The retail park of Beringen needed a supporting catering facility in the shape of a cosy place where one can eat or drink something in the heart of BE-MINE. Furthermore, the architectural design became a subtle extension of the protected industrial heritage, in particular the old collection building number 4.
IMPLANTATION
The most important starting point of the design was pursuing the industrial character of the be-Mine site, as well as strengthening the entire masterplan vision. The location forms a junction between the elements that were already present, such as the retail park, the climbing gym, the museum, etc. First there was only the collection building, which, because of its beautiful shape and materialisation, was certainly known by the visitors of the site. The design therefore tries to create a synergy between the two as well as to be a support for the entire site.
APPROACH
The aim is a balance between mass and openness of the extension, as well as an interaction with the existing collection building. By placing the extension on a steal column structure, the view to its environment and the collection building is maintained, and a nod is given to the industrial past of the site. Further, we lift this structure so as to anchor its place in the environment and to create a connection with the collection building. This pedestal is also a direct reference to the traditional pedestal of the collection building. A dialogue is created between the materials, the colours and the volumes. The collection building keeps its traditional appearance, the extension consists mainly of black lacquered steal profiles, architectonic concrete, large windows and a wooden awning. Although the extension becomes accessible by means of a slope and stairs, the existing access of the collection building remains prominently present so that both can potentially function independently as well, without hindering one another.
ENTERING
Since the upper deck of the collection building lies at 2m40, we were forced to creatively approach these differences in height. Via the slope or the staircase one can enter the floating terrace, which hovers like a disk over the landscape at a height of 1m20. Next, one arrives in an impressive space, with a lot of light because of its high windows, and gets a first view of the historic mine shaft that is located behind the building. At the other side, one can also enter via the collection building, where all historical aspects are included in the new design in the best possible way, so that the current appearance is maintained.
CONNECTION
Since large windows are provided around it, a very light building is created, in which one experiences a constant interaction with their environment. Through one central point in the extension, it is possible to use the stairs or the elevator to access all floors of both the new building and the collection building. Further, a subtle connection is developed between the two buildings. The subtle transition between mass, of glazing to bricks, and the colour pallet, of concrete to the characteristic, original tiled floor, commands a mutual respect. This way we attempt to visualise a link between the past and the present, as well as the possible future that they offer one another. This future is partly guaranteed by the multi-functionality, as well as the identity that arises.
OVERALL VIEW
In light of the cultural identity of the collection building as well as the site as a whole, we believe that architecturally reinforcing this building, by means of an extension, can guarantee its place in time… In this way, it is possible to cosily sit together without jeopardising the integrity of its environment because of it.
