META architecturrbureau, storimans wijffels architecten, and technum in collaboration with west 8, have won the competition for the ‘auditory and laboratory building O’ at the university of antwerp, in belgium. the new structure will become the central gateway, the heart of the campus between the entrances and traffic flows. located in the center it will reconnect the northern and primary grounds with the natural landscape.

https://www.designboom.com/weblog/images/images_2/richelle/197%20obuilding/09obuilding.jpg
image © WAX architectural visualizations

 

 

the new building will feature multidisciplinary functions such as eight auditoriums seating up to 300 people, two laboratories, research and copy room, foyer and parking for 230 bicycles. a green plinth will create a connection to the surrounding landscape, enhancing the existing structures to strengthen the quality of its original legacy. rather than mimicking the terrain the edifice asserts itself as a positive presence among the campus grounds.

antwerp university campus O bulding by west 8, META architecture, SW + technum
image © WAX architectural visualizations

antwerp university campus O bulding by west 8, META architecture, SW + technumimage © WAX architectural visualizations

antwerp university campus O bulding by west 8, META architecture, SW + technum
image © WAX architectural visualizations

antwerp university campus O bulding by west 8, META architecture, SW + technum
image © WAX architectural visualizations

antwerp university campus O bulding by west 8, META architecture, SW + technum
image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture

antwerp university campus O bulding by west 8, META architecture, SW + technum
image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture

antwerp university campus O bulding by west 8, META architecture, SW + technum
image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture

antwerp university campus O bulding by west 8, META architecture, SW + technum
image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture

antwerp university campus O bulding by west 8, META architecture, SW + technum
image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture

antwerp university campus O bulding by west 8, META architecture, SW + technum
floor plan / level 0
image © META architectuurbureau

antwerp university campus O bulding by west 8, META architecture, SW + technum
floor plan / level 2
image © META architectuurbureau

antwerp university campus O bulding by west 8, META architecture, SW + technum
circulation diagram
image © META architectuurbureau

antwerp university campus O bulding by west 8, META architecture, SW + technum
circulation path
image © META architectuurbureau

antwerp university campus O bulding by west 8, META architecture, SW + technum
sight lines
image © META architectuurbureau

 

 

project info:

 

client: university of antwerp
architect: META architectuurbureau
landscape architect: west 8
collaborators: SW architecten, technum
program: 8 auditoriums, 2 specialty laboratories, research room, copy room, foyer, parking for 230 bikes