Eperon d’Or

Eperon D'or, a former shoe factory located in the industrial town of Izegem, consists of two parts. The factory dates back to 1910. Twenty years later the company became a purveyor to the royal household, which led to the construction of a front building in art deco style. Having been vacant for a long time the building has been saved from demolition. The design is the result of an Open Call by the Flemish Government Architect, for which Architectenbureau TV 4CV, Compagnie-O architects, Sabine Okkerse and Geert Pauwels jointly submitted a proposal. The architects are renovating the building to accommodate a shoe and brush museum, the tourist office and the House of Economy. They are converting the former factory into multi-purpose premises whilst retaining the original character of the building. There are two entrances. The door on the left is the former workers entrance. This is where the reception counter is now located. The right-hand side of the building was an access point for court suppliers and customers. This now houses the foyer, behind which the architects have removed part of the roof to create an attractive courtyard. From the inner courtyard you can see the auditorium, the interior of which is entirely made of felt to minimise vibration and ensure that people can enjoy their visit to the full.

This project was opened on the occasion of the 2019 Day of Architecture. The text is based on a contribution by Céline Wyffels.