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01-401
OFFICES FOR JAN DE NUL
/ AALST-HOFSTADE
(EAST FLANDERS PROVINCE)
/ 2000–2002
/ 2003–2005
*
This immense project attempts to rationalise and com-
plete a disparate group of buildings erected over the
course of several decades by a large industrial group.
The initial pre-project, which was abandoned, unified
everything by means of a single roof. One cannot help
but think of the urban utopian designs of Buckminster
Fuller. The new office blocks are built parallel to each
other along the River Dendre. Their facades modulate
the light thanks to metal gratings placed over the dou-
ble consoles, giving a feeling of weightlessness. The
entrance to the complex and its entire foundation is
covered and enclosed by a perforated and corrugated
stainless steel sheet. The complex also includes a large
auditorium, the ceiling and floor of which are covered in
a continuous black fabric, providing a contrast with the
bright white walls. The auditorium is fitted with black
leather seating, each sofa unit supported by two braces
and with room for ten people.