The project for the design of the City Hall and Civic Center for the Municipality of Oostkamp, Bruges, which would coordinate the widely spread out local government offices under one roof, was set as an architectural competition. The design of the Spanish practice of Carlos Arroyo was deemed to be the most impressive and the project was completed and the center inaugurated in June of this year.
The 4 hectare ex-industrial site in the stunning rural setting of Oost, housed a disused Coca Cola plant which was an integral part of the project. This meant that by remodeling the interior of the building and keeping the structural elements intact, not only would there be financial benefits to the community but also environmental. Using gypsum and fibre, an inner cloud like shell was created enclosing the public spaces of the interior thereby breaking away from the stereotypical formality of a civic building. Transparency, openness and an efficient flow of functionality works within the administrative offices due to close collaboration between the architect and the authorities during the planning stages of the final design.
Sustainability and the avoidance of ‘grey energy’ - energy needed during traditional construction methods which is wasted - as well as consideration for climatic conditions have all been taken into consideration in the heating, ventilation and future maintenance of the center.
