wiel arets architects unites reflective water traffic control office

wiel arets architects unites reflective water traffic control office
photo © jan bitter
all images courtesy of wiel arets architects

near the border of belgium and the netherlands, wiel arets architects has completed the office headquarters for the water traffic control of surrounding sluices, canals, and locks – all of which are situated close to the river meuse. uniquely positioned in relation to france, luxembourg and germany, the site’s plethora of waterways are continuously used for shipping cargo throughout the region.

the office’s upper storey is cantilevered above an intimate reflective pool
photo © jan bitter

the building’s curvilinear form is determined by the need to regroup formerly disparate control centers into one singular volume, while the elevated polygonal shape strengthens visibility from the interior towards the surrounding landscape.

two paths cut through the shallow body of water, leading to the ground level entrance
photo © jan bitter

composed of two primary volumes, the office’s upper storey is covered with a pattern of dots, cantilevered above an intimate reflective pool. two paths cut through the shallow body of water, leading to the ground level entrance, with a ramp providing access to the basement. the underside of the structure is finished with a silkscreened black glass, which amplifies the amount of natural light that emanates from the liquid surface. during winter months, the pool functions as a rink for ice-skating.

the elevated polygonal shape strengthens visibility from the interior towards the surrounding landscape
photo © jan bitter

a glazed central void not only organizes the internal program, but also ensures ample amounts of natural light permeate throughout the design. support areas and separate individual offices are articulated around this atrium, connected via two staircases and an elevator.

the reflective structure mirrors the surrounding environment
photo © jan bitter

a public educational center and nautical training facility seek to enlighten local residents and tourists to the workings of water traffic strategies. an elongated roof terrace caps the building, offering panoramic views over the ever-flowing canals and the surrounding landscape.

the scheme is connected via two staircases and an elevator
photo © jan bitter

support areas and separate individual offices are articulated around a central atrium
photos © jan bitter

meeting room at the design’s upper level
photo © jan bitter

the office’s upper storey is covered with a pattern of dots
photo © jan bitter

an elongated roof terrace caps the building, offering panoramic views onto the ever-flowing canals
photo © jan bitter

1/16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

project info:

location: kanaalweg 3, 6411 HD maasbracht, the netherlands
program: office
size: 1,850 sqm
date of design: 2008-2009
date of completion: summer 2014
project team: wiel arets, bettina kraus, julius klatte, harold hermans, rob willemse
collaborators: jochem homminga, natali gagro, christina lotzemer-jentges
client: rijkswaterstaat maaswerken
consultants: palte BV, wetering raadgevende ingenieurs BV