De Leerfabriek
F.E. Tangelder (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
E.I. Ronner – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
L.G.A.J. Reinders – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
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Abstract
In the north of the Heyvaert neighbourhood lies a former lead- and leather factory which was used from 1875 to 1970. It grew during this time through the addition and expansion of different volumes. All these additions feature different, characterizing shaped roofs, such as sawtooth or pitch roofs, creating a building typical of the area.
The building is now a large car garage, a trade renowned in the Heyvaert neighbourhood. Although this industry is thriving, it also causes significant nuisance. The government’s goal is to improve the quality of life in accordance with established environmental and urban objectives. One of the largest interventions is the linear Parc de la Sennette, a network of green zones through the neighbourhood.
The education in the area will also have to improve, the Heyvaert neighbourhood has one of the highest education inequality rates in Brussels with children traveling all over the city to attend a Dutch speaking school. The former factory with its large halls lends itself perfectly to being transformed into a primary school located next to the Klein Zenne park.
In the centre of the school will be a main axis that connects the park on one side to the street and the rest of the neighbourhood on the other. In addition, this axis will internally connect the classrooms and assembly hall with the adjacent functions such as childcare, adult education, library and back offices. The canteen at the end of the axis on the park side, will open up the school toward the park and residents of the neighbourhood.
All these functions are located under different roofs, each of which also has its own type of load bearing structure. To preserve this identity of the building addition will be made in a freestanding timber structure that remains a distinct element in itself. The whole design aims to retain the character of the existing building while allowing it to continuously adapt to changes in the neighbourhood over time.