Architects: AgwA, Ney & Partners
Area: 3,570 m²
Year: 2014
Photography: Marie-Françoise Plissart
Lead Architect: Harold Fallon, Benoît Vandenbulcke
Project Team: Benoît Burquel, Guillaume Becker, Griet Kuppens, Julien Delmotte
Subcontractors: Boydens, Ducks Scéno, Kahle
Client: Ministry of the French Community of Belgium
City: Mons
Country: Belgium
The Carré des Arts courtyard in Mons redesigned by AgwA architecture office and Ney & Partners engineers, features a retractable membrane roof installed as part of the Mons 2015 European Capital of Culture initiative. Completed in 2014, the project allows the courtyard to host up to 1,200 people for various events. The roof consists of five large membrane vaults that harmonize with the building’s architectural rhythm, and the retractable design ensures the preservation of the historic structure. Discreet reinforcements have been integrated into the existing framework, maintaining the heritage value of the site.
Originally a military building, the Carré des Arts was transformed into a cultural venue, with the addition of a striking painted floor by Belgian artist Jean-Luc Moerman. The courtyard, now used for events like the “Festival au Carré,” serves as a key space for cultural activities organized by Arts² and local institutions like Le Manège in Mons and Maubeuge. This intervention preserves the building’s historical significance while modernizing it for contemporary use.
The courtyard can accommodate up to 1,200 people and is the largest open-air courtyard in the city center. It is now covered by five large membrane vaults that harmonize with the building’s arches and rhythm. These membranes are fully retractable, preserving the historic integrity of structure when not in use.
The structural design was engineered for easy operation from the ground, with all necessarily reinforcements integrated within the thickness of the existing concrete framework. Additionally, Belgian artist Jean-Luc Moerman painted a sprawling network of curves on the courtyard’s asphalt, creating a visual connection between the new floor and the retractable roof.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Rue des Soeurs Noires 4/A, 7000 Mons, Belgium
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
