Cultural-educational heritage of tomorrow
The Paul Van Ostaijen site, located at the park of the same name, is a vibrant home for musicians, gymnasts, artists, ballerinas, actors and circus artists in the making. The design generates synergies and cross-pollination for its numerous users and is open to the neighbourhood and nearby schools. The architecture maximally supports the operation of the various organisations and stimulates inspiring relationships between the diverse activities with respect for acoustic sealability in order to accommodate the various operations simultaneously. By focusing on flexible layouts, dual use options and shared spaces, a dynamic and compact complex is created that is bustling with activity throughout the day. The building adapts to various schedules, from daily lessons to large-scale performances, where up to three events can take place simultaneously.
With this multifunctional complex, the city of Leuven and LAVA architecten are building an exemplary project in the field of circularity, retrofitting, dealing with heritage, selective demolition, biodiversity, CO₂ and water neutrality, green development, acoustic requirements, etc.
The start of this project began with an analysis of the existing tree heritage, some of which – like the former monastery ‘Broos’ – fell under heritage protection. With a tree expert, we went in search of the capillaries of the trees, to determine how close we could build to the roots. A master plan was then developed with the integration of four park gardens, ranging from the wild sculpture garden to the reception park as a ‘school gate’. The tree population was greatly expanded.
The building itself also provides for the reinforcement of biodiversity: there are nesting boxes for swallows and bats, green facades, semi-intensive green roofs, etc. Demolished materials from the original buildings were tested, standardized for quality in a lab and relaunched on other construction sites and the local construction trade. In this way, this project strongly contributes to the circular economy.
What is specific to this project is that the connection to a geothermal energy field means that not only the new additions but also the original heritage buildings become CO2 neutral. Through thorough energy studies, we investigated low-tech solutions to keep all buildings cool and avoid mobile sun blinds. This resulted in the use of thermal inertia and the creation of thick castle-like walls with deeper glass sections.
The original monastery building from 1937, named after its architect Victor Broos, is undergoing a careful transformation in which valuable elements are preserved and spaces are given a new purpose. In close cooperation with the heritage authorities, we are integrating the authentic features of the heritage into the new architecture and vice versa. The transformation of the former chapel into a theatre hall with a new wooden stand is undoubtedly the most striking. With respect for the existing architecture and a sustainable approach, the Paul Van Ostaijen site offers an open marketplace for knowledge sharing and creativity, and is a valuable addition to the cultural landscape of Leuven.
