l'escaut weinand: new cultural hall in soignies

‘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.

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.

from plaza image © filip dujardin

public stairs image © filip dujardin

in use image © filip dujardin

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.

exterior walkway image © filip dujardin

image © filip dujardin

vantage points images © filip dujardin

entrance image © filip dujardin

interior view image © filip dujardin

images © filip dujardin

view of outdoor walkway image © filip dujardin

cafe image © filip dujardin

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.

hall image © filip dujardin

site plan

floor plan

section

outdoor circulation diagram

l'escaut (4)