Town Hall and Administrative Centre,
Deinze, Belgium
2009

International competition winning scheme for a new €11.75m Administrative Centre in Deinze, Belgium organised by the Vlaams Bouwmeester Open Oproep.

The new building, set in a pivotal location neighboring the cathedral, provides 8,000 sq m of accommodation and comprises office space for 100 staff, a large archive and staff canteen in addition to a 250 sq m council chamber, public meeting rooms and new quarters for the mayor and town alderman.

The design sets the administrative accommodation in a 5-storey building, which runs parallel to Deinze’s principal market street. The council chamber is a free-standing double height room which projects out of the building toward the market street and cathedral. Raised on monumental legs to first floor level, the chamber creates a sheltered public space and entrance beneath. A new south-facing public garden overlooking the river is created in the embrace of the two building forms.

The windows of the building are set behind columns of Belgian marble to form a loggia, which provides shaded external space for staff. As well as creating a pleasant microclimate the loggias will be used to display planting and public sculpture for the mutual enjoyment of staff and the public at large. Inside, large public foyers are incorporated on each floor, which act as informal meeting spaces between members of the public and administrative staff and officials.
The council chamber has floor to ceiling windows, putting the activity of the council chamber and its frescoed ceiling on display to the people of Deinze.

Status: International competition winner, 2009
Photos: David Grandorge