City Hall Lommel

CONCEPT Town halls are urban monuments which have their historical character to thank for their symbolic strength. Their strategic position on a square always has a double function as a democratic signal and conciliatory gesture with the occupants of the city. This 'house of the city' characterizes a maximum openness and transparency like an eyebrow on the eye of Lommel. The elevated glass plinth reveals itself as a large display window or showcase to the public path behind which winds around four office spaces, with patios like natural stone beams on the square. The overhanging porch and roof area extend like a suspended sun visor around the building and position the whole with strong horizontality on the ground. The warm and southern character of travertine translates this composition to a monumental abstraction with a sense of distinctness and clarity. TECHNICAL A new administrative centre for Lommel, including the town hall and public social welfare centre (OCMW/CPAS), a stone s throw away from the old marketplace, at the heart of a fastgrowing area. Overlooking the semiunderground garage, a basement with large windows hosts four offices and three patios. They are surrounded by green roofs and glass awnings, as is the largest room, the Council Hall. The basement and offices are covered by travertine inside and out. The domes in the patios let light through to the garages that are marked off by two tinted glass boxes. The playful furniture contrasts with the sober, austere basic structure. Contemporary art dominates the construction as a whole. As a town of glass, Lommel s administrative centre calls for utmost transparency. As is the case....