Leisure site Londerzeel
In typically Belgian fashion the fire station of Londerzeel consists of a palimpsest of multiple buildings and extensions, the historical traces of changing requirements. Except for the oldest part with the iconic hose tower, its historical value might be rather modest; yet with its previously prominent function and well-established role in the urban fabric, it has become an indelible part of the town’s collective memory.
So the case for preservation is not only about matters of environmental sustainability, but also about cultural continuity: the duty to work with the familiar built fabric as a container of memories, injecting it with new functions and a fresh relevance for the town. We use historical elements to construct a contemporary narrative, like writing a present-day story with a vintage fountain pen.
Reading a building’s history to write a new chapter
A careful reading of the existing structure is essential to make use of its full potential. This is coupled with a profound analysis of the new building programme. Yet we are aware that a design brief only gives a limited interpretation of the full scope of a client’s hopes and dreams for a project like this. As such our design proposal lays only the foundation for an intense process of dialogue and discussion with stakeholders and endusers that will ultimately lead to a supremely tailored solution. Our experience in space-planning — especially within the realm of interior design — should prove crucial in this process.
We propose cladding the existing building in perforated metal panels which act like a veil, playing a game of hide and seek with the historical façades underneath. While the old window openings are obscured by day, at night they light up behind these screens. Only the oldest and most historically significant part of the building is not covered by panels. Through the subtlety of these layered façades the external appearance of the complex brings its rich history to life.
We locate the main entrance at the juncture between the oldest building and the later extensions, where a setback creates a natural funnel into the building. Once inside, a newly created double height space functions as a central reception room from where the different services and departments can be located and reached. In a nod to the previous use of the fire station and in order to improve the legibility of circulation, the new staircases as well as the floors are executed in bright red — like a real-life circulation diagram and way–finding system.
The robust physicality of the fire station as a setting for communal play and recreation
The oldest building houses a cafeteria on the ground floor, with an outdoor terrace that mediates between the larger square and the building. A vintage firetruck serves as a larger than life conversation piece — it can be moved outdoors through the transparent garage door to be displayed. The upper floor is reserved for admin offices.
The former garage and the floor above — both large open spaces — become the evident location for the library, which makes up the bulk of the new complex. Expansive glass walls replace the garage doors, ensuring plentiful daylight and a close connection with the re-designed square outside. The rooms around this main function accommodate supporting functions. The library for adults is located upstairs, the kids’ library is on the ground floor.
Library activities can spill outdoors. Here we find a green park square instead of a traditional town square with only hard surfaces. Rows of trees add a layer of consistency to the diversity of façades. At varying angles they subtly announce a larger green space which is planned to the south of the site. Further features include small birch groves and shallow water surfaces. The latter offer fun opportunities for play, but can also be drained to become an integral useful part of the square. Finally a tiny forest, where nature is given free reign, offers kids an escape from the urban environment — for instance when it becomes the setting for the library’s story hours.
Back indoors, we transform the specific and typical features of the fire station into playful elements, paying tribute to its former function: the grease pit becomes a reading pit, the hose tower is turned into a climbing tower for kids. This tower also receives a striking new roof with 360 degrees of panoramic windows underneath. It becomes a recognisable beacon in the village, functioning as a shining lighthouse at night and a panoramic viewing tower by day.
