Labo A conducts applied research and fulfils service assignments related to design-oriented issues. Its study and design work takes the architectural object as a starting point, although it primarily focuses on the relationship in which it appears or needs to operate. It considers the determination and the elaboration of the architectural object in diverse registers and on various scale levels. The object-bound aspects (type, model, image, form, materiality) are understood on the basis of their contextual determination (the history and topicality, the spatial, social and institutional environment, the programme, the use, etc.). In doing so, the laboratory has developed a particular interest in the establishment issue of institutional (public and semi-public) programmes.
In its research and service work, Labo A functions as a scientific platform. Its staff members have a broad scientific knowledge of and practical experience in the various aspects of spatial design. As such, this combined knowledge and experience guarantees a goal-oriented and efficient approach of the assignment. For each assignment, the Lab composes a team carrying out the work as well as a scientific team. The scientific team advises about the methodology and controls the quality of the work.
Labo A conducted research into recent school architecture (cf. The school as design assignment, School Architecture in Flanders 1995-2005, and Recommendations in the Framework of the Catch-up Operation in School Construction, 2006-2010). In 2009, by order of the Vlaams Bouwmeester (Flemish Government Architect), it conducted a study and evaluation of recent master plans in school construction (final report November 2009). The results of this study are incorporated in a book dealing with the ‘contemporary spatial issue in school construction’ and the ‘methodology of the master plan’. At present, the Lab also works on a feasibility study/master plan for the ‘establishment of the DPSA cluster of schools in Courtrai’.
Members of the research group
- Autonomous academic staff:
Guy Chatel - Assistant professors:
Maarten Van Den Driessche.