THE STIEMER RING 
PURIFYING THE LANDSCAPE 

The Stiemer Ring is an architectural intervention in a landscape that is polluted and fragmented, due to industrialization and pollution. The main goal of this project is to purify the ecosystem. By cleaning the Stiemer creek, the whole landscape can be revitalized and the biodiversity will be restored. In this way, the habitat becomes attractive for scientific and recreational purposes. The Stiemer Ring also acts as a junction: the fragmented and unappreciated landscape is reconnected to the adjacent areas. Genk has many beautiful bicycle routes and now this area can become a part of it too. 

The laboratory is a field station with facilities for research projects, meetings, and small educational programs. The research touches topics like ecology, pollution, biodiversity, and restoration. Everything is especially focused on the water. The laboratory has easy access to the different ponds and other areas of interest to collect samples and do tests. 

Two ponds are necessary to purify the water. The third pond is the proof of how clean the water is. It is designed as an outdoor swimming pool where people can enjoy the sensation of a clean ecosystem. When coming to the Stiemer Ring, you get an overview of the whole process of the water purification. The Ring is designed to understand the process while walking through it. When going to the swimming pond, you first walk around the cleaning pond. Secondly, the changing rooms are oriented to direct you to the swimming area. After putting on a bathing suit, the architecture invites you to descend to the platform or pier and either enjoy the view and atmosphere or to dive into the freshly purified water. 

Since the Stiemer Ring is a connection to the bicycle routes, it is a perfect place to establish a bike rental and repair shop. The building is also the infrastructure. While approaching the Ring, you are directed to easily to your destination, but not without enjoying the nature and landscape. The architecture is functional, but also tempts you to discover what is happening under the infrastructure, between the ponds. The slope is a seamless connection between the upper and lower ring. On the lower ring, you can wander between the lab, the bike shop and the swimming area, while enjoying the landscape. You can finish by getting a drink in the bar and sit down to enjoy the landscape some more.