bozar’s Nieuwe Hortahal: A Floating Tent Revitalizes Brussels Arts Center
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Brussels’ Bozar arts center has unveiled its Nieuwe Hortahal, a striking new space designed to foster community and enhance the visitor experience. The innovative installation, a floating tent constructed from white voile, addresses a long-standing need for a welcoming gathering place within the iconic building.
The project, initiated by retiring Bouwmeester Kristiaan Borret, followed an architecture competition aimed at blending comfort with the historical architecture of Victor Horta‘s central hall. This reimagined space seeks to recapture the spirit of a previous grandstand, removed in 1996 to showcase Horta’s design, which once served as a hub for informal meetings and small events.
Artistic director Christophe Slagmuylder prioritized hospitality upon his appointment, envisioning the central Hortahal as the vibrant heart of Bozar. The new design directly responds to this vision, providing a dedicated area for receptions, meetings, and casual interactions. the competition brief emphasized the need for a structure that could be easily dismantled and stored to accommodate performances and other events.
The winning design, a collaboration between Brussels architect Giusto van Campenhout, artist Michel François, and sound agency Kahle acoustics, delivers on these requirements with a unique and adaptable solution. The floating tent offers a visually appealing and functional space for a variety of uses.
Addressing Acoustic Challenges
Beyond aesthetics, the Nieuwe Hortahal addresses crucial acoustic considerations. The white voile fabric effectively absorbs sound, creating a quieter, more intimate atmosphere within the expansive hall. This feature is particularly valuable for events and gatherings where clear audio is essential.
The tent’s design also allows it to function as a decorative element, enhancing the ambiance of various events hosted at Bozar. Its vertical lift mechanism ensures seamless integration with the hall’s existing architecture and functionality.
Historical Context: Bozar and the Hortahal
Bozar, officially known as the Center for Fine Arts, is a major cultural landmark in Brussels, Belgium. Opened in 1928, the building itself is a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture. The Hortahal, named after architect Victor Horta, has long been a central space within Bozar, evolving over time to meet the changing needs of the arts center and its visitors.
The original grandstand in the Hortahal, present until 1996, represented an earlier attempt to create a social and functional space within the hall. Its removal highlighted the importance of preserving Horta’s architectural vision while also recognizing the need for adaptable spaces that encourage interaction and engagement. The Nieuwe Hortahal represents the latest chapter in this ongoing evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nieuwe Hortahal
- What is the Nieuwe Hortahal?
- The Nieuwe Hortahal is a new, floating tent-like structure installed in the central hall of Bozar in Brussels, designed to provide a welcoming space for meetings and events.
- Who designed the Nieuwe Hortahal?
- The design is a collaboration between Brussels architect Giusto van Campenhout, artist Michel François, and sound agency Kahle acoustics.
- Why was a new space needed in the Bozar central hall?
- A previous grandstand was removed in 1996 to showcase the architecture, but the need for a meeting and gathering space remained, prompting the new design.
- What materials were used to construct the Nieuwe Hortahal?
- The structure is primarily made of white voile fabric, chosen for its aesthetic qualities and sound-absorbing properties.
- Is the Nieuwe Hortahal a permanent installation?
- No, the tent is designed to be easily dismantled and stored when not in use, allowing the Hortahal to accommodate performances and other events.
- How does the Nieuwe Hortahal address acoustic concerns?
- The voile fabric helps absorb sound, creating a quieter and more intimate space within the large hall, improving the audio experience for events.
- What is the significance
