Theater Hall

This project focused on transforming a heavily paved inner block in a neighbourhood in Ghent that was previously filled with garage boxes and concrete surfaces. The assignment required the complete depaving of the site and designing a neighbourhood community centre including a fully equipped gathering space for 400 people and a caretaker's residence. The goal was to upgrade the neighbourhood by creating an accessible and vibrant meeting place shaped by and for local residents.

The main design challenge was balancing the limited site footprint of approximately 1200 m² with the requirement to provide over 1500 m² of usable living and community space. This resulted in a compact and carefully layered spatial design.

My project centres around a theatre hall where natural daylight plays a crucial role. A nearly transparent façade system distributes daylight deep into the building, while strategic roof openings create controlled, focused lighting conditions that support performances. The double façade functions as both a climate buffer and an acoustic barrier, improving indoor comfort while reducing noise impact on neighbouring residents. The large roof surface also enables efficient rainwater collection and reuse.

Accessibility was a key design priority, with strong emphasis on full wheelchair accessibility throughout the building. In line with Karen Braitmayer's belief that "in practice, great design is the product of a diverse team that understands the needs of people of all abilities," the building is conceived as a space where accessibility is integrated from the outset rather than added as an afterthought. The project aims to create an inclusive, sustainable, and multifunctional cultural hub that strengthens community interaction and neighbourhood identity.