Provinciaal Instituut Avant te Antwerpen (Kunst- en modeschool secundair onderwijs)

In the winning design from the Open Oproep competition, the Ambiorix Architects Studio restores the historic school building back to a pavilion housing classrooms. The practice-oriented classrooms are incorporated in a new building in the park, acting as an extension to the landscape. A number of progressive initial choices, such as making the roof accessible, resulted in a unique and radical architectural venture with a consistent design approach. Throughout the design process, the architects always strived to achieve an innovative approach to the symbiosis between architecture, heritage, education, public space, nature and culture. This school expansion consequently also consciously implies an extension of the park. It has resulted in an exceptional learning environment offering abundant space, light and interaction, within one of Antwerp's largest green spaces. Because of its proactive commitment to the public space, the architects have also transposed this open vision in a sustainable manner at an urban level.

This text is based on the project text provided by the architects.