Article source: ebtca architecten

Site

The former Suchard factory site in Zaventem was transformed into the “The Factory” cultural site which is intended to lend the town centre a whole new look. The Suchard site is a long stretch of terrain; a ‘lost’ piece of land situated between the backs of the stores on Stationstraat and the houses on Seliersstraat and the railway on the other side. This site was also subject to a strict “BPA” (special development plan). The development of this site was a surefire socio-cultural injection for the town centre. The bordering presence of the academy with its green surroundings and gorgeous trees broadened and enhanced this site and will make it the green anchoring point leading to the town. The entire project developed into one masterplan: ‘culture site Suchard’.

Programme

In addition to a library, The Factory also features a large theatre with 679 seats and a multifunctional hall. The main building has a large foyer, a cultural cafe, a dance and ballet hall and rehearsal spaces for music and recitals, party halls, catering, exhibition rooms, conference and meeting rooms and artists’ residences on top of the administrative areas. The playhouse itself is equipped with a full-fledged theatre, theatre storage spaces and studios as well as a mobile orchestra pit (with elevator) for an orchestra of approx. 30 musicians.

Image Courtesy © Dennis De Smet

• Architects: ebtca architecten in collaboration with Archiles architecten
• Project: Cultural center and Library ‘De Factorij’
• Location: Zaventem, Belgium
• Photography: Dennis De Smet, Fine Cools

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