Information Point Ghent

This design for two temporary pavilions on the Gasmeter Site in Ghent is conceived as a conceptual study exploring an ecologically responsible and modular approach to the development of an information centre.

The core concept of the design is based on the following key themes: ecology, modularity, technology, a vision of the future, community, project nucleus, and networks.

These themes gave rise to two fundamental conceptual directions:

1. The bee as a point of departure: The bee serves as a symbol of the ideas outlined above, while the beehive functions as an allegory for a community-based form of society that, through collaboration, creates the foundation for structural improvements within its environment.
2. The cell and its nucleus: The biological cell, with its nucleus containing all the information required to define a larger organism, acquires specialised functions through cell division while remaining part of a greater whole. This serves as an allegory for the growing city: an organic entity that continuously divides, expands, restructures, recreates, and redefines itself.

The design was developed around two principal pillars:

• Ecology: The project aims to employ environmentally responsible materials. All selected materials fall within NIBE environmental classes 1 and 2, and only FSC-certified timber products are used. Heating is provided by a pellet system, while the feasibility of an integrated wind turbine will be investigated. The project seeks to promote a socially relevant, future-oriented vision that extends beyond a niche audience and enjoys broad public support. The Cradle to Cradle philosophy has served as a key source of inspiration.
• Economy: Throughout the development of the base pavilion, priority was given to economically viable materials that are recyclable or reusable, ensuring both cost efficiency and long-term sustainability.