Expansion of the Namur cultural center,
design: Philippe Samyn and Partners
In the 1960s, a cultural institution was erected on the north bank of the Sambra River in Namur, Belgium, near the historic center of the town of Le Grognon, which in time became an important element of the urban structure. Designed by Victor Bourgeois, the building needed to be renovated and expanded to accommodate the contemporary needs of local residents and to make way for the planned revitalization of the rue des Bouchers along the waterfront. The task of reconstructing the building was entrusted to local studio Philippe Samyn and Partners.
Expansion of the Namur cultural center - bird's eye view
Photo by François BRIX © Philippe Samyn and Partners
combining the past with modernity
- facility expansion
The design called for preserving the existing building structure, except for small additions adjacent to the stage facilities and the structures in the northwest corner of the site. The current form of the center consists of several interconnected masses. One of them is a rectangular, glazed section with four floors, to which a 400-seat theater (not visible from the Sambra River) was added.
Expansion of the Namur cultural center - longitudinal cross section
© Philippe Samyn and Partners
Adjacent to this part of the building is a slightly rounded block, with a stone facade reaching the upper floors, and glazing in the upper parts. Through a glass section of several stories, this massing connects to the five-story rounded part of the building, whose eastern elevation is glazed and whose southern gable wall is windowless. This part of the building is called the "croissant" because of its distinctive shape.
Expansion of the Namur cultural center - a view of the body of the building located on the north bank of the Sambry River
Photo by François BRIX © Philippe Samyn and Partners
optimizing natural lighting
Vertical blinds were installed on the eastern facades, while horizontal blinds were used on the other walls. Their purpose is to control the amount of natural light entering the interior and provide adequate shade.
A view of the Namur cultural center in the evening
Photo by François BRIX © Philippe Samyn and Partners
new communication - connectivity of spaces
and convenience of users
The revitalization of the building included a number of key measures that improved the functionality and accessibility of the space. A spacious spiral staircase was created in the central part of the building, leading to a cylindrical block, connecting it to Golenvaux Avenue. The modernization has given the intimate theater, which seats 60 to 80 people, a new main entrance.
Expansion of the Namur cultural center - roof terrace
Photo by François BRIX © Philippe Samyn and Partners
As part of the building's expansion, a new floor was added to the top of the cylindrical form, described as a "croissant." A "bow cylinder" - a canopy for a representative entrance area - was also located within the same mass, on the eastern side. A glass entrance area was designed for those arriving by water. The façade of the building has been enriched with spaces intended for retail establishments, a restaurant and a terrace.
Expansion of the Namur cultural center - view of the so-called bow cylinder
Photo by François BRIX © Philippe Samyn and Partners
Thoughtful arrangement of functions
inside the Namur cultural center
The redevelopment of the building involves separating different functions on different levels, taking into account the needs of users. The first floor includes a cinema hall, foyer, restaurant and retail units. The next floor includes the main entrance, reception area, bookstore, auditorium of the main theater and stage. Dressing rooms and a mezzanine overlooking the foyer are located on the third level.
Expansion of the Namur cultural center - first floor plan
© Philippe Samyn and Partners
The fourth floor houses the theater's main balcony and the theater space in a cylindrical shape, with a foyer and dressing rooms for the artists. The fifth floor is dedicated to the theater's second balcony and offices, with a museum, storage space and office facilities above. The final, seventh floor, includes the theater's second balcony, exhibition space, a terrace with a garden, and artists' studios.
Expansion of the Namur cultural center - the auditorium of one of the theaters
Photo by François BRIX © Philippe Samyn and Partners
green solutions - sustainability
and energy efficiency
The Namur center, thanks to its peculiar topography and its location near rivers, benefits from natural ventilation, which favors the implementation of sustainable solutions. Roof skylights, properly protected from rain, serve a ventilation and lighting function. They support the natural flow of air, as do openable windows. The building benefits from natural light throughout the day, from sunrise to sunset, and a shading analysis shows minimal impact of the project on the surrounding area.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of studio Philippe Samyn and Partners.
