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JEUGDONTMOETINGSCENTRUM_YOUTH CENTRE JOCBEEL & ACHTERGAEL ARCHITECTSGHENT, BELGIUM (2003)

Elena Casañ GarcíaPaulina TotaAnna Zapart

1_LOCALIZATION AND SURROUNDINGS

Together with the Law Courts under construction and a new bridge for trams and cyclists, this youth centre is integrated into the new neighbourhood park on the site of the former ‘Rabot’ freight station. The park is differentiated according to the specific conditions of the environment by a sequence of raised and lowered zones. By planting small clumps of trees along a grid, visual continuity as well as transparency of the park are maintained. The JOC programme is inscribed in a zone designated for sports fields and playgrounds, alongside a paved plaza at the foot of the new bridge.

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2_THE USE OF THE BUILDING

The JOC combines three local youth clubs (Kadanz, de Klauwaards and Ozburun) together with a multi-purpose space under one roof. They are conceived as independent entities with their own spaces, a small office and a private access to the underground complex. The multi-purpose space serves as a covered common playground for the youth clubs although its compliance with noise and fire safety regulations and the plan permits its simultaneous third party use as a party hall for up to 300 people. This semi-public space is accessed by attractive outdoor stairs, and can be considered as an underground extension of the park.

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3_THE CONCEPT OF THE BUILDING

The youth centre is mainly organized underground and covered by a thick layer of soil to enable the grid of trees and other vegetation to continue over the building. Large patios feed daylight into the underground spaces, acting as both orientation points and interfaces between the building’s users and the park. The only above-ground constructions are three small buildings linked to the patios, containing staircases and offices for each youth club. A fourth volume, for the elevator for the multi-purpose space, is raised in translucent material beside the main stairs. It receives light during the day and becomes a beacon at night.

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Ground floor Basement

4_ANALYSIS OF THE BUILDING

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…ACCORDING TO THE CHAIN OF ACCESSIBILITY

a) REACHb) ENTERc) USEd) PERCEIVE

a) REACH Principle 7: Size and space for approach and use

There is not enough space in the pavement between the tram stop and the rail. Besides there are some obstacles in the way to get the zebra crossing.

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Principle 6: Low physical effort

The zebra crossing is in bad conditions. For a person in wheelchair, a big effort is required to cross the road.

Principle 4: Perceptible information

There is not any sign on the floor to let a person with impaired vision know that he/she has arrived to the pavement.

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Principle 3: Simply and intuitive use

An area in bad conditions exists in the middle of the pavement. It can be confused for the visitors as well as uncomfortable for people in wheelchair.

b) ENTER Principle 3: Simply and intuitive

use

It is very difficult to know where is the entrance of the building. There are too many stairs without signs.

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Principle 1: Equitable use

There is only one elevator, and it is always locked. It is separated from the other entrances.

Principle 4: Perceptible information

The door of the elevator is not marked in a different way, and there is no contrast in the colour as well.

Principle 3: Simply and intuitive use

The length of the handrail is not enough. Moreover there is not any sign and contrast on the floor to indicate the presence of the stairs.

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Principle 3: Simply and intuitive use

Handrails do not exist in the stairs and ramps of one of the entrance.

Principle 7: Size and space for approach and use

There are small obstacles on the floor that can be dangerous.

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Principle 7: Size and space for approach and use

There are big obstacles in the way to get the small buildings, which are not marked in any way.

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Principle 3: Simply and intuitive use

The building can be very confusing because of the many entrances and staircases.

c) USE

Principle 4: Perceptible information

The use of the different parts of the building is not clear.

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Principle 1: Equitable use

The lift is separated from the other entrances and the way to reach it is not nice.

Principle 4: Perceptible information

The door that leads to the elevator is from glass and can be invisible because is not marked.

Principle 3: Simply and intuitive use

Handrails do not exist or are not enough.

Principle 5: Tolerance for error

The continuation of the handrail is necessary to let know that the stairs go on.

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Principle 7: Size and space for approach and use

There is not enough space in the toilets and there are not the best facilities for disabled people.

d) PERCEIVE Principle 4: Perceptible

information

There is no contrast in the doors, so it is very difficult to difference the door between the wall.

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Principle 3: Simply and intuitive use

The walls and floor are in the same colour and material, so it is difficult to distinguish the different parts of the room.

Principle 4: Perceptible information

The glass doors and walls are not marked in any way. They can be invisible and dangerous for people with impaired vision.

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5_SOURCES

www.vlaamsearchitectuur.be

www.beel-achtergael.be

Magazine: “El Croquis 125”: Stéphane Beel 1992-2005: estranged familiarity

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