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Molenbeek city hall
Molenbeek city hall
Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Belgium
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Other Projects by Pierre Blondel Architectes
Molenbeek city hall
Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Belgium
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2017
SIZE
25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft
BUDGET
$1M - 5M
CONTEXT AND PROGRAM
The project was built in the context of Brussels’ revitalisation program in Molenbeek one of the poorest and densest districts in Brussels. The masterplan meets the district’s demands by restructuring of the town’s administrative center as a unique entity and by creating of a public space. The project is located above the river « Petite Senne » which was covered during the second half of the 19th century. The district’s name « Molenbeek » means river mill. The building’s design follows the river layout and creates an inviting public space. The program is divided in two parts: the extension of the city hall built on a 2000sqm field and 5 social apartments on a small triangular terrain. This second zone provides a link between the administrative city hall and its new public extension.
A FLUID LAYOUT
Not only does the scheme of the project refer to the outline of the river but the building’s shape prevents any blind spots from occurring and generates a secure an open public space. The curve offers a welcoming public forum.
A NEW IDENTITY
Our initial priority was to express a new identity to the administrative center by building on a street corner. The use of signage helps announce the building’s presence. However it was important to highlight the city hall’s existing dome which can be seen behind the project. Therefore, a low-rise building was the best option.
THE RAMP AS A SPACE IN BETWEEN
The public spaces had to be located on the ground floor and the first floor because of the smallness of the terrain. A gentle ramp provides an easy access to the first floor. The glazed ramp is designed as an extension of the public space and results in a porch for the people waiting outside. The ramp animates the public space with different architectural moments and livens up the inside of the building for the users. The transparency of the building was a priority. Firstly, to allow in sunlight but also to create a dialogue between the interior and the exterior public space. The transparency of the building can also express the importance of transparency in bureaucracy.
ENGINEERED FURNITURE
The furniture in the building is designed by the office. It took some effort to convince the future staff that the glass on the counter between the employee and the user wasn’t necessary. The employees thought that the glass was protective, while we considered it a generator of stress. In this way there are no physical barriers between the customer and the employee which makes for a more human relationship. To persuade them we created a full-scale test (see picture above).
The height and width of the counter were studied to make sure that the staff will feel secure.
The project was built in the context of Brussels’ revitalisation program in Molenbeek one of the poorest and densest districts in Brussels. The masterplan meets the district’s demands by restructuring of the town’s administrative center as a unique entity and by creating of a public space. The project is located above the river « Petite Senne » which was covered during the second half of the 19th century. The district’s name « Molenbeek » means river mill. The building’s design follows the river layout and creates an inviting public space. The program is divided in two parts: the extension of the city hall built on a 2000sqm field and 5 social apartments on a small triangular terrain. This second zone provides a link between the administrative city hall and its new public extension.
A FLUID LAYOUT
Not only does the scheme of the project refer to the outline of the river but the building’s shape prevents any blind spots from occurring and generates a secure an open public space. The curve offers a welcoming public forum.
A NEW IDENTITY
Our initial priority was to express a new identity to the administrative center by building on a street corner. The use of signage helps announce the building’s presence. However it was important to highlight the city hall’s existing dome which can be seen behind the project. Therefore, a low-rise building was the best option.
THE RAMP AS A SPACE IN BETWEEN
The public spaces had to be located on the ground floor and the first floor because of the smallness of the terrain. A gentle ramp provides an easy access to the first floor. The glazed ramp is designed as an extension of the public space and results in a porch for the people waiting outside. The ramp animates the public space with different architectural moments and livens up the inside of the building for the users. The transparency of the building was a priority. Firstly, to allow in sunlight but also to create a dialogue between the interior and the exterior public space. The transparency of the building can also express the importance of transparency in bureaucracy.
ENGINEERED FURNITURE
The furniture in the building is designed by the office. It took some effort to convince the future staff that the glass on the counter between the employee and the user wasn’t necessary. The employees thought that the glass was protective, while we considered it a generator of stress. In this way there are no physical barriers between the customer and the employee which makes for a more human relationship. To persuade them we created a full-scale test (see picture above).
The height and width of the counter were studied to make sure that the staff will feel secure.
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