On the Sint-Lievenspoort care site in Ghent, a former convent has been renovated, restored, and refurbished as a new school for the BuBaO (intended for children with auditory and/or speech or autism spectrum disorders). The imposing neo-Gothic complex became part of a new circulation plan throughout the site. The former gloomy building was cleaned up and refreshed, an abundance of light and air was brought back into the building.
In the vacated former inner courtyard, a new multipurpose room has been installed, the roof of this multipurpose room is used as a relaxation area. Most of the architectural interventions ensured the correct scale, orientation, and identity of both schools (kindergarten and primary education). The environment has been differentiated and greenery was added to environment.
The historic cloisters were reused and optimized. Functional, flexible, and clear classrooms were designed. One corridor was, as it were, placed outside the building in a double facade. This strongly reinforces the visual and physical relationship between building and courtyard. The former chapel has been converted into a sports hall. Although a renovation has its limitations in terms of energy saving, maximum effort was made to minimize consumption and maximize comfort.