New architecture
Bruges is not only a world heritage city but also a city that is marking history today. Within the framework of European Capital of Culture of 2002 a number of contemporary architecture projects were carried out in the centre of Bruges. Four strong architectural elements bear witness to the Year of Culture and now stand face to face with the surrounding old city.
Concertgebouw (Concert Hall) Top
The large concert hall for Bruges
Budget, significance and impact mean that the building is inseparably linked with the "European City of Culture of 2002" project.
The design criteria for the concert building related to openness and adventure, innovation and a modern image but also to safety and functionality.
The architects, Paul Robbrecht & Hilde Daem, had to take into account an existing, familiar and respected cityscape on the one hand and the ambition of the city to use this project to mark an important cultural moment in a contemporary way for the future on the other.
The result is a sometimes surprising and creative ode to Bruges and the city's dreams. The building has an overall size of 120 metres by 50 metres. An eye-catching feature is the so-called 'Lantern Tower', which is slightly separate from the main volume and is 28 metres and eight storeys high and overlooks the Zand. In this tower is a chamber music hall with seats for 300.
In the actual concert building the large auditorium seats 1300. Every year more than 100 truly top attractions in the area of classical music, jazz, musical theatre, visual arts, … will take place there.
You can attend a performance for as little as 10 euros!
Info and tickets
Tickets can be booked on the spot or online via www.concertgebouw.be
ADDRESS
Concertgebouw Brugge vzw
't Zand 34, 8000 Brugge
Map : C10
Bing map
The pedestrian Barge Bridge links Bargeplein at the edge of the city with the entrance to Minnewater Park. The bridge, with its girders painted red, is an example of asymmetrical architecture.
The Dutch designers (West8 urban design & landscape architecture bv) opted for a bridge in the form of a reptile, that you can climb. Next to the bridge is a small building containing public toilets that is partly protected by a shelter. Thus a new meeting place for tourists arriving by bus is turned into a very pleasant location from which to start a visit to the city.
With the bridge over the Coupure by the Swiss Jürg Conzett the egg of Bruges (the city ramparts) is once again complete. Now no one needs to walk or ride round. The bridge is a contemporary example of technology, an architectural gem and a masterpiece of inventiveness. The bridge is perfectly integrated in the Bruges landscape of the former city walls.
