Between architecture and structure
With the support of:
Stijn Bollaert
The dialogue between architecture and structure refers to the way in which the aesthetic and spatial design (architecture) of a building interacts with the physical support system (structure). In a strict sense, the engineer brings insight into the forces at work within the imagination, context and sensibility of the architect. Through intense dialogue, from the outset, a shared field of exploration emerges, where load-bearing capacity and spatiality coincide. New forms and spaces arise – neither from pure aesthetics nor from mere efficiency – but from the intelligence of thinking together.
The field between architecture and structure touches on both the creation of space and the core of building itself. We head to the botanical garden in Meise to hear, see and feel how architecture and structure can together give direction to ideas about beauty and sustainability at the Groene Ark (Green Ark) – the result of an intensive collaboration between NU architectuuratelier and engineering firm Mouton.
The Green Ark – Botanical Garden Meise
The large greenhouse in the Botanical Garden of Meise is somewhat hidden away in a sloping area. The structure is surrounded by trees, behind the farmyard and next to the service building, in the heart of the garden. The greenhouse houses a valuable and extensive collection of living plants, with species from climate zones all over the world.
Stijn Bollaert
Stijn Bollaert
Stijn Bollaert
Part of the new greenhouse is open to the public. Visitors to the botanical garden will learn more about the plants in a new visitor trail. The greenhouse doubles in size with an innovative addition: the Green Ark. This is an impressive multi-purpose visitor pavilion that floats like a houseboat between the glass sea of the conservatory. The ark pavilion is a spacious structure with a walkable roof surface all around, designed as a raised viewing point.
Underneath the roof surface is a darker space that offers a transparent view of the light-filled greenhouses from the shade. This distinctive environment has been developed for exhibitions that delve deeper into the rich world of plants and the importance of biodiversity, but it can also be used for seminars or workshops. From the pavilion, there is a connection to the seed bank in the adjacent service centre, which you can look into.
NU architectuuratelier
NU architectuuratelier has been a working platform for intense architecture and design research in Ghent (Belgium) since 2004, led by Armand Eeckels and Halewijn Lievens. Based on a deep interest in culture, nature and human well-being, NU architectuuratelier strives for architecture with a careful impact: rooted in context, open to change and responsive to people and the environment. No intrusive statements, but spaces that bring together public dynamics, ecology and architecture in a natural way. Architecture that wants to be close to the people who come into contact with it and that touches every aspect of our existence. Often complex spatial issues lead to striking projects based on highly developed design research. NU architectuuratelier consciously works on different scales, from landscape installations, urban development projects, infrastructure and public buildings to the scale of furniture, always with the ambition of transforming functional needs into inspiring and meaningful spatial experiences.
Guy Mouton
Mouton is a structural design agency specialising in architectural projects. The starting point for the structural engineering agency is ‘designing together’, in cooperation with the architect. Mouton’s working method is based on intense and thorough interaction with the designer. By being involved in the architect’s design process at an early stage, we strive to make structure an inherent part of the design process. This creates a constructive cross-pollination in which architecture and structure reinforce and even challenge each other. Mouton is convinced that this approach offers the best guarantee for achieving a project with architectural added value.
