Belgian design studio EVR Architeten has unveiled its latest renovation process in which it restores an office campus located in Ghent -- ACV-CSC-Metea is a trade union that needed an upgrade to its workspace. The team at the studio worked to unite the existing buildings that were along the streetfront and the courtyard so they linked the two through a reconfiguration process.
The project architect at EVR Architecten, Wart Thys speaks to Dezeen about the process, sharing "Over the years, various interventions and renovations distorted and warped this cluster of buildings, resulting in a lack of functional coherence, interaction, and legibility. The existing buildings hardly interacted with their surroundings and with each other." The studio made sure to retain as much as the campus as possible.
Image Credit: Stijn Bollaert
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Adaptive Reuse
- The renovation of the campus highlights the growing trend of adapting existing structures to preserve historical value while meeting modern needs.
- Sustainable Building Practices
- Restoring buildings instead of demolishing them aligns with sustainability goals by reducing waste and the need for new materials.
- Integrated Workspaces
- Connecting separate buildings to create a cohesive and interactive office environment reflects the trend towards more collaborative and integrated workspaces.
Where This Applies
- Architecture
- Architects are increasingly focused on projects that merge historical preservation with functional modern design.
- Construction
- Construction companies are seeing more demand for projects that emphasize sustainable renovation over new builds.
- Office Design
- The office design industry is evolving to prioritize spaces that foster connectivity, collaboration, and environmental responsibility.
