A2O Architecten is a firm that took a building known for being slightly impoverished and turned it into a modern dwelling that provides some escape from the busy nearby streets.
The building used to be known as the Colettine Poor Clares, and is now " a bright open health care facility with a rest home and service flats that provide an oasis of relaxation and tranquility, right in the city center," as stated on DesignBoom. The new building still has certain qualities from what stood in its place before, including an older stone facade on one side. However, this mixing of the old with the new is what makes the building so compelling, and A2O Architecten has done a great job with adding these contemporary elements. Photo Credits: designboom, a2o-architecten.be
Convent-Converted Dwellings
A2O Architecten Transforms the Colettine Poor Clares in Belgium
Trend Themes
1. Convent-converted Dwellings - Architecture firms are transforming older, impoverished buildings and converting them into modern dwellings by mixing the old with the new.
2. Urban Oasis Facilities - More architects are designing health-care facilities, rest homes, and service flats to offer relaxation and tranquility in the heart of busy urban centers.
3. Contrasting Architectural Elements - The combination of the old and new architecture styles in retrofitting older buildings into modern facilities is becoming increasingly popular and attractive to buyers.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture Firms - Architecture firms that specialize in retrofitting older buildings to create modern dwellings have an opportunity to capitalize on this growing trend of contrasting architectural elements.
2. Real Estate - Real estate companies and developers can explore opportunities to retrofit existing buildings by adding modern elements that offer an oasis of relaxation in urban centers.
3. Healthcare - Healthcare providers can look at retrofitting and transforming older healthcare facilities into modern and relaxing health-care facilities that offer quiet and functional spaces for patient care or retirement homes.