Article source: Compagnie-O

In the industrialized port area of the small town of Izegem lies a somewhat odd monument with an artdeco front office and adjacent factory buildings. During the interbellum, for over a decade the “Eperon d’Or” factory received international attention for its luxurious shoe design and production.

After years of neglect, local authorities decide to revitalize the complex by refurbishing it to the national shoe and broom museum.

This art deco pearl stands solely amidst the non-attractive industrialized heavy-duty context.

Image Courtesy © Tim Van De Velde

• Architects: Compagnie-O + Sabine Okkerse + Geert Pauwels
• Project: Eperon d’Or, National Museum for Shoes & Brooms
• Location: Prins Albertlaan 5, 8870 Izegem, Belgium
• Photography: Tim Van De Velde
• Client: City of Izegem
• Contractor:
  • Phase 1: Himpe NV
  • Phase 2: Detrac NV
• Lead Architects: Geert Pauwels, Sabine Okkerse, Joke Vermeulen & Francis Catteeuw
• Gross Built Area (square meters or square foot): 2443 m2
• Completion Year: 2017

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