Marine Gasparian, Nadège Michaux & Mattia Willems
ARCHITECTONIC EMBRACE. ULG Liège (Belgium).
The main thrust of our project is to extend the building along its original construction lines with an extension that deliberately sets back from the street to create a lively, mineral courtyard. This extension is not a timid extension, but rather an embrace of the old hospital (hence the name of the project: "Architectonic Embrace"), restructuring its roof by raising the ridge line. The roof follows the main structural lines of the original two-slope building, with a third roof slope inverted to give it an internal and external dynamic.
The entrance area is preceded by an outdoor square that extends under the extension to the entrance. Here, a reception area welcomes visitors, and the tour of the knife begins by taking a spiral staircase leading from the extension to all the upper floors. This staircase leads to two framed views of the extension, which is a more introverted volume than the existing building. There is a horizontal view towards the valley, to allow an expansive view, and a vertical view towards the Thiers fabric, to allow a glimpse of the height of the building. The staircase thus provides visual continuity, as well as linking the spaces by creating a dynamic of movement.
Finally, in order to create a unique atmosphere, we planned to integrate zenithal lights on the side of the extension that would cross the different floors of the museum space.
In short, this project represents much more than a simple architectural transformation. It embodies the desire to preserve the building's heritage, redefine its outdoor spaces and create a place for discovery and sharing. By offering a harmonious blend of history, art and architecture, this museum is breathing new life into the old hospital and positioning itself as a place not to be missed.
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