TRANS, from Latin (“through”,"across,“beyond”)
In all the projects carried out by OFFICE we can find an order and a self-impo- sed grammar that models each one of its buildings and urban spaces.
Within this bag of characteristics that define his works, the most recurrent features could be highlighted the orthogonal plant, the perimeter wall, which establishes an almost absolute division between interior and exterior, the surface of shiny or white metal, the reticle (both in plan as in section) that extends implacably, the glass envelope tightly framed, etc.
In the project for the Kortrijk XPO, OFFICE works on a pre-existing complex of industrial-type buildings of different dimensions, both in plan and in eleva- tion. A set without cohesion. As a unifying gesture, a frame is placed around this chaotic entity. This frame is composed of a gallery built as a modular steel grid, both in section and in plan.Occasional metal screens make this frame open and close alternately, oriented towards or shielding its asphalted and logistic interior.
It is indisputable that most of its rules of play are reflected in the project of the Kortrijk XPO, even partially. We say partially since, although the in- tention of the project is very clear in its theoretical part, in its practical part some of these rules of the game are partially applied. The most important, the perimeter frame that gives order and scale to the project is not built in its entirety, making its goal not fully met and the project lose strength. Even so, the existing set is improved by improving the accesses, the logistics of internal mobility and the identity it lacks.
+ Links
http://officekgdvs.com/ (search for the project)
https://miesarch.com/work/2873
https://www.kortrijkxpo.com/en/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfqahrJv1WA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPSw5rbnuqs