jean nouvel + MDW architecture: new police centre + extension of charleroi danses

‘new police centre + extension of charleroi danses’ by ateliers jean nouvel + MDW architecture, charleroi, belgium images © ateliers jean nouvel + MDW architecture all images courtesy of MDW architecture

paris-based ateliers jean nouvel and brussels-based MDW architecture have collaborated to create the winning proposal ‘new police centre + extension of charleroi danses’, an extension to a brownfield site containing retired barracks of caserne defeld in charleroi, belgium. dating from the 19th century, the established structures of the grounds and old arena will be transformed into a village for contemporary dance and a cultural venue for street art and artists. the police station will be housed within two existing cavalry buildings while the adjacent central square will present a new 75 meter tall tower. an elliptical footprint rises into a tapering form clad with vertical blue bands which radiate into the encompassing brick plaza leading to the ancillary structures.

interior of the scheme

dance studios and residences for artists are placed within the original small brick buildings along an interior road, maintaining a human scale. conducive to street shows. the atmosphere is ideal for impromptu interactions and creative performances. architectural remnants are retained and used as facades for an auditorium and dance theater with dressing areas. a canvas tent is placed upon a roof terrace, illuminated at night from the dynamic activities taking place inside. a bold and playful typography is printed onto the transient construct, complimenting the program of the nearby police hall.

event within the dance studio

central tower clad with vertical blue bands

site context

site plan

site plan

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / offices

floor plan / offices

tower section

tower section

section

section

elevation

elevation

site section

site section

axonometric drawing

exploded axonometric drawing

project info:

program: new police centre & extension of charleroi danses location: charleroi, belgium client: ville de charleroi dates: competition won in 2011 – estimated completion september 2014