The agora as an informal living room

  • Project:

    Leisure site 't Gewent

  • Client:

    Municipality Sint-Katelijne-Waver

  • Projectcode:

    2019EVZ

  • Designer:

    LAVA architecten

  • Site:

    Leliestraat, Sint-Katelijne-Waver

  • Engineering studies:

    Tractebel

  • Landscape:

    Avantgarden

  • Contractor:

    Cordeel

  • Visualisation:

    Key Visual

The new leisure site forms the starting point of a dynamic pendulum through Sint-Katelijne-Waver, which connects the open areas in the village centre. The pendulum not only connects the functions on the site, but also the wider village fabric, and strengthens the connection between nature, architecture and the past.

The project emphasises the creation of sustainable, inclusive space. The agora forms the heart of the design, a central meeting space that connects the public functions. The design offers a balance between flexibility, robustness and circularity. The event hall, library, youth centre and conservatory are arranged around the agora and are flexible in use. They can be exchanged, connected or expanded, both in the short and long term. The sloping leisure site and the colourful green roofs contribute to acoustic comfort, reduce heat stress and boost biodiversity.

The agora, as a social catalyst, is a meeting place for all residents and visitors and func-tions as an informal “living room” where people come together and where events take place. The small scale and the subtle balance between openness and privacy, offers a sense of security. With scenario-based design, which focuses on the human experience, much attention is paid to ergonomic, visual and acoustic comfort, making the site a lively and inviting place for relaxation and activity.

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