JOC

1. JEUGDONTMOETINGSCENTRUM_YOUTHCENTRE JOC BEEL & ACHTERGAEL ARCHITECTS GHENT, BELGIUM (2003) JOC Elena Casañ García Paulina Tota Anna Zapart

2. 1_LOCALIZATION AND SURROUNDINGS Together with the Law Courts under construction and a new bridge for trams and cyclists, this youth centre is integrated into the new neighbourhood park on the site of the former ‘Rabot’ freight station. The park is differentiated according to the specific conditions of the environment by a sequence of raised and lowered zones. By planting small clumps of trees along a grid, visual continuityas well as transparency of the park are maintained. The JOC programme is inscribed in a zone designated for sports fields and playgrounds, alongside a paved plaza at the foot of the new bridge. JOC

3. 2_THE USE OF THE BUILDING The JOC combines three local youth clubs (Kadanz, de Klauwaards and Ozburun) together with a multi-purpose space under one roof. They are conceived as independent entities with their own spaces, a small office and a private access to the underground complex. The multi-purpose space serves as a covered common playground for the youth clubs although its compliance with noise and fire safety regulations and the plan permits its simultaneous third party use as a party hall for up to 300 people. This semi-public space is accessed by attractive outdoor stairs, and can be considered as an underground extension of the park. JOC

4. 3_THE CONCEPT OF THE BUILDING Ground floor Basement The youth centre is mainly organized underground and covered by a thick layer of soil to enable the grid of trees and other vegetation to continue over the building. Large patios feed daylight into the underground spaces, acting as both orientation points and interfaces between the building’s users and the park. The only above-ground constructions are three small buildings linked to the patios, containing staircases and offices for each youth club. A fourth volume, for the elevator for the multi-purpose space, is raised in translucent material beside the main stairs. It receives light during the day and becomes a beacon at night. JOC

5. 4_ANALYSIS OF THE BUILDING …ACCORDING TO THE CHAIN OF ACCESSIBILITY a) REACH b) ENTER c) USE d) PERCEIVE JOC

6. a) REACH Principle 7: Size and space for approach and use There is not enough space in the pavement between the tram stop and the rail. Besides there are some obstacles in the way to get the zebra crossing. Principle 6: Low physical effort The zebra crossing is in bad conditions. For a person in wheelchair, a big effort is required to cross the road. JOC

7. Principle 4: Perceptible information There is not any sign on the floor to let a person with impaired vision know that he/she has arrived to the pavement. Principle 3: Simply and intuitive use An area in bad conditions exists in the middle of the pavement. It can be confused for the visitors as well as uncomfortable for people in wheelchair. JOC

8. b) ENTER Principle 3: Simply and intuitive use It is very difficult to know where is the entrance of the building. There are too many stairs without signs. Principle 1: Equitable use There is only one elevator, and it is always locked. It is separated from the other entrances. Principle 4: Perceptible information The door of the elevator is not marked in a different way, and there is no contrast in the colour as well. JOC

9. Principle 3: Simply and intuitive use The length of the handrail is not enough. Moreover there is not any sign and contrast on the floor to indicate the presence of the stairs. Principle 3: Simply and intuitive use Handrails do not exist in the stairs and ramps of one of the entrance. JOC

10. Principle 7: Size and space for approach and use There are small obstacles on the floor that can be dangerous. Principle 7: Size and space for approach and use There are big obstacles in the way to get the small buildings, which are not marked in any way. JOC

11. Principle 3: Simply and intuitive use The building can be very confusing because of the many entrances and staircases. JOC

12. c) USE Principle 4: Perceptible information The use of the different parts of the building is not clear. Principle 1: Equitable use The lift is separated from the other entrances and the way to reach it is not nice. Principle 4: Perceptible information The door that leads to the elevator is from glass and can be invisible because is not marked. JOC

13. Principle 3: Simply and intuitive use Handrails do not exist or are not enough. Principle 5: Tolerance for error The continuation of the handrail is necessary to let know that the stairs go on. Principle 7: Size and space for approach and use There is not enough space in the toilets and there are not the best facilities for disabled people. JOC

14. d) PERCEIVE Principle 4: Perceptible information There is no contrast in the doors, so it is very difficult to difference the door between the wall. Principle 3: Simply and intuitive use The walls and floor are in the same colour and material, so it is difficult to distinguish the different parts of the room. JOC

15. Principle 4: Perceptible information The glass doors and walls are not marked in any way. They can be invisible and dangerous for people with impaired vision. JOC

16. 5_SOURCES www.vlaamsearchitectuur.be www.beel-achtergael.be Magazine: “El Croquis 125”: StéphaneBeel 1992-2005: estranged familiarity JOC