participation revisited

a new cultural center for the center of sint michielsgestel, the netherlands

professors: wim kloosterboer, made architecten, willem hein schenk, de zwarte hond and robert von der nahmer, ravb

A new cultural center for Sint Michielsgestel with optimal programmatic and architectural coherence between spaces, taking into account the different identities of all the users and the principles of a ‘Kulturhus’ a new type of community center. One unit with recognizable parts.

Some authentic typologies from the village that are most likely to disappear form the basis of the concept. Old churches and farm complexes have a high degree of recognition, compositions that clearly reveal their units.

The result is a hybrid with features of a basilica, originally the place where large groups of people gathered. The nave houses all musical activities, with side aisles that houses the library and art education.

The present community center, de Huif, built in the seventies with characteristics of Structuralism will make way for this new community center, learning from old mistakes and using old values for the new design.

It became a real commission. After I contacted the municipality in 2009 to get more information about the project I was asked to join the steering committee, that represents the most important future users, as the architect/project manager. This interactive participation process became interesting to be included in my final project.

2011