transformation of non-monumental heritage
Digipolis II
The current Digipolis II is an abstract office building with a blind-looking facade, a typical product of the 1990s. In terms of sustainability, appearance, use of materials and functionality, the building is completely opposite to the practical requirements and ambitions of its conversion into a fire station and homeless shelter. The redevelopment therefore means a metamorphosis of the existing building, while retaining almost all structural elements. The project shows that the transformation of such buildings can lead to sustainable, contemporary solutions. The dated office building turns into a layered building with a green and lively character appropriate to our times, showing its habitability to the city.
| location: | Antwerpen |
| design: | competition, 2024 |
| client: | AG Vespa |
| structural engineer: | B.A.S. |
| advisor technical installations: | RCR |
| EPB reporting: | Ivec |
Digipolis II consists of two office wings, the ‘’rotunda‘’ and the ‘’ship‘’, both placed on a wide two-storey plinth. The design replaces the facade of the ‘ship’ with an open and flexible structure. The existing ‘rotunda’ will be retained. A new structure is placed around the towers, using the structure of the existing plinth. The added steel structure transforms the distinctive existing shapes of the office towers into an open, orthogonal volume. The structure accommodates covered outdoor spaces and access areas. The cylindrical shape and mirrored façade of the "rotunda" remains visible through the new structure, providing recognisability and character. The fire station matches the height and rhythm of the plinth.
Overview entire site. The division between fire station and homeless shelter is extremely simple. The model follows both the articulation of the existing building and the programmatic division. The work court on the ground floor provides the necessary privacy for both firefighters and the surrounding area.
Steel structure as attached 'voile'
The new image of Digipolis II is defined by the clear architectural language of the fire station and the open, vegetated structure of the renovated ‘ship’.
The cross-sections illustrate the pragmatic choices underlying the design. The internal concrete skeleton of the existing towers is entirely preserved. The light added structure rests on the existing plinth. The structure accommodates outdoor spaces and vegetation, serving as a sunshade, outdoor circulation and a green, sustainable and liveable appearance.
In our view, a homeless shelter is a working and living environment in which the dignity and privacy of the individual are central. The associated spaces and facilities for collectivity and solidarity are accepted by clients only if their individual needs can be met. The design for the homeless shelter therefore focuses on privacy, accessibility, individual options for clients, safety (especially also for staff) and accessibility for pets.
On the west and front, the two-storey extension in front of the fire station creates a new and open face on the Emiel Vloorsstraat in line with the neighbouring building. On the west side of the building a spacious, fenced outdoor area for the firefighters is created.
A fire station is an efficient machine for an organisation in which collectivity and solidarity are central. From the street, the new fire station manifests itself as an active, inviting two-storey work building with open facades and sports field on the roof. The fire station is housed in part of the two-storey plinth of Digipolis II and an elongated extension on the street side. Daily operations are organised around an open working courtyard bordered by the main accommodation areas, the vehicle hall and a narrow service building.
The design for the homeless shelter is committed to humanity, adequate air and ventilation, and the coexistence of very different people with almost as many dogs. Indeed, research shows that for such a function, collective dormitories for the people and collective kennels for the dogs are inappropriate. The people for whom the building is intended are very attached to their privacy and their pets. If these conditions are not met, many homeless people do not use the shelter, even in very bad weather- with all its consequences.
Even though there was appreciation for the empathy with which the shelter was designed, the project turned out (sadly enough) to be too ambitious for the client and our time, even with a phased implementation.
