alleys, creating a balance between accessibility and walkability. Archival photos highlight how these alleys served as vital spaces for social interaction and play. However, over time, the expansion of car dominance has drastically reduced the width and importance of these pedestrian pathways, leaving them nearly non-existent or marginal. This shift has not only altered the neighborhood's physical layout but also its social dynamics.