Muziekcentrum De Bijloke

Located within the impressive 13th century Gothic ward of the former abbey hospital, the new concert hall design combines the qualities of the original space with the strengths of contemporary concert halls. This results in a lively space where 830 enthusiasts can enjoy both classic and contemporary music and also a worthy home base for the Flanders Symphony Orchestra. The new design, by DRDH Architects and Julian Harrap Architects, improves the experience for both artists and audience with a series of well-considered interventions. The renewed concert hall at Muziekcentrum de Bijloke is the starting point for a long-term vision for the entire centre. It is a project that will be developed in phases, over time and in cooperation with different partners. In addition to the concert hall itself, in this first phase a new café was developed within the  northern foyer and the southern foyer was redesigned. Everything was achieved with a focus on using recycled and circular elements and materials. For example, remnants of trade fair curtains were incorporated into a patchwork curtain. Marble scraps were rescued from the container in the second-hand shop and processed in the benches. The design by Studio Helder en

Onbetaalbaar offers a unique new interpretation of the two foyers (café/restaurant and bar/events zone), two cloakrooms, reception desks, an informal meeting room and numerous rest/seating areas in these circulation zones.