THE HUB
In the centre of Borgloon, Belgium lies the ‘Brigittijnen’ monastery since 1663. The building has not been in use for several years and the aim is to revitalise the site by giving it a new contemporary function. The conversion of the monastery is the result from a collaboration with Akkermans Lien, Goris Jasper, Kerkhofs Silke, Li Samson and Verheyden Lies.
CONCEPT
The HUB in computer terms literally refers to the centre point of all connected computers. It can also refer to applications that provide a number of functionalities around a certain theme. The HUB in this project consists of different functions that are brought together in one place and that enrich each other.
There are three main functions:
More than fifty percent of the building is used for co-housing, marked in yellow, which revalues the way that the ‘Birgittijnen’ used to live together in this monastery. In the design there is a place for families with children, couples and singles to live cohesively. The large community spaces downstairs together with the big garden and the new extension provide for enjoyable, sociable meeting spots.
The apple cider brewery and bar, marked in green, connects this community with the city's history and fruit-growing regions. Together with a small shop and restaurant the chapel comes back to life. In the chapel you have the opportunity to have a meal and enjoy a fresh home-made apple cider.
An art school, marked in red, including music, dance and art classes brings out creativity and stimulates culture. It connects the community with the people of the city as well as the children from the school next door.
