Reconstruction of the Tower at College Saint-Amand

Image, courtesy the architect.

The tower will face east-west. In this way, the view over the river Lys will be exploited to the maximum, whilst the historic centre will be visible from the south side. From the town, the tower will have a slender and elegant appearance.

Image, courtesy the architect.

The suggested layout for the tower interior is flexible. It is possible to plan for two, three or four apartments per floor. If duplex apartments are used, the options will be even wider.

The apartments will have terraces, alternated with double height ceilings. There are magnificent views from the terraces and windows. To improve the temperature regulation on the terraces, the tower will be covered with glass louvers.

The facades will be covered with white beech, and can be decorated with works of art. These temporary exhibitions will link in with the exhibitions visible on the neighbouring island of Buda. The tower will therefore become a showcase for art and design in Courtrai.

Image, courtesy the architect.

In order to be able to provide enough parking spaces, the car park will be in the basement.

The construction of a new footbridge over the river Lys is the perfect opportunity to re-landscape parc Albert.

Image, courtesy the architect.

A large park will be created. It will connect the various buildings surrounding it and can be compared to the "village greens" found in many English towns. To provide some life and animation, several sports grounds will be created, and a cycle lane and footpath will also be included. Parc Albert will be linked to the neighbouring parks of the town of Courtrai by cycle lanes and footpaths, and will thus be incorporated into a wider urban project.

Image, courtesy the architect.

Incidentally, it has also been suggested that College Saint-Amand could be moved to the neighbouring Saint-Martin hospital in the future, as it is currently vacant and awaiting reallocation. The hospital's rigid structure would, in fact, be perfect for use as a school. In this case, the College Saint-Amand site could be transformed into housing in the beguinage style [traditional Flemish courtyards surrounded by small dwellings].

Image, courtesy the architect.

The project aims to provide an appropriate response to the renovation of the College tower and to offer College Saint-Amand new options for the future.

Image, courtesy the architect.

Credits

• Text, Philippe Samyn and Partners

View full page Pages: Previous Page 1 | 2 | 3