Archipelago Transforms a Post Office to a Learning Space
Amy Duong — September 8, 2024 — Art & Design
References: archipelago.be & dezeen
Local architecture firm Archipelago has taken on a design project that transformed what was once a brutalist post office into a learning center. Nestled in Belgion's Louvain-la-Neuve area, it is specifically renovated for Centre d'enseignement supérieur en Brabant wallon, which is an education space connected to the University of Louvain. The focus of this center is catered to social development and is accented with bright interiors.
The team looked to bring attention to the original spatial and material design of the concrete structure first designed by André Jacqman. The project architect, Sophie Laborde shares, "The building is spacious, generous and luminous. When we took it over, after numerous alterations, it was over-compartmentalised to accommodate a functional programme to the detriment of the architecture of the site. The aim of the project is to restore the building to its pristine condition as far as possible, while providing it with the technological and thermal comfort it will need for the next 30 years."
Image Credit: Johnny Umans
The team looked to bring attention to the original spatial and material design of the concrete structure first designed by André Jacqman. The project architect, Sophie Laborde shares, "The building is spacious, generous and luminous. When we took it over, after numerous alterations, it was over-compartmentalised to accommodate a functional programme to the detriment of the architecture of the site. The aim of the project is to restore the building to its pristine condition as far as possible, while providing it with the technological and thermal comfort it will need for the next 30 years."
Image Credit: Johnny Umans
Trend Themes
1. Brutalist Revival - Revamping brutalist architectures into modern functional spaces highlights a growing trend in adaptive reuse.
2. Educational Space Innovation - Transforming unused commercial buildings into dynamic learning centers caters to evolving educational methodologies.
3. Sustainable Retrofit - Upgrading historic structures with advanced technology and thermal comfort improves sustainability while preserving heritage.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The trend towards revitalizing brutalist structures is creating new opportunities for architectural firms specializing in adaptive reuse.
2. Education - Innovative educational spaces provide institutions with the chance to offer modernized environments that support social development.
3. Sustainable Construction - Retrofitting older buildings with new sustainable technologies showcases advancements in the sustainable construction industry.
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