Gallery Haven dock Ghent

The work deals with the issue of abandoned docks destroyed by industrialisation in the last century and their reintegration into the urban context. This issue must be understood in the context of spatial connections and historical lines. It is up to the discipline of architecture to integrate these barriers into the cultural and everyday life of society, while respecting ecological stability and creating a diverse environment for life. The challenge of the work was to find a pillar that connects individuals across age and time, creating new social bonds between the inhabitants and the place.

The proposal adapts the brownfield site by applying the five development principles of Ghent (Belgium) in the area of the industrial dock and connects the disconnected site of the former city walls with the historic city centre. An essential element has been the completion of an urban structure that supports the idea of a circular street around the historic core of Ghent. The project further develops the creation of a new urban promenade, revitalising the dock and giving the city's inhabitants access to the water via a staircase and platform that enter and spatially divide the dock area. The material continuity of the platform is complemented by the designed gallery building. The main purpose of the galleries is to present and preserve architecture as a living space in the broadest sense and to cultivate public discussion through art. This is the best way to connect people across age, creed and time. The filling of the gallery is symbolically linked to Belgian artist Constantin Meunier, who found inspiration for his artwork on the docks. The Haven Dock Gallery building creates a strong architectural dialogue of volumes through its connection to the city's promenade and pier. Together they form a cultural, social and recreational asset for the city of Ghent. The concept of the gallery consists of a solid geometry of masses in a clear and coherent relationship. A primary condition for the creation of a quality art gallery is light, which played a major role in the creation of the concept. The two cubes, nested inside each other, represent a symbolic contrast of light and shadow, linked to the forms of the exhibitions that will be in touch with the visitors. The cubes then rest on plinths that house the technical facilities of the gallery.