Nowadays, the Meuse region (border between Belgium and the Netherlands) forms a mixture of borders and transitions: both spatial and in terms of accessibility. As no vision regarding landscape and urban planning was developed, the area did not reach its full potential yet. The present tissue is characterized by a rupture. It is situated at a focal crossroads, where it forms the link between the town centre and a landscape allotment. It also connects the campus with a deserted waterscape, which will be transformed into a city park in the future.
My design process was guided by the following research question: How can I increase the effectiveness of a building with a collective accommodation form, while at the same time integrate it optimally in this delicate transition zone?
I concentrated on pushing boundaries and the striving for transparency. This resulted in a design conceived as a landmark to indicate the end of the town centre and to prevent further fragmentation. The design connects waterscape and campus by establishing a semi-public area that runs through the building. It thus achieves an interesting link to the surrounding area, while remaining bound to the build environment.
The program includes a boarding school. These were traditionally rather closed institutions emphasizing discipline, whereas here individual self-development is emphasized. Personal initiative is stimulated by linking the school to a youth centre, encouraging young minds to be creative. Contrasts are created in the program, as it combines interactive youth with individual space (boarding school).
The boarding principle is conceived as an introverted principle, since feelings of security are highly valued. This results in a building that externally looks like a shelter, yet internally remains interactive and open. A semi-public area emerges forming a city for young people, where they can explore their creativity.