Waregem
There is something unique about the site Good at Beaulieu. Apart from the fact that it is protected heritage and its architectural value is effectively written in black and white, a visit to the site triggers all kinds of emotions. The green polder landscape along the River Lys leaves little unmoved. But that in itself is not what makes this site unique. The old Frankish site with its six buildings around a central courtyard is not often encountered. At least not in fairly pristine condition like the one found here.
The buildings embrace the visitor, as does the open space around which they are nestled. Patches of the surrounding landscape appear between the buildings, giving a glimpse of the vastness for which the buildings provide protection. Safe and open at the same time. But mostly slow. The Good at Beaulieu does slow down. A quality that in today's hurried society is losing more and more.
The new programme the builder wants to implement on the site is encouraging . No exclusive programmes for the happy few, as could probably be very well integrated. But a slow café, a place that puts people first. Like the site, the project that will find its place here does slow down. Here, everyone can work, live, dwell or participate at their own pace.
We see no added value in adding anything, it would rather detract from the existing. Partly for this reason, the first and only justifiable step is to examine whether the new programme fits into the existing structures. There is nothing more sustainable than not building. Can we organise the imposed programme of requirements in the buildings on the site today, without losing sight of functionality? We think so.
The plan we present here answers the most pressing questions in terms of programme, heritage and budget. It combines the given programme with maximum conservation/restoration of the existing buildings, within the available budget. The buildings are integrally preserved along the outside and no disruptive or visually impactful additions are made. The closed character of the buildings, which is an integral part of the heritage values, is preserved in the present design. It also has room for expansion.
Public
fase: wedstrijd
Jaar: 2024
Locatie: Waregem
i.s.m. Erfgoed en Visie, Jan Minne, Sensible Atelier, Four Mind, Atelier Bau
