Renovating a building is like writing a new chapter for an existing story: every possible future – literally – builds on the past. Therefore, in light of the rehabilitation and expansion of the Casino in Knokke, Leon Stynen’s original plans were meticulously studied. In his design, light-filled and varying spaces in separate volumes of different scales were linked together, forming one coherent whole. Their experiential quality is unmistakable: the existing building does not need a flashy and ostentatious architectural extension, but – with a few well-considered and small-scale interventions – presents itself best as a beacon in its surroundings.
site plan
ground floor plan
In light of the requested programme, various zones of
the Kursaal were carefully ‘pitted’. A simultaneaously clear and meandering
spatiality weaves its way through the existing structure. The original symmetry
of the building is revived in an exciting way, with the varying museum route
unfolding around it. Ultimately, the Kursaal manifests itself as an all-round
building, activating its immediate environment in every direction.
first floor plan
illustration by
©
Gosia Olchowska
The additional programme – a casino and parking volume
– is designed as a compact and autonomous underground volume. Due to its
minimal footprint, a connecting urban landscape in between serves as a worthy
response to the requested architectural connection. The design thus perpetuates
– even reinforces – the existing historical axis between the Casino and the La
Réserve resort.
illustration by
©
Gosia Olchowska
At the centre of gravity between these two architectural icons,
a canopy marks the entrance to the casino, which shows itself at ground level
as an underground outdoor room – thus acting an antechamber to the casino. By
keeping the interventions small-scale and minimal, the new architecture serves
one clear purpose: to (re)anchor and legitimise the new and existing
architecture within the surroundings.
illustration by
©
Gosia Olchowska
Program: redevelopment of the casino of Knokke-Heist
Location: Knokke-Heist
Procedure: competition
Client: municipality of Knokke-Heist
Surface: 31.000 m²
Landscape design: Erik Dhont Landscape Architects
Structural engineer: Ney & Partners
Technical engineer: Ingenium
Energy expertise (EPB): Struktuur
Heritage expertise: Architectures Parallèles
Artist: Kris Martin