(11-07-2014) PROJECT UPDATE - Naval School, Antwerp (B)

Second Prize.

We achieved second place in the international competition for the restoration and extension of the historic Naval School in Antwerp. Our proposal adresses the need for a contemporary educational environment - in relation to the historic and enlisted building, and in relation to its position on the fringe of harbour and city – through the carefull juxtaposition of a new and compact volume next to the existing school building.
This new volume adapts – in section and elevation – to the historic morphology of the site. In doing so, it does not seek to complete the existing building, but nevertheless establishes a strong sense of functional and spatial continuity. Its square-shaped plan moves away from the traditional corridor/classroom configuration, towards an organisation with programmatic clusters – almost small buildings in their own right – connected by means of vast open spaces, providing unobstructed horizontal and vertical views through the building. This layout provides a strong sense of collectiveness, flexibility and opportunities for simultanuous use by different parties involved in the educational process.