In the heart of Saint-Gilles, the former technical school is being transformed into an open and vibrant high school, designed for active pedagogy. The project reorganizes the existing buildings around clear access points and welcoming outdoor spaces, creating a coherent composition that strengthens the dialogue between the school and its neighborhood.
New entrances from Rue de la Victoire and Rue de la Croix de Pierre provide a clear and inviting identity. A footbridge connects the volumes and facilitates movement, while interior circulation spaces become active areas, conducive to informal meetings and exchanges.
The existing structure frees up large open floors, offering bright and adaptable spaces. The library, located on the first floor, is conceived as a living space, combining reading, collaborative work, and smooth circulation. Classrooms are modular, and some rooms accessible from the street can be used by associations, reinforcing the school’s role as a community actor.
LIRL’s active pedagogy is expressed through open and adaptable architecture. The spaces encourage cooperation and cross-disciplinary interaction, blurring the boundaries between circulation, work, and social interaction. The school becomes a lively place where pedagogy is reflected in the use of the spaces themselves.
Interventions prioritize simplicity and durability: new frames, energy upgrades, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting. Concrete, timber, and brick, left in their authentic state, create a framework that is both robust and warm. The redesigned and landscaped courtyard features terraces, vegetable gardens, and meeting spaces, naturally extending the school’s life outdoors.
Through redesigned access points, adaptable spaces, and openness to the neighborhood, LIRL asserts its role as an inclusive and welcoming school. More than a place of learning, it becomes an urban and social landmark, fostering connections and future opportunities.
1060 Saint-Gilles
Belgium
