Mobility Hub, a hybrid and adaptable parking infrastructure

From the earliest design stages, different scenarios for future use were taken into account. The structure allows the programme to be organised flexibly within the building, responding to the needs of users and the neighbourhood.

The floor plans are completely open due to the load-bearing façade, made of prefabricated concrete X-elements in a diamond-shaped grid. Each level has a clear height of 3.36 m, without interfering beams. Combined with the box-in-box principle for acoustically and climatically isolated functions, such as the offices on the upper levels, this creates great freedom in programming and layout.

The circulation core is positioned strategically between two parallel volumes to minimise obstacles and ensure smooth access to all functions. Stair landings allow split levels to be introduced, making more compact, automated parking systems possible.

The car park plays a key role in future urban development, so to keep cars out of the historic centre, new solutions such as the Mobility Hub are introduced. On the edge of Mechelen, the building offers drivers the possibility to park their vehicle and switch to public or more sustainable modes of transport.

The aim is to reduce car use and create a healthier living environment, with better air quality, fewer traffic jams and less noise pollution. In addition to the expansion of bicycle parking, scenarios with self-driving and shared cars have been explored. As they require less space, floor area can be freed up for other uses.

As a public building, the Mobility Hub offers more than parking. Two urban terraces with panoramic views link the structure to the city of Mechelen and the emerging residential district at Eandistip. They can be used by office workers during the day and for public events in the evening or at weekends. Over time, the top floor will evolve into a garden terrace with full-grown trees.

At ground level, a new square connects the Mobility Hub to everyday life in the neighbourhood. The curved plinth creates a flowing gesture and guides the different flows in and around the building.

This infrastructure demonstrates how a car park can be woven into the urban fabric by maximising efficiency, compactness and flexibility. In this way, the building can evolve in step with changing car use and mobility patterns. The mix of functions makes it both an urban landmark and a local meeting place – a place in motion, where user experience, parking infrastructure and city grow together.