The design for the new research centre of the Provincial Institute for Hygiene (PIH) and the Governor Kinsbergen Centre (GKC) originates from a careful reading of both the context and the programmatic requirements.
The site, located near the University Hospital of Antwerp (UZA) in Wilrijk, lies within an open setting — bordered on one side by a dense green buffer and opening on the other side towards a wide, open landscape. An additional design challenge is the site’s susceptibility to flooding, which has been a key consideration in the organisation and positioning of the building.
For this reason, the building volume is reduced at ground level. The setback relative to the first floor not only provides space for water retention but also creates a generous covered outdoor area accommodating bicycle parking and pleasant gathering spaces for visitors and staff.
Within the compact ground-floor volume, a central atrium serves as a clear orientation point. From this central space, circulation flows naturally and intuitively for both visitors and employees.
Above the ground floor, a spacious first floor houses the more public functions, while above it, a compact stack of laboratory clusters is organised. The result is a thoughtful and legible layering of the building, where functionality, sustainability, and user experience come together seamlessly.
