Since 2012, the a2o radar studio has been investigating numerous heritage sites to explore innovative methods for their re-adaptation. Our research is defined by a two-pronged methodology that integrates spatial and historical analysis with a parallel programmatic research. Equally crucial is our participatory design process, fostering dialogue among policymakers, site owners, researchers, heritage experts, developers, and often the wider community. This collaborative approach allows us to identify and unlock the potential of these significant buildings, ensuring their enduring relevance in the 21st century. By understanding the interplay between the past, present, and future—and by prioritizing the long-term viability of the structure itself—we facilitate transitions that honor the heritage while creating vibrant and sustainable new uses. We not only provide design solutions but also actively engage in building the partnerships and momentum necessary to realize a site's revitalized future.
List of heritage studies that are part of the program:
2023
Abdissenkwartier Herkenrode – Feasibility study.
Pastorie Houthalen-Helchteren – Feasibility study.
Abdij van Herkenrode – Landscape design.
2022
NAC Olen – New administrative center and community library.
Sint-Victor Turnhout – Building reuse of the chapel.
De Zwaan Mol – Feasibility and volume study.
Pastorie in Beverst – Building reuse study.
2020
Klooster Landen – Reuse of the Sisters of Mary: Feasibility and volume study.
Refuge House Kloosters Ursulinen Sint-Truiden – Feasibility and volume study.
Groot Huys Zusters Ursulinen Herk-de-Stad – Feasibility and volume study.
2019
2018
Herbestemming site Hemelrijk Hasselt – Master plan study for the 'Hemelrijk' site and a reuse study for developing a socio-educational campus.
Klooster Oosterzele – Replacement of the St. Francis House Caritas (residential care center).
De Peperbus – Feasibility study for church reuse.
2017
Angelahof – Reuse of the former Ursuline convent, including the construction of a new residential care center, assisted living units, and a grand café.
2016
Kerk en pastorie Guigoven – Feasibility study for the reorganization of the parish church and rectory into a community space and workshop, while preserving the sacred core.
Pacheco Instituut – Reuse of the Pacheco Institute into housing with care rooms, student rooms, and modest dwellings (design competition, not selected).
Kerk Mettekoven – Participatory research for transforming the parish church into a community space and columbarium, while preserving the sacred core.
Sint-Trudo Abbey – Preparation of a feasibility study and management plan.
Medisch Centrum Sint-Jozef Bilzen – Feasibility and volume study.
2015
Clarissenklooster – Reuse and new construction of assisted living units, student rooms, and care rooms.
Kloosterdomein Mariahof – New construction and renovation of assisted living units on an existing convent domain.
Picpussen Tongeren – Reuse study for the 'picpussen-school' in Tongeren.
Woonzorgcentrum en meisjesinternaat – Reuse of a convent into a residential care center and girls' boarding school (design competition, not selected).
Kerk Vliermaalroot – Feasibility study for reusing the parish church as a multipurpose neighborhood space, while preserving the religious core.
Zorgcampus Kruisheren Diest – Creation of a care campus (design competition, not selected).
Before 2012
Clarenhof – Reuse of the former Clarissen convent into a residential care center, service flats, a grand café, and an internal meeting room in the former chapel.
Alden Biesen – Creation of a master plan and subprojects, including the restoration of gardens, parks, estate, castle, reconstruction, and facilities, for the international culture and conference center.
