BEHIND A FOUR-METRE-HIGH WALL in the centre of Hasselt lies a contemporary assisted-living centre. It used to be an enclosed convent of the Poor Clares. The high wall in particular is visible from the busy artery, but the contrast with the surroundings is less important than in the past. The architecture of a2o is simple and harmonises with the existing convent. The deconsecrated church, the presbytery and the inner courtyards structure the complex and are accessible to both residents and visitors.