Politiekantoor Schoten
POLITIEKANTOOR SCHOTEN
Bovenbouw
YEAR
2008
LOCATION
Schoten, Belgium
CATEGORY
Police Station
Text description provided by architect.
The police station designed for the municipality of Schoten is a study in informality and approachability. It begins at the urban design level.
Instead of highhandedly appropriating its spot, the police station places itself at the service of public space.
The L-shaped building is pushed back to the rearmost edge of the large plot available and helps to define a new square.
When you enter the building, you walk into a space dominated by two atria, visually linked to each other. One is accesible to the public and contains an open reception desk, the other is in use as a staff canteen.
The athmosphere of openness is further enhanced by a footbridge visible to visitors and numerous views through to workplaces. The choice of materials also helps to create informality.
High-grade materials have been avoided, everything has been built from concrete blocks and wood. A saving has also been made on technical installation: the ambient condition indoors are regulated via natural ventilation.
