‘new police centre + extension of charleroi danses’ by ateliers jean nouvel + MDW architecture, charleroi, belgium images © ateliers jean nouvel + MDW architecture all images courtesy of MDW architecture

 

 

 

paris-based ateliers jean nouvel and brussels-based MDW architecture have collaborated to create the winning proposal ‘new police centre + extension of charleroi danses’, an extension to a brownfield site containing retired barracks of caserne defeld in charleroi, belgium. dating from the 19th century, the established structures of the grounds and old arena will be transformed into a village for contemporary dance and a cultural venue for street art and artists. the police station will be housed within two existing cavalry buildings while the adjacent central square will present a new 75 meter tall tower. an elliptical footprint rises into a tapering form clad with vertical blue bands which radiate into the encompassing brick plaza leading to the ancillary structures.

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses interior of the scheme

 

 

 

dance studios and residences for artists are placed within the original small brick buildings along an interior road, maintaining a human scale. conducive to street shows. the atmosphere is ideal for impromptu interactions and creative performances. architectural remnants are retained and used as facades for an auditorium and dance theater with dressing areas. a canvas tent is placed upon a roof terrace, illuminated at night from the dynamic activities taking place inside. a bold and playful typography is printed onto the transient construct, complimenting the program of the nearby police hall.

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses event within the dance studio

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses central tower clad with vertical blue bands

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses site context

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses site plan

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses site plan

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses floor plan / level 0

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses floor plan / offices

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses floor plan / offices

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses tower section

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses tower section

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses section

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses section

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses elevation

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses elevation

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses site section

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses site section

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses axonometric drawing

jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses exploded axonometric drawing

 

 

project info:

 

program: new police centre & extension of charleroi danses location: charleroi, belgium client: ville de charleroi dates: competition won in 2011 – estimated completion september 2014