Architects: Bovenbouw Photography: Filip Dujardin Construction Period: 2002-2008 Location: Schoten, Belgium
The Police Station designed for the municipality of Schoten is a study in informality and approachability. It places itself at the service of public space. The L-shaped building is pushed back to the rearmost edge of the large plot available and helps to define a new square. When entering the building, you walk into a space dominated by two atria, visually linked to each other. One atrium is accessible to the public and contains an open reception desk, the other is in use as a staff canteen. The atmosphere of openness is further enhanced by a footbridge visible to visitors and with numerous views onto workplaces. The choice of materials helps to create informality. High-grade materials have been avoided, everything has been built from concrete blocks and wood. A saving has also been made on technical installation: the ambient indoor conditions are regulated via natural ventilation and night cooling.
Text provided by the architect.
