Amal Amjahid

site Quai des Charbonnages 86, 1080 Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, BE
client Municipality of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Rue du Comte de Flandre 20, 1080 Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, BE
architect BOGDAN & VAN BROECK
team E. Bechet, O. Bogdan, T. Boogaerts, H. Bosteels, L. Croegaert, V. Ionescu, L. Van Broeck, S. Verstraete, T. Willemse
structure UTIL Struktuurstudies
techniques Enerdo Studie Bureau
EPB Enerdo Studie Bureau
acoustics ASM acoustics
photography Corentin Haubruge
surface 4.806 m² gross (site area 1.213 m²)
number of dwellings 1
budget 6.990.393,57 euro excl. vat and fees
timing selection 2015 | completion 2021
status completed
project code 0118QDC

COLLECTIVE AMENITY ALONG THE CANAL IN BRUSSELS INCLUDING A SPORTS HALL, BOXING CLUB, CAFETARIA, CRÈCHE AND ONE HOUSING UNIT | OPEN COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE CLIENT, 1ST PLACE

AWARDS Nominated and shortlisted at the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Awards 2024.

The project is articulated around 3 main voids: the entrance gallery, the central patio and the suspended garden. Due to their spatial configuration and position within the building, each of them presents specific access modes, light displays and materiality. Structural options have also been made in order to support and enhance these specificities.

These three voids perform in close relationship with the functions hosted in the building : a sport hall, a boxing club and a crèche. They frame and support social interaction amongst this rich mix of uses and users.

The gallery improves the porosity of the neighbourhood; moreover it consists in the extension of the sport hall in specific occasions. The patio visually connects the different functions of the project. It constitutes a real middle ground where the cafeteria meets the boxing club, where the crèche overlooks the sport activities. At the upper levels, the suspended garden is the natural extension of the crèche. It benefits from an amazing view on the surrounding urban fabric.

Selected publications: rtbf, architectenweb, BRUZZ