typicalplan = planning |
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an office building: THE FLEMISH ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE (VAC). |
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Although the VAC is functionally an office building, we felt from the beginning that the typology of office building design was an inadequate starting point for this building.
The office building is a commercial typology whose aims are completely different to that of a public building and in fact, opposite. Profit driven, built for the short term, they must project enough exclusivity and gloss to attract occupiers. We felt strongly that the VAC should not be held hostage to a typological exercise best suited to a European highway or business park, contorted to fit this site.
In contrast, a public building reveals a government’s commitment to its people and their aspirations. Long term investments, these building need to be solid and durable but not extravagant. They should integrate well with their context and be perceived as environmentally responsible. Full of ‘not for profit’ public rooms, receptions and exhibition spaces, they should be welcoming, easily accessed by the handicapped, non intimidating and immediately identifiable.
We felt strongly that due to the prominence of its site; its final place in the station development sequence of Leuven; its great size and the request for durability and long life, that the real priority for this building is to become not only part of the enduring fabric of Leuven but both a regional and city landmark.
The design grew out of a sculptural elaboration of the BPA. It aims to achieve a formal, urban simplicity through its proportions relative to the context and by the use of a single material throughout – brick – (instead of a collage of materials) so that the building assumes a monolithic presence and identity as both a city and regional landmark. And within its most immediate environs, the building generates its own context.
“The idea that architecture can and should speak for itself is clear in both internal planning and external expression. (...) The building mass, with its clearly expressed extremities and a recessed centre, are a remarkably inventive translation of the planning requirements.”
Jan Schreurs, Professor of Architecture, in article “Flemish House”, A+, Belgian Review of Architecture
type: winning design after two-stage open design competition
client: Flemish Government
GFA: 25 000 sqm
design architect: GZ-ZAvEM (Eleni Gigantes, Elia Zenghelis, Bart van Leeuw, Heidi van Eetvelt, Hans Maes), Belgium
landscape architect: An Voets Belgium
engineer: Ove Arup & Partners International Ltd. UK
quantity surveyor: Monk Dunstone Associates Belgium / UK
construction architect: Jaspers-Eyers Belgium