Photographs by Serge Brison
The Centre for Group Dynamics and Institutional Analysis (CDGAI) is a benchmark in French-speaking Belgium in the field of "psychosocial science-action". Dethier Architectures was chosen to design new infrastructures for the Centre. The project began in March 2002 and was completed in February 2004.
The new building was erected in the Sart-Tilman science park in Liège. It is very much is in line with the site's urban planning philosophy, which calls for high-quality architecture in harmony with a cherished wooded landscape.
Budgetary concerns also led to the innovative use of high-quality materials normally reserved for industrial use. Black rubber was used as a roof covering and for the eaves. The ceilings reveal the perforated, galvanised sandwich steel that supports the roof. Translucent glass and polycarbonate panels provide both soundproofing and diffuse natural light. In addition, Reglit was employed for the partitions and OSB panels, and polished reinforced concrete was used for the flooring slabs.