‘new cultural hall in soignies’ by l’escaut-weinand in soignies, belgium all images courtesy l’escaut-weinand image © filip dujardin

brussels-based practice l’escaut in collaboration with liège-based le bureau d’études weinand have completed the ‘new cultural hall in soignies’, a multipurpose performing arts hall in belgium. wrapped in a series of external walks with a stepped slope to the east, the design focuses on providing ample public space and opportunities throughout the project.

 l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies street view image © filip dujardin

from the beginning of the designing process, it was established to minimize the building’s footprint in order to generate a public square on the plot. the external steps – which are moderate in its width to be utilizes as ‘bleachers’ – overlooks this space as well as the nearby van zeeland square. connected to the elevated plaza is a tapering walkway that runs along the north side of the hall. irregular in form and profile, this addition lends the project a strong and striking presence on site.

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies from plaza image © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies public stairs image © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies in use image © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies image © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies image © filip dujardin

the wide use of glazing encourages visitors to experience the interior space from the outdoor walkway, facilitating the notion of play and discovery. translucent and tinted a shade of green, the vertically-running panels offer abundant natural daylight into the circulation space of the hall. the upper level features geometric cutouts in its concrete floor plate in order to maintain visual connection throughout.

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies exterior walkway image © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies image © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies vantage points images © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies entrance image © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies interior view image © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies images © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies view of outdoor walkway image © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies cafe image © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies views of foyer images © filip dujardin

arranged in telescopic seating (from 400 to 600), the theatre accommodates a wide variety of events and shows. the design team worked with french study practice CAPRI acoustique for the quality of the hall, ensuring its success and efficiency as a performance theatre.

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies hall image © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies raised viewing area image © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies view of stage image © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies during construction image © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies plaza in use image © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies at dusk image © filip dujardin

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soigniessite plan

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soigniesfloor plan

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies section

l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soigniesoutdoor circulation diagram