Cultural hotspot Predikheren Church

Together with Korteknie Stuhlmacher architects and Callebaut architects, we are renovating and repurposing the former church next to the Predikheren in Mechelen.

Architecture

Architect: Korteknie Stuhlmacher architecten (Rotterdam) i.c.w. Callebaut architecten and Bureau Bouwtechniek
Client: City of Mechelen
Budget: € 6.500.000
Timing: 2021 -
Status: In execution
Photographer: Sarah Blee
Advisors: ABT (stability), Studiebureau Macobo (VC), RCR (techniques)

The city of Mechelen wants to use the church as a 'cultural hub', a contemporary and inclusive meeting place.

The design will preserve the imposing space of the church. The basic idea is based on a freely usable hall surrounded by supporting functions. The hall will remain completely free of obstacles and fixed furnishing elements. Depending on the events, the audience will be able to take seats on a number of rows of individual chairs or on a folding stand, which can be stored behind a curtain in various places. Standing receptions or table-side activities can also be provided.

Next to the city library

All interior additions are related to each other through their use of colour and materials. They are clearly readable as a new layer in the restored building. Wood is used as much as possible for construction and finishes, combined with slim steel elements. The additions, soft natural colours and the chosen material palette refer to the materialisation of the city library aka as the former Predikherenklooster.

Learn more about the city library

Integral accessibility

The design maximised 'integral accessibility'. The current preliminary design takes into account provisions to make the building 'accessible, walkable, usable and comprehensible'. This is based on the premise that every visitor or user of the building should be able to move around independently, safely and comfortably.