2010 - ongoing
Turnhout
2010 - ongoing
Turnhout
Right next to the train station of Turnhout, an industrial site is redeveloped into the ‘Innovation Pool for Life Science en Global Care’. The Innovation Pool offers a place for research and innovating projects on healthcare and housing. Besides that, there will also be regular houses and public facilities. Together with B-architects, Bureau B+B developed a masterplan to redevelop the area. Besides that, we designed the public space.
Location
Turnhout
Client
Gemeente Turnhout, ION
Collaboration
Polo architecten, Topokor
Surface Area
16,3 ha
The Innovation Pool fits into Turnhout’s pattern of squares, public gardens, passages, courtyards, streets and back alleys. In the middle of the Innovation Pool is a lively square. The three buildings surrounding the square have striking silhouettes, referring to the industrial past. Through the courtyards of the buildings, there are shortcuts to the surrounding streets. These streets are characterized by a mix of houses and apartments. The smaller scale of the buildings and the rhythm of brick facades merges with the morphology of the surroundings. As a bridge between private and public space, a system of passages was created. The passages connect the urban spaces and also give shelter to activities.
The public space of the Innovation Pool has a continuous surface of brick stones, with a darker plinth along the buildings. Parking places and pathways are paved with natural cobblestones. The courtyards have a green character, with flowering perennials and trees with vibrant fall colours. Rugged wooden benches link to the industrial past.
