Reception Buildings Botanical Garden Meise / NU architectuuratelier

Reception Buildings Botanical Garden Meise / NU architectuuratelier - Exterior PhotographyReception Buildings Botanical Garden Meise / NU architectuuratelier - Interior Photography, TableReception Buildings Botanical Garden Meise / NU architectuuratelier - Interior Photography, Facade, ColumnReception Buildings Botanical Garden Meise / NU architectuuratelier - Interior Photography, Facade, BeamReception Buildings Botanical Garden Meise / NU architectuuratelier - More Images+ 5

  • Execution And Sustainability Architect: archipelago architects
  • Technical Architect: studiebureau R. Boydens
  • Stability: studiebureau Mouton cvba
  • Realization: Van Poppel, Formed, Hertsens
  • Team Nu: Matteo Lampaert, Sarah Callewaert, Armand Eeckels
  • Competition Team Nu: Daniela Mikova, Michaela Markova, Marie Bemelmans
  • City: Meise
  • Country: Belgium
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Reception Buildings Botanical Garden Meise / NU architectuuratelier - Exterior Photography
© Stijn Bollaert

Text description provided by the architects. The new reception areas integrate harmoniously into the existing garden like a tranquil architectural landscape. The intervention gives a powerful and innovative impulse to a visit to the botanical garden in Meise. 

Reception Buildings Botanical Garden Meise / NU architectuuratelier - Image 7 of 10
Reception Buildings Botanical Garden Meise / NU architectuuratelier - Image 9 of 10

The strength of the new reception structure lies in the contrast between the horizontal architecture and the verticality of the surrounding trees and the imposing Herbarium building. By designing the building in a canopy structure, indoor and outdoor spaces flow seamlessly into one another. The building is present, but subordinate to the existing landscape. At the same time, new inviting squares are organised at both entrances, bringing the public domain into the garden. 

Reception Buildings Botanical Garden Meise / NU architectuuratelier - Interior Photography, Facade, Column
© Stijn Bollaert

The reception structures have different functions. There is a tourist reception, a garden shop, a small catering point, a multifunctional hall, guest rooms, the offices for the public and the caretakers’ houses. NU architectuuratelier is consciously committed to a smart combination of flexibility, sustainability, and far-reaching pragmatism.

Reception Buildings Botanical Garden Meise / NU architectuuratelier - Exterior Photography
© Stijn Bollaert

The structure is simple: seemingly independent prefab concrete crosses support a wooden deck, which shelters both interior and exterior spaces. The project has been thought through and materialised very consistently. This makes for a peaceful architecture that serves and harmonises with its natural surroundings. For both visitors and staff, every space and detail has been ruthlessly rethought and simplified. 

Reception Buildings Botanical Garden Meise / NU architectuuratelier - Interior Photography, Table
© Stijn Bollaert

The project also includes the restoration and redevelopment of the former Flemish farmstead on the grounds.

Reception Buildings Botanical Garden Meise / NU architectuuratelier - Interior Photography, Facade, Beam
© Stijn Bollaert

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Project location

Address:Meise, Belgium

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Reception Buildings Botanical Garden Meise / NU architectuuratelier" 03 Oct 2021. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/969464/reception-buildings-botanical-garden-meise-nu-architectuuratelier> ISSN 0719-8884

© Stijn Bollaert

梅斯植物园接待处 / NU architectuuratelier

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