The building was originally designed as an introverted space for reflection and humble social service. Externally, it presents a long, discreet street façade, while the interior, with its neo-Gothic vocabulary, reflects its religious foundations. The challenge lies in transforming this building into a mixed-use program that can evolve significantly over time without requiring drastic modifications to the existing structure.
The chosen design by Ar-te / LAVA (formerly VBM) / Stabo addresses this challenge by inserting new spaces within the existing structure, significantly increasing the building’s functional density. This approach ensures that the building retains its original character while simultaneously accommodating a wider range of activities.
By covering the former courtyard and integrating an auditorium beneath it, the monastery building is recharged from within. Combined with the restored existing structure, the extension provides a sustainable solution to the demand for flexible, multifunctional spaces. This approach ensures the building is future-ready, as it is also technically adaptable to meet the changing needs of its users. The thoughtful interventions in the existing structure, the enhancement of the chapel, the utilization of the attics, and the design of the monastery garden, along with the addition of major functions in the former courtyard, prepare the building for diverse applications.
The artistic integration by artist Guy Van Bossche supported the vision LAVA envisioned for this project, with attention to cultural sustainability and the long-term impact of this transformation.