Ine Schrooten

From a town-planning point of view we can learn that living and trading functions

are concentrated in the centre of Hasselt. Approaching the orbital surrounding of Hasselt, the living function is still present, but recreation, schools and businesses also claim their place.

Across the orbital surrounding there are only industrial sites. These sites disconnect water and city, while this location on the banks of the canal, enclosed like an island, is a place of peace and nature with retrospective effect to the city. Therefore the industries, relying on transport by water will be relocated to Genk, the others will remain on sites in the vicinity of Hasselt.

Because of this, schools and recreational sites will have the opportunity to expand and the island will become a junction of relaxation.

In these surroundings, which we find in all big and medium-sized cities, an interesting meltingpot of different cultures and religions emerges.

These various cultures with their own habits, deserve a place where they can feel at home and can evolve according to their specific needs. Up to this day, only traditional religions have had the opportunity to develop their own centres.

That is why I want to realize a junction on this island, just outside the busy commercial centre where the religious minorities can also coexist without being disturbed in their uniqueness.

A place where one can experience religion in peace.

The architecture of the building is austere in order not to limit the essence of the religion so as to make sure that different religions will be united instead of drifting apart.

The massiveness of the walls ensures that you, in order to experience the different atmospheres, have to penetrate the spaces. You have to let your senses guide you.

'Mitate' (Japanese name for old values given a new life, a new meaning)

Whether town-planning or conceptual, this name is a short summary of what I have realised.

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