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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Courtyard of Averbode Abbey in Zichem, Belgium by OmgevingNovember 27th, 2012 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Omgeving Reflections on the Past and the Present in the Courtyard of Averbode Abbey In the summer of 2012 the recently rejuvenated courtyard of Averbode Abbey has opened its doors inviting everyone to enjoy its centuries-old architecture and Baroque church standing at its heart. These impressive buildings are literally reflected in the grand water mirror calmly sitting at the centre of the square. The large film of water, which is only a few centimetres deep, not only provides an alternative view of the surrounding buildings, but also welcomes the visitor to rest beside it on a nearby bench and enjoy its tranquil character or even walk in it during those rare hot Belgian days. Averbode Abbey’s historical role is thus recreated in its own courtyard by bringing together people of all ages from around the region.  Image Courtesy OMGEVING
 Image Courtesy OMGEVING Site’s history  Image Courtesy OMGEVING This drastic change in setting allowed the abbey’s visitors to shift the function of the courtyard from a serene resting place into what is essentially a parking lot. However, after a few more decades past and with the condition of the square getting worse, a renewed desire for a peaceful public space began to emerge. In 2010 the decision was taken to reconstruct the abbey’s courtyard and forecourt, amounting in approximately 5,000m² of redesigned space.  Image Courtesy OMGEVING Reflections of the past The new square’s design strives towards simplicity and homogeneity with its context. Rather than competing with the surrounding historical buildings, it only works to enhance their strong presence. Walking through the gatehouse of Averbode Abbey now, after the realisation of the square’s new design, one is confronted with a picturesque view of the abbots’ quarters and its shimmering reflection in the water.  Image Courtesy OMGEVING On the rainy days the water mirror is filled up with rainwater flowing down from the square which is collected in a slightly depressed surface creating this large puddle. The flexibility of the courtyard is guaranteed with the possibility to drain the water from its resting place, thus increasing the usable area of the courtyard for various events.  Image Courtesy OMGEVING Along with the water mirror, the quality of this public space is improved by the integration of itsancient Tilia trees with old periphery walland cobblestone path, as well as the integration of new parking spaces for visitors with reduced mobility, and sufficient facilities for those who choose to visit the abbey by bicycle. During the dark hours of the night, the square itself is dimmed by the light reflecting off of the church and other surrounding buildings and LED strips are used to accentuate the direction of the pathway.  Image Courtesy OMGEVING Taking into consideration the rich history of Averbode Abbey, it was imperative not to bombard its visitors with historical information, but instead to subtly introduce its history in the square itself. Hence, out of respect for the contextall of the information panels, bins, and bicycle racks have been custom designed and manufactured in dark rusted steel reminiscent of the ferrous iron sandstone appearing in the façades of the abbey buildings. Passing by the church, one can also be reminded of the monastic rule which has been engraved in the curb stone: “one in heart and one in soul heading towards God.”  Image Courtesy OMGEVING The design of the courtyard strives towards simplicity and homogeneity with its context. Rather than competing with the surrounding historical buildings, it only works to enhance their strong presence. The impressive buildings are literally reflected in the grand water mirror calmly sitting at the centre of the square.  Image Courtesy OMGEVING Walking through the gatehouse of Averbode Abbey one is confronted with a picturesque view of the abbots’ quarters and its shimmering reflection in the water. The flexibility of the courtyard is guaranteed with the possibility to drain the water from its resting place, thus increasing the usable area of the courtyard for various events.  Image Courtesy OMGEVING Along with the water mirror, the quality of this public space is improved by the integration of its ancient Tilia trees, the old periphery wall and cobblestone path, as well as the integration of new parking spaces for visitors with reduced mobility. During the dark hours of the night, the square itself is dimmed by the light reflecting off of the church and other surrounding buildings and LED strips are used to accentuate the direction of the pathway.  Image Courtesy OMGEVING Taking into consideration the rich history of Averbode Abbey, it was imperative not to bombard its visitors with historical information, but instead to subtly introduce its past in the square itself. Hence, out of respect for the context all of the information panels, bins, and bicycle racks have been custom designed and manufactured in dark rusted steel reminiscent of the ferrous sandstone appearing in the façades of the abbey buildings.  Image Courtesy OMGEVING  Image Courtesy OMGEVING  Image Courtesy OMGEVING  Image Courtesy OMGEVING  Image Courtesy OMGEVING  Image Courtesy OMGEVING  Image Courtesy OMGEVING  Image Courtesy OMGEVING  Image Courtesy OMGEVING
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