| Tutor(s) | Mechthild Stuhlmacher |
| Campus | Ghent |
| Language | EN / NL |
| Engagement | Craftsmanship |
| Semester (1/2/3) | 3 |
Description of the studio:
Beguinages belong to Flanders’ most valuable heritage and represent an ideal model for inner-city, collective living that is constantly relevant and topical. The studio starts from an architectural introduction to several selected beguinages in places such as Dendermonde, Diest, Lier and Aalst. Some of these introvert ensembles need revaluation with new programmatic infills and refined architectural means. Others are waiting for specific adaptations and preservation or have been altered in a poor way and therefore offer room for large or small, cautious or even radical architectural interventions.
Despite (or also thanks to) the protection of their heritage value, these special places depend on architectural and programmatic renewal to continue to exist in a future-proof way. In the studio, we explore the architectural value and significance of the Beguinages, the role they (can) play today and their chances for the future. After an exploratory analysis, we work on proposals for a reinterpretation and new use for several specific properties where we see opportunities for expressive and contemporary architectural interventions. Here, each student individually or in small working groups can choose their own site and shape their own project. The possibilities are diverse and can be designed in different ways, from pragmatic and technical, to experimental, poetic and visual.
Architecturally, the assignment focusses on the discovery and (re)interpretation of existing qualities, internal conversions and extensions, subtle and bold new-build interventions and fundamental sustainability. From an urban planning perspective, we examine the spatial and landscape embedding of the beguinages, possible (renewed) relationships with the surroundings and the role and meaning of public and collective spaces and gardens. Programmatically, we focus on the design of collective housing for different target groups, ages and sizes; childcare and care institutions; social, gastronomic, tourist and museum infill, and the redevelopment and conversion of churches and vicarages.
Our work in the studio is linked to current studies and projects that take place outside the academic world and is intended for motivated students with an interest in transformations and a focus on the relationship between interior and exterior spaces, to unusual interiors and detailed elaborations. There is room for exploring and developing a specific architectural relationship between existing and new, for (circular) use of materials.
The studio is inspired by current investigations executed by Miss Miyagi (www.missmiyagi.eu), an organisation dedicated to vibrant and future-proof heritage and architecture.
The necessary structural and programmatic interventions require artistic flair and conceptual intelligence. Enthusiasm for craftsmanship, tectonic aspects, materiality, model making and spatial quality are prerequisites.
Expected output:
Analysis and presentation of reference projects
Choice and analysis of a specific site, with its spatial, cultural context
Design of a programmatic and architectural masterplan of the wider context (preferably in smaller groups)
Architectural design of a fragment in detail, image research, structural research, model making
Presentation
Reflective, illustrated essay or ‘project journal’
Excursion/study trip/…? (+ timing):
Several spontaneous study trips and site visits within Belgium and/or The Netherlands
Optional: excursion to Berlin, Munich and/or Nürnberg
References/Further reading:
Umbaukultur, The Architecture of Altering, Grafe, Rieniets
Reference for the image (if necessary):
Interior Beguinage Hasselt, competition entry by Bovenbouw and David Kohn/ Open Oproep