Erik Hendrickx
Live and let Live. PHL Diepenbeek (Belgium)
Urban Development:
The site is located in the North of the historical heart of Gent and bounded by water and a main road (the river Leie and the Otto Canal). The intervention aims at creating new life in this desolate and degenerated city area. The centre does not only serve as a meeting point for local residents, it will also be used to increase the existing social network by adding a toy library and a day-care centre.
Concept:
There is an ostensible paradox incorporated in the programme of the community centre. On the one hand, the centre offers openness; on the other hand, it gives visitors a sense of security. The openness is being assured by the urban scenery which walks through the site without a clear dividing line, whereas the safety is being provided by protecting horseshoe-shaped membranes, which float above the scenery.
Formal:
Each of the three membranes contains a part of the programme. These main volumes are squared to the river and connected to each other by a technical strip. Two spaces arise outdoors and both of them start a different relationship with the water.
The concept’s duality is being reflected in the interior. The urban landscape literally walks underneath the membranes. The interior is only separated from the exterior by fine glass. The pavement, which consists of large cobble stones and concrete, makes a flowing movement from the inside to the outside.
The rare steel construction consists of two identical steel doorways and carries the protecting membranes. The urban landscape is composed of a massive concrete construction. The point where steel and concrete would touch each other, the constructions are pulled loose (from each other).
The centre becomes the neighbour’s meeting place. If the building serves its function, it will become alive and mirror the life in that part of the centre. The centre will oxidize the neighbourhood, it will live and let live.
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