The
Ecocampus in Diepenbeek is morphologically characterised by large-scale
infrastructures and wide empty spaces in between. The existing buildings are low and spread out; the university site lacks
central functions or specific public meeting places. A new entrance gate should
enhance the site's legibility. However, with a specific public programme, this gate
can transcend itself, catalysing community life on campus.
site plan
The original
master plan foresaw three volumes across three sites, connected by passerelles.
Though, in light of compactness, clarity and efficiency, we proposed not three
but two volumes – albeit scaled up and voluminous, yet well thought-out and
elegant. Opposite to a wide and elongated parking building, a slender, tall
entrance tower arises. As if it were an architectural tête-à-tête, the two
distinctive figures engage in dialogue with each other. Because the tower
volume exceeds the existing generic grid on the campus, it establishes itself
as a ‘marker’ on the map.
Due to it
being positioned along the public promenade, in line with the access road, the
entrance building forms a vertical and visible beacon on campus. Its active
public plinth is directly related to the plinth of the parking volume. Not only
does the presence of a café on the ground level transcend the car park's basic
function, its upscaling also contributes to the future possibility of a
completely car-free campus.
ground floor plan
typical floor plan / first floor plan
Program: development of the entrance gate and parking building for the ecocampus Diepenbeek
Location: Diepenbeek
Procedure: Competition
Client: NV Wetenschapspark Limburg
Surface: 9.218 m²
Landscape design: Taktyk Landscape and Urbanism
Structural engineer: VK engineering
Technical engineer: VK engineering
Acoustical engineer: VK engineering