Police Vlas
For the police headquarters in Kortrijk, a comprehensive specification was drawn up for the ‘Vlas police zone’, with the goal of bringing together different zones (Kortrijk, Kuurne, Lendelede) and services in a logical and unified building. This program was translated into a design that meets all the specific requirements of the involved parties.
The integration of the building into a residential environment was a key concern. The structure was incorporated into a campus model, blending harmoniously with the surrounding residential area. Together with landscape architects, a plan was developed that combines security, enclosure, water management, and parking facilities into a single cohesive design.
The energy-efficient building is organized around a peristyle, a central courtyard surrounded by columns, with an impluvium – a water basin – at its heart, offering both tranquility and security. This ancient concept, inspired by architecture from ancient Greece, has been reinterpreted in a modern way. The courtyard forms the core of the building, with all the service clusters arranged in a horseshoe shape around it, creating direct connections between departments.
The courtyard itself is an open, safe space, offering a place for reflection and calm. The impluvium creates a serene, blue water mirror that serves as a focal point and an orientation marker within the secure police clusters. A canopy sail above the patio provides shade and gives the space an airy feel.
The design promotes wayfinding, not only for functional circulation but also for fostering social interactions. Key landmarks and interesting sightlines ensure that people can meet both visually and physically.
The building was designed as a nearly energy-neutral office (BEN), achieving a K-level of 24 and an E-level of 43. From the outset, sustainability and flexibility were key, with attention to compactness, orientation, and material choice. For this, close collaboration with the technical and EPB consultancy (Istema) was essential.
Given the public nature of a police headquarters, full accessibility was a priority. In collaboration with Inter, the building was designed to be fully accessible. The balance between security and accessibility is reflected in the choice of materials: softer, welcoming materials in public areas, and more durable, vandal-resistant materials to emphasize the authority of the police.
