International project:
MICX
C
onceived as a new architectural landmark for Mons, the new convention center is a key
element in a plan for economic revitalization, and serves as a connector between the old
and the new. From the viewing platform at the top, a visitor can spy the 17th-century
Belfry tower, a UNESCO Heritage Site, in the historic center of town, a new train station
designed by Santiago Calatrava and the La Haine river.
The 12, 500 sq. meter (41,010 sq feet) Centre is an expression of contrasting geometric
forms. The Center houses a grand entrance hall, three auditoriums, a multi-purpose event
hall, conference rooms, offices, a restaurant, an underground parking and a public roof
terrace.
“We used simple, yet dramatic, design gestures, local materials and a flexible program for this modest
gem of a building,” said Daniel Libeskind.” We hope the new center brings a fresh dynamic to this area of
revitalization in Mons,” adds Libeskind.
Clad in a manner that gives texture and light to the structure, canted ribbon walls of curved champagne,
anodized, aluminum wrap the form upwards to a prow that cantilevers over the street to the north. The
lower walls are clad with vertical slats of unfinished Robinia wood that echo the trees in a neighbouring
park. In plan, the Center is a spiral that ascends on itself and articulates a planted green-roof and public
terrace. To the north, at street level, the façade appears to lift up to reveal a glazed entrance, finished with
deep blue aluminium mullions. To maintain the visual integrity of the form, the architect inserted few
windows along the ribbon wall, and those are fronted by slats that are rotated to allow for daylight and
views.
Surrounding the complex is a forecourt of polished, light grey concrete, flecked with bands of Belgium blue
stone. These blue bands continue onto the ribbon walls and into the interior forming an irregular pattern
that unifies the design.
Visitors enter the space to encounter a bright, open double-height lobby or “Forum”. Here skylights cut
through the length of the crescent-shaped space at irregular intervals to usher in daylight, and create shifting
patterns of natural illumination. Soft grey concrete floors are cross-hatched with inlaid Belgium blue stone,
and a sculptural grand staircase
Daniel Libeskind established his architectural studio in Berlin, Germany, in 1989 after winning
the competition to build the Jewish Museum in Berlin. In February 2003, Studio Daniel Libeskind
moved its headquarters from Berlin to New York City when Daniel Libeskind was selected as the
master planner for the World Trade Center redevelopment. Daniel Libeskind’s practice is involved in
designing and realizing a diverse array of urban, cultural and commercial projects internationally. The
Studio has completed buildings that range from museums and concert halls to convention centers,
university buildings, hotels, shopping centers and residential towers. In addition to the New York
headquarters, Studio Libeskind has European partner offices based in Zürich and Milan, Italy.
ABOUT STUDIO LIBESKIND
i
africandesignmagazine.com
49