Cultural and Community Centre in Bergem
Cultural and Community Centre in Bergem
Bruck + Weckerle Architekten
ARCHITECTS
Bruck + Weckerle Architekten
YEAR
2011
LOCATION
Bergem, Luxembourg
TYPE
Cultural › Cultural Center
A new cultural centre was to replace the dilapidated community centre in the heart of the village of Bergem.
A condition of the commission was that clubs could continue their activities in the existing building until the new one was ready.
Dominating the remaining free space on the plot, which borders a green zone, was a majestic walnut tree.Bruck + Weckerle Architekten felt that this tree, sheltering its meadow for over 80 years, was such a feature of the village of Bergem that it deserved to be retained and displayed to its best advantage.
They recognized the scope offered by this symbolic tree, when allied to subtlety of design, for creating a unique meeting point that would not only reconcile the natural and cultural worlds but also architecturally enrich the core of the village.
Where the walnut tree stands, a semicircular recess is scooped out of that stark geometry - creating a transitional zone between indoors and outdoors. The design concept comprises a low, rectangular structure covering the entire remainder of the plot.
The building appears to welcome visitors with open arms and to embrace the walnut tree.The welcoming stance of the semicircular inner courtyard contributes to the character of the building and draws the visitor to the heart of it.
A curved wall, panelled in walnut, sweeps round to create a single uninterrupted space that surrounds the entire inner courtyard and leads to the main hall.
The wall facing onto the tree is wholly glass, including glass doors that can be opened in fine weather to give access to the courtyard.This spatial organization offers many different ways of using the space.
All the ancillary rooms are located behind the curved wall. The falling contour allows natural light in the basement, where the spaces for delivery are situated. They can be accessed any time from behind the building, independently from events and visitors.
Also the clubrooms and the entire logistics are located in the basement. The building meets the modern requirements with respect to ecology, engineering and building technology (green roof, rain water usage, ground-coupled heat exchanger etc.).
