Local architecture studio Archipelago has transformed a former brutalist post office into a Belgium V training centerdismantling it to reveal its “spacious, generous and light” interiors.
Located in Louvain-la-Neuve, the building was renovated for the Centre des Fédérations d'Etudes en Brabant-Walloon (CPFB), an educational centre linked to the University of Louvain and specialising in social development.
Originally designed by André Jacquesman as a post office, it has undergone a number of modifications since then, Archipelago An attempt was made to restore the concrete structure to its original spatial and material clarity in order to adapt it to a new use.
“The building is spacious, generous and light,” project architect Sophie Laborde told Dezeen. “When we took it over, after numerous changes, it was too compartmentalised to accommodate the functional programme, to the detriment of the architecture of the site.”
“The first task was to completely dismantle the building, remove any concrete that could be saved and restore the colour of the brick,” she continued.
“The aim of the project is to restore the building to its original condition as much as possible, while providing the technological and thermal comfort it will need for the next 30 years.”
The core concept of the CPFB was to create what Laborde calls a “stimulating and collaborative learning space,” which Archipelago aimed to achieve through flexible spaces that do not have strict functions.
Entering the communal social area on the ground floor, you find yourself in a series of multi-purpose rooms, including a work alcove and larger rooms opening onto the adjacent square.
Above is a collaboration area and auditorium, as well as an administrative area, conference room and recording studio.
“To adapt to new teaching methods, we propose to abandon the permanent assignment of a seat to a function – with the possible exception of some offices,” Laborde said.
“The functions are mobile and people move around depending on the activity they need to perform to find the right place. We are going to define places that are strictly characterized and designed to accommodate different types of uses.”
The original structure's concrete and brick finishes have been fully preserved, with glass partitions with wooden frames, coloured floors, open ventilation and lighting added.
“Once the original materials were restored, a smooth concrete screed was poured to restore the dominant color,” Laborde explained. “The joinery was lightened to contrast with the existing black, and the yellow of the staircase contrasted with the red brick.”
“The contrast highlights the existing features and the graphic colours bring them to life,” she added.
Another recent project aimed at re-evaluating the value of modernist architecture in Belgium is A renovation of a 1960s house in Hueylart by Mamout, which also removed later additions to highlight its original design.
Photo taken Johnny Umans.