Along the banks of the Blaarmeersen estate in Ghent, a blue shape seems to be hiding among the trees. Overlooking the lake, “Waterkant”, the new cafeteria of the sports and recreation park, gazes out towards the opposite shore. The pavilion, designed by Studiobont, not only replaces the old cafeteria that had seen better days, but also redefines the links between the natural landscape and the public programme. Where the old structure separated the lake and the play area, the new pavilion embraces the uniqueness of the place.

A compact volume slips into the lush landscape, revealing a magnificent view of the playground beyond the water. A thin canopy divides the space between the terrace and the play area without creating a visual barrier between the two. The terrace, lined with a concrete bench along its entire length, retains its panoramic view of the water. On the other side of the canopy, the space is mainly dedicated to children and play. In addition to creating a separation, the canopy provides protection from rain and sun while also serving as a terrace for the multi-purpose space upstairs.