Through a competition, POLO Architects acquired a commission to draw the Master Plan for the transformation of the City of Antwerp’s Cultural Centres. After an analysis of existing and potential new sites, the city administration decided to invest in those districts where new infrastructure for cultural activities was most needed.

SCHOOL BECOMES LEISURE CENTRE

In the village centre of Zandvliet, a district of the city of Antwerp, POLO Architects transformed a small school building flanked by houses on both sides into a vibrant cultural centre. The city council could be persuaded to purchase an adjacent property and tear it down. The freed space will be used to create an entrance square.

NEW FOYER AND THEATRE

The design foresees a new theatre for 226 people in a compact and closed volume behind the school building. The volume is raised, freeing up space below for a foyer. The transparent foyer and the square (the former schoolyard) make up the bustling heart of the cultural centre. The former schoolyard’s old wall was transformed into a graffiti wall.

"A new canopy bridging the gap in the row of houses gives the cultural centre a clear and inviting identity. The canopy embraces any activity on the entrance square and protects it from direct exposure to the street." – Michiel Verhaverbeke, director POLO Architects

VARIED PROGRAMME

The renovated classrooms can be used for a variety of purposes. The City of Antwerp, as well as local associations, can enjoy new facilities such as a computer room, meeting rooms, offices, workshops, a handicrafts workshop and a cooking classroom.

POLO Architects also designed CC Nova Kiel, CC Merksem, CC Gravenhof in Hoken and CC Ekeren ‘252cc’.

Read more about the project Cultural Centres Antwerp
Read more about the project Cultural Centre Gravenhof Hoboken
Read more about the project Cultural Centre 252 CC Ekeren
www.vrijetijdscentrumdeschelde.be

photography: Elisabeth Verwaest - Frederik Beyens