For two seasons deSingel and the VAi (Flemish Architecture Institute) are offering eight young architectural firms a platform on which to present their ideas on architecture, urban planning and landscape design. The architects have been commissioned to provide solutions to pressing social issues and intellectually challenging questions in the course of the design process.
Open Wed > Sun, 2 > 6 pm and with performances (7 > 11 pm)
Closed Mon, Tue and holidays
SHSH have examined how they could contribute to the reconstruction of housing and living conditions after the natural disaster. Not without significance because the tsunami of 11th March 2011 put the young practice of the duo working in Belgium and Europe on edge. Yuriage, the village where Shizuka Hariu grew up and where her family still lives, is almost completely destroyed by the disaster. SHSH has spent almost two years of volunteer activities and interviews with the local residents, site visit, cooperation with local architects and research on the needs of people in dramatic circumstances.
As a result, SHSH proposes 'Invisible Needs'. A positive contribution to local life encouraging cultural activities and giving a broader picture in a period of uncertainty. We hope to have provided a four stage sustainable solution, which nourishes the growth within the community and meets their social, physical, cultural and spiritual needs. The exhibition shows the search for concrete actions to provide assistance to residents of disaster areas. This resulted in a number of designs: Yuriage Machi Cafe / New facility for the community centre, Seaside Festival Scenography / Mobile facilities for festivals, Seaside Tribune / Open air seats and bridges in front of the sea and Mountain Memorial Walk / Promenade with view towards Yuriage. Each facility has an event platform and stands near to a ‘safe haven’, a high structural safety in case of evacuation.