A transparent skin around an evolving volume

  • Project:

    Administrative centre and library Bonheiden

  • Clients:

    College burgemeester & schepenen - Gemeentebedrijf Bonheiden

  • Projectcode:

    0118BON

  • Designer:

    LAVA architecten

  • Site:

    Blikveld, Bonheiden

  • Contractor:

    Vooruitzicht nv

  • Engineering:

    Stabo

  • Photographer:

    Toon Grobet

The administrative center is designed with the citizen as the central figure, where interaction and communication with the administration are essential for effective governance. The building presents an open and transparent character, featuring an internal atrium that not only fosters interaction with visitors but also enhances communication among staff members. The absence of corridors ensures social oversight of the public space. The building has a strong presence that complements the adjacent cultural center.

To maintain consistency within the built environment, the same typology and appearance were chosen for both the library and the administrative center. This choice enhances the flexibility of the buildings, both in their visual identity and functionality. While the buildings are horizontally layered, the spatial experience primarily emphasizes vertical connections. At the library entrance, all floor levels are immediately visible, ensuring a high level of spatial clarity in both buildings.

The façade is composed of two layers: an outer skin of perforated metal shutters and a secondary skin of wooden exterior joinery with improved double glazing. Between these layers lies a circulation strip with grating floors that serves as an emergency escape route, maintenance access, or terrace. The semi-transparent metal shutters increase the building’s flexibility by providing a neutral façade that accommodates changes to the interior layout without drastically altering the building’s exterior appearance.

The design is modular, based on a 120 cm grid, with all technical systems integrated into an accessible raised floor. This allows for easy modifications and functional changes without the need for demolition work, greatly enhancing the building’s long-term flexibility.

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