Share and reuse factory
The old fire station in Kortrijk has been redeveloped into a sharing factory, a meeting place where citizen, neighbourhood and city initiatives come together. The sharing factory aims to promote sharing as an alternative to owning and to stimulate empowerment, allowing different initiators to find and strengthen each other.
The building, also known as ‘Tuighuizen’ or old Fire Station, was built in 1940 and was classified as a protected monument in 2003.
The striking building is primarily characterized by the tower volume with staircase next to the low wings constructed in a concrete structure and clad with brick veneer. The design strongly emphasizes the welcoming gesture by opening the building at the corner and situating a market hall: a space where all participants can showcase their activities and a social grocery store displays its goods. In the heart of the building, a series of ‘shops’ are arranged, each with their own ‘address’ facing an open inner courtyard. The existing industrial hall is renovated into a central depot.
The tower houses a climbing club. The glass-enclosed top will become a unique meeting space under a sky crafted by an artist.
The sharing factory will be a beacon in the neighborhood and beyond, providing a place for the sharing economy in the city.
