Team: ULB research centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), CENTRAL office for architecture and urbanism, Plant en Houtgoed, Zeugma

Hidden in the grey and dilapidated office buildings on the ULB campus is this small-scale project that stimulates the senses. The ACTE centre (Autism and Context: Theory and Experience) was founded by a linguist with an interest in analytical philosophy, and houses a team of scientists who support people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The architects took an atypical approach, which avoided any medical standardisation and placed a strong emphasis on dialogue with scientists and patients. This dialogue resulted in distinct choices: rooms with fabric walls, an accentuated curtain, rounded corners in the walls, a soft glass doorknob when you arrive at the centre. The team also thought about the route from the city to the centre: users are shown a film in advance on which the route can be viewed in real time.

In its unique way, the project manages to introduce a welcoming and homely atmosphere into the corporate architecture of the university campus. The existing guidelines and concepts were re-examined, resulting in architecture that provides its users with a safe place, but a place that also challenges and inspires.

The visit on Saturday 16.10.2021 at 16:00 will be given by the architect.

The Covid Safe Ticket applies.