Nick Ceulemans

‘Inter_esse’ is the result of an intense journey in the search for the relationship between context
and contents. Both on a large scale and even up to the smallest architectural detail a comparison
can be made with a Russian Baboesjka; on every level an interspace or interludium is caught
between two extremes.

Located on the banks of the river Jeker, near the former Tapijn Barracks in Maastricht, the design
consists of two separate buildings which can be seen as a new attachment on the left and right
hand side of the city’s recreational area. By planning this ‘bi-unity’, study-diversion, over the park,
a new dynamic can take place that uses the quiet and protective qualities of its interspace. Building
North comprises student housing, cafeteria/bar and space for the expansion of the university.

Building South has been more thoroughly considered and comprises spaces for rehearsal,
education, information, lectures, exhibitions, gigs and musical plays.
Building South contains three structural and formal parts: Rehearsal, Education and Performance.
In combination with the nearby music academy, it is possible to present an alternative programme
for a much larger audience.
With the use of a central open space, Building South expresses once again the key notion of an
'inter_space' ⎯on this level for instance it is turned into a monumental stairway leading up to the
roof terrace and down to the parking lot that is connected to the newly designed underground
Singel tunnel.

Another non-traditional component of the design is the entrance. It is no longer a theatrical,
centralised space, but the entire glass facade from the foyer can open up to the central patio.
Without this main point of access, the building gets an anonymous appearance which reinforces the
alternative, industrial underground scene for which it is designed. Even the most unexpected places
can be turned into useful musical locations.

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