In the recently completed water garden in Meise, Gijs Van Vaerenbergh and Atelier Arne De Ruyter explored how the botanical power of water can be experienced. This led to a voyage of discovery just above the water’s surface.

The Meise Botanical Garden is undoubtedly a pleasant place to wander and lose yourself. Anyone who has ever visited on a lost Sunday afternoon will undoubtedly remember the medieval castle of Bouchout, a remnant of the two historic castle estates that merged during the 20th century to form one of the largest collections of living plants in Europe. The botanical garden combines scientific research with public walks through medieval and romantic gardens. Contemporary architecture has also recently found a home here, including the reception pavilion and plant pavilion by Nu architectuuratelier, the restoration of the castle by Nu and Altstadt architects, and a new water garden by Gijs Van Vaerenbergh and Atelier Arne De Ruyter.