Iconic magazine EN #thefourthedition by IONdd

ICONIC MAGAZINE

#the fourth edition 1 2 ————— 20 1 9

It's sensitive When architecture starts from a human viewpoint.

Cities

Architecture

In conversation

Hamburg, and Europe’s most challenging urban development

Carla Swickerath on emotion in architecture

Michèle Sioen about Kanal-Centre Pompidou

ON THE COVER

ICONIC

More than just a building The Jewish Museum in Berlin, by architect Daniel Libeskind, gives a lot of food for thought. Almost every element has its own symbolism. The architecture tells the story.

˼ CONTENT

ICONIC

ICONIC #the fourth edition

1 2 ————— 20 1 9

6 —

Foreword

8 —

Cities

14 —

Architecture

20 —

Trends

24 —

Society

26 —

Architectural treasures

30 —

In conversation

36 —

#actION

38 —

State of the art

42 —

Work

44 —

Cooperation

47 —

Photo section Recreational Campus Houthulst

Hamburg Carla Swickerath on emotion in architecture

Livening things up in church Buddies versus cystic fibrosis La Fábrica + The Church of Light

Michèle Sioen about Kanal-Centre Pompidou

Growing with both feet on the ground Paul Thiers is spellbound by art

Coming soon Joris Hindryckx about Recreational Campus Houthulst

˼ FOREWORD

ICONIC

Premier Development Fund II ION has just been awarded its second investment fund. In 2015, the first fund ensured a strong upward line in its growth curve. At least the same is expected from the new fund.

'Ready for a new tipping point.

As we near the end of 2019, we at ION are

find this in this fourth edition of ICONIC. We

pleased to look back on a successful year.

talked to New York architect Carla Swickerath

It was a year in which we have once again seen

of Studio Libeskind: the firm of architects

a lot of growth. We have realized some great

that, among other things, designed the 9/11

projects and saw the arrival of more than

memorial in New York. She gave us some

30 new employees. ION now has 85 employees

fascinating insights into how architecture can

and can boast of 525 million euros worth of

have an emotional charge. You can also read

completed projects. Of course, we keep working

our interview with another artistic woman.

hard because we still have projects worth

Michèle Sioen combines her position as a

1.2 billion euros in the pipeline.

manager with the chairmanship of the Kanal Museum in Brussels. She gives an intimate look

We don’t expect that growth to slow down

into her life at the interface of the two worlds.

next year – on the contrary. We are about to go the extra mile because we have just completed

We also get inspiration in Hamburg. In

our second development fund. In 2015, we

particular in HafenCity: Europe's most

realized our first fund worth 30 million euros.

extensive urban development. Once completed,

The Premier Development Fund II allowed us

the city will have grown by no less than 40%.

to raise 120 million euros from investors. We

How do they do that? We went to the port city

will use that money for further investments in

to find some fascinating answers.

new projects, in particular in Belgium. We want to focus on the Brabant-Brussels region but

Of course, there is also room for our own works.

also on the province of Antwerp. We still see a lot of growth potential for ION in those areas.

We wish you a lot of reading pleasure with

There is also a good chance that in the future,

many exciting insights.

we will open a third office to have a permanent presence in Antwerp, besides Waregem and Brussels. In the meantime, we are preparing internally for this new chapter. Later in this magazine, our CFO Bert will elaborate on how our team is structured today. Because even though we now have a large group of employees, we still think it is critical to maintain our agility. It is essential to continue to live up to our reputation as a fast and flexible player. — Dare to be different Anyone familiar with ION knows that we have a soft spot for projects that stand out. They are the projects that are just that bit more exciting, sustainable, daring, or versatile. You will also

Davy, Kristof, and Rik CEOs

Paul Chairman

˼ CITIES

ICONIC

Spontaneous tourist attraction Although HafenCity deliberately avoided having tourist attractions, it is still drawing many visitors. We expect that once the district is completed, 80,000 tourists will visit it every day.

HAMBURG SEES THE BIG PICTURE

HafenCity: Europe's most challenging urban development

˼ CITIES

ICONIC

Osaka 9 Pavilion One of the pavilions in the center of HafenCity is devoted to ecological project development. Its exhibition space gives an explanation of the sustainable construction of the district and its use of green materials, fuels, and mobility.

'Many of the buildings also serve as flood defenses.

BIG NUMBERS

of a continent that was once again merging.

HafenCity has large-scale

This is what made Hamburg a crucial port

ambitions. Very large.

city in Central Europe. The city’s potential for

These figures make that very clear.

further development was enormous, but the administration had to act quickly. — 20-year master plan

155

The master plan for HafenCity's development is partly based on the principle of a “finegrained” mix. This means not separating the

hectares to be developed, 55 ha of which is water

various urban functions, but merging them as much as possible. Furthermore, there had to be sufficient interaction with the old down-

5,500

town, some new landmarks would be built, and the district would be subdivided into ten distinctive neighborhoods. The objective was

apartments for between 10,000 and 12,000 residents

to use HafenCity to achieve an economic, social, and cultural breakthrough in the city. This master plan was approved in 2002 and has

20,000

been the manual for the project to this day. — City by the port

jobs

10.5

kilometers of water-side footpaths

trillion euros of private investments

trillion euros of public investments

HafenCity can be found on the banks of the Elbe. This means that water is everywhere in this neighborhood’s development. The district Hamburg is the city that has been astonishing

has been designed to give it a downtown feel

European city planners. With HafenCity, the

while retaining the typical port characteristics.

city has achieved the most extensive urban

Many buildings also serve as flood defenses,

development of our continent. Once the new

and green public spaces are provided all along

district is completed, Hamburg will have

the water's edge. For example, there is the

grown by no less than forty percent. HafenCity

River Promenade by the prestigious architec-

is a fascinating mix of culture, architecture,

tural firm Zaha Hadid. It is a meeting place

working, and living. A model for every 21st-

that also serves as flood defense.

century city. Zaha Hadid’s work is certainly not the only What is needed to make a project of such

architectural

magnitude possible? HafenCity’s success is

The

partly due to the city's history. Hamburg's

Elbphilharmonie by Herzog & de Meuron. This

role in Europe changed dramatically with the

project went ten times over budget, and took

fall of the Wall and the Iron Curtain. It was no

seven years longer to build than expected. But

longer the western world's easternmost city,

now that it's finished, you will no longer hear

but had become a metropolis in the middle

any complaints from Hamburg’s residents.

best

eye-catcher known

HafenCity.

undoubtedly

the

˼ CITIES

ICONIC

Progressive mobility plan HafenCity wants to make private cars redundant. The design provides for bicycle rental, hydrogen-powered buses, and an additional metro line to the old downtown. The district has been designed in such a way that everything will be within cycling or walking distance of its residents.

The glass construction on top of an old warehouse accommodates two concert halls, a hotel, and apartments. It has put Hamburg back on the map as a creative hotspot. In 2025, the next masterpiece should be finished, namely the 230-meter-tall Elbtower by the British architect David Chipperfield. The skyscraper will have offices, a hotel with a restaurant, shops, and exhibition areas. — Smart investment model Today, 77 projects have been completed in HafenCity, and 63 are still in progress. Meanwhile, the district is thriving. More than 3,000 homes are occupied already, and 14,000 people are working in 730 companies every day. But how do the developers find investors for all these new projects? The solution can be found in the size of the units. Each development is divided into small parts and sold to as many different owners as possible. The master plan calls this system “diversification of ownership.” The division of large projects into small parts allows SMEs, small contractors, developers, and individuals to invest in their own bit of HafenCity.

Each district has its own identity HafenCity was deliberately divided into ten districts, each with its own strengths. The eastern part is somewhat cut off from the existing city. A promenade along the water leads to Entenwerder, a green peninsula outside the city. Lohse Park to the west is a 500 m long and 100 m wide green lung surrounded by restaurants and shops. In between is the central Übersee district with its wide boulevards. The center forms the connection between the old downtown and the revamped docks.

˼ ARCHITECTURE

ICONIC

Countless That is what Carla says when we ask her about the number of projects she has already worked on. Her experience includes cultural, civil, retail, commercial, and residential projects. From planning to design.

IN ARCHITECTURE Architecture speaks. It tells stories. It screams emotions. Sometimes it is quiet, but can also be loud. According to Carla Swickerath, the leading lady at the reputable architectural firm Libeskind, the profession's beauty lies in that balance. “Architecture is both rational and emotional. That is what makes it so powerful. At Studio Libeskind, we make no distinction.”

tion

The Oculus at the World Trade Center was designed by the Spanish architect Calatrava. The combination of natural light and sculptural form gives beauty to the building’s lower levels and pedestrian walkways.

˼ ARCHITECTURE

ICONIC

Jewish Museum - Berlin

Ready for the unexpected

Studio Libeskind

You get the best results if you are open to the unexpected. Try not to form any preconceived ideas, but let yourself be carried away in the adventure and discover the real story behind a project.

Berlin's history is inextricably linked to the huge contributions made by the Jewish community. It is precisely for this reason that the Holocaust's significance must be given a place in the consciousness and memory of the city of Berlin. Studio Libeskind used that insight to create an emotional and interactive design.

— Does that approach make your

responsible for reflecting that feeling in the

work unique?

right way. Especially for the people who have

Carla Swickerath: “We unanimously believe

a direct connection with the site.”

that architecture transcends its technical,

Maggie's Centre - London

rational aspects. Architecture only really does

— How do you start such a momentous

its job when it speaks to the human soul. Every

project?

project needs that emotional link, be it with

“It is quite an honor to be given responsibility

“Our design for Maggie's Center has a very homey

accidental passers-by or visitors... For us, it is

for a project of such a massive scale, but where

feel. It is a place where people affected by cancer

essential that both sides are interconnected.”

the tragedy and trauma are also immediately

can come together to find comfort. We wanted to

tangible. That is why we always start from the

create an oasis of tranquility in an otherwise chaotic

— Is it hard to make that personal

human point of view. The WTC Building affects

and bureaucratic world.”

connection?

not only the people of New York or America but

“Creating emotion begins with empathy. We

the entire world.”

Studio Libeskind

are a sympathetic ear that tries to understand the culture as well as the mood and feeling of

— That can’t be easy...

a place and its people. I find designing easier

“Definitely not. There were many differences

when I can really immerse myself in it. In that

of opinion about the World Trade Center. There

way, I won't lose sight of the bigger picture."

is hardly ever only one story or just a single opinion. So, it is important to try to look for

— Does it get easier with experience, or do

a balanced solution for all those different

you rely primarily on your gut feeling?

voices. This is precisely where the success

Ngaren - Kenya

“That’s hard to say. Most of my work is intuitive,

of the project lies. The complexity of those

Studio Libeskind

and it is essential to be open to that. As the

interactions is part of our creative process.

mother of a little girl, I believe that everyone

It is one massive balancing act, similar to

has it in them to follow their intuition. We can

gymnastics.”

as an ode to the beginning

at a level that transcends language. On the

— Do you ever get overwhelmed by

is inspired by the old hand

other hand, you don't stop thinking about the

experiencing those emotions every day?

way you work. You just do it.”

“Not really. I find it quite inspiring. I want to

human tools. Their shapes,

create buildings that leave an impact, that

volume, and materials bring

— Is expressing emotion through

make a difference to the places where they

the beginnings of human

architecture difficult for places that already

are built. In that way, I can touch people's

ingenuity to life.

have strong, emotional notions, or does

lives. That’s why I enjoy my job so much. No

emotional history make it easier?

two projects are the same. Architecture and

“Take the emotional drama associated with

its emotions challenge you to be open to

Ground Zero. As that emotion is everywhere,

adventure. To dive into the unexpected and

it also makes it more accessible. On the other

surrender to what's to come.”

all appreciate the unknown and find recognition

hand, it makes for a greater challenge because you have to be much more sensitive. It is essential to incorporate that direct emotional bond into your design. You also feel

The museum describes itself of humankind. Its design axes that were the very first

˼ ARCHITECTURE

ICONIC

Optimist-architect Studio Libeskind's architects and designers consider architecture as an exercise in optimism. You have to believe in the future to be able to create great places.

Sainte Chapelle This Gothic church in Paris is where Carla began to understand the power of architecture at the age of 18. “When I stepped inside, I could immediately feel the power of the emotional as well as the intellectual, mathematical, and rational sides of architecture.

Carla Swickerath has been working at the architectural firm Studio Libeskind since 1999. Her impressive portfolio and extensive experience in project management and design have helped her to make it from Principal Architect and CEO to Partner.

I was so overwhelmed by it. Being there at that time made a much greater impact on me than all the knowledge I had before.”

'Communicating emotions is similar to gymnastics. It is one huge balancing act.

˼ TRENDS

ICONIC

Pricey Some churches are sold for half a million euros in public sales, and then there’s the whole renovation process that needs to start. Renovating or repurposing a church is certainly not a cheap exercise.

'Participation is essential to give a church building back its central place in a village or city district.

just do it. this is how to repurpose a church

Things haven't been going well with Flemish

local residents feel involved with their church

Empty church buildings are quite often

devoutness for a long time. Barely 5% of

building, the sooner that church will regain its

given a commercial or residential purpose.

the Flemish people still go to mass every

place in the village or town district. For the best

It is a church's architectural structure that

Sunday. And their numbers are clearly

example of this, we have to go across the ocean

above all appeals to the imagination. A

dwindling. This means that many of our

to one of America's largest cities: Chicago.

central location, open spaces, high ceilings,

1,786 churches are empty most of the time.

exposed bricks, arched windows... They are

The solution? Give our religious heritage a

Nike turned one of its empty churches into

the lures for buyers looking for exciting

new purpose.

a sports paradise for young people. They

alternatives to the typical, ubiquitous

combined the stained-glass windows and

residential projects.

A church building is more than just walls

arched ceilings with wooden beams with

and windows; it is also a sacred vessel that

custom designed floor markings, electric blue

The Limburg architectural firm “Klaar-

stores generations of religious memories.

lighting, and other decorative elements. All

chitectuur” recently made international

Even for those who never open a Bible. Just

this has given the church a contemporary

headlines with its renovation of the 16th-

look at the recent fuss around Saint Anne's

touch. It now has a brand-new basketball

century chapel “De Waterhond.” In the

Church in Ghent. This church will soon be

court, new dressing rooms, and a gym. The

middle of the church are now four modern,

turned into a market hall, wine bar, and

objective was to create a safe place where

stacked boxes that serve as office spaces

It used to be The Church of Epiphany; now it’s a Just Do It

restaurant. The idea that a treasure such

Chicago's youth can get together to play

and meeting places. It is a pleasing contrast

headquarters. There is still room for faith, but under the

as St. Anne's Church be given a commercial

basketball without having to worry about gun

with the church's old character.

catchphrase, “basketball is my religion.” In 2018, Nike renovated

purpose rubs many people the wrong way.

violence on the streets. The church is more

this 19th-century church to turn it into a state-of-the-art

than just a basketball court; it is a place where

In Mechelen, there is a four-star hotel,

basketball training center. The initiative even won the Industry

So how should it be done? The greatest key

the community's young people can meet in

in Tournai, four exclusive lofts, and in

Craft Grand Prix in Cannes.

to success is citizens’ involvement. The more

a carefree way.

Borgerhout, a vibrant business location.

˼ TRENDS

ICONIC

2011 That year saw the discussion about repurposing gaining momentum. This was thanks to a draft proposal by Geert Bourgeois, the then Flemish Minister for Home Affairs and Immovable Heritage.

Mechelen Antwerp FOUR-STAR HOTEL

From church to four-star hotel. Martin's Patershof has 77 luxury hotel rooms on 6 floors.

Ghent East Flanders CIRCUS SCHOOL

The kids of circus school Circusplaneet

'More than a hundred empty churches are still waiting to be repurposed.

can be found here shouting and rolling around on trampolines and mats.

Roeselare West Flanders LOCAL MARKET

On Fridays, St. Amand’s church turns into Lokaalmarkt, a local farmer's market with a bar and children's workshop.

Bruges West Flanders YOUTH CENTER

From monastery to youth center De Karmel. Youth organizations can use the grounds to spend the night and frolic around.

Battel Antwerp BREWERY

Brewery Het Anker is experimenting with beers in the church. There will also be a catering business and an area for events.

From city libraries to skate parks to bars and restaurants, the possibilities seem endless in a church. This trend is only just beginning. More than a hundred empty churches are still waiting to be given a new purpose. They’re just waiting for the bell to toll.

˼ SOCIETY

ICONIC

Virtual reality The nonprofit association “Voor Kinderen” recently donated five hypnosis goggles to five hospitals. The VR glasses help the children to relax, making it easier for doctors to do their work.

buddies cystic fibrosis VERSUS

Yves, one of its founders, tells their story. “A cud-

started organizing more of them: cultural

For the nonprofit association, its

dly monkey here, a chocolate there. We used to

evenings, exhibitions, sports activities...

followers, supporters, and main

sell those peculiar little things. Now we organize

Until it turned out that we were doing too

sponsors are indispensable. Thanks

events that generate thousands of euros in one

well. I started asking myself, ‘How can we

to them, they can alleviate the lives

fell swoop. And we won’t let that upward trend

keep this going?’

of many children. If you too want to support the nonprofit association or

stagnate. Every euro counts for a child in need.” “The ball only really started rolling thanks to — That one pill

a few large main sponsors, such as ION. They

The dream of everyone behind the nonprofit

make publicity for the activities in which they

association “Voor Kinderen” is to find that

participate, which in turn is picked up by oth-

one pill that can entirely remove the suffer-

er supporters, companies, and individuals.

ing of children with cystic fibrosis. Still, Yves

People are increasingly asking us how they

keeps both feet on the ground. “We may

can support us.”

want to take part in an activity, please go to vzwvoorkinderen.be

never make that dream come true, but we can help to search for a remedy that will sig-

Combining volunteer work with a permanent

nificantly improve their life expectancy.”

job and a busy social life is not easy. Something had to change, so the group

That is why they also invest international-

of friends set up a nonprofit association.

ly in groundbreaking medical research. The

By now, the counter stands at just over

nonprofit association also tries to help the

60 volunteers, supporters, and a hard core,

children locally as much as possible. “In this

who together form an active management.

Peter, Frank, Olivier, Mathias, David, and

way, both we and our supporters and spon-

Yves. These six friends lost touch for a while,

sors will be closer to our mission. It is very

only to find each other again by working

motivating when you can see for yourself

together for charity. What started as a great

what your commitment and contribution

initiative among friends, turned into a real

means for a child's life.”

nonprofit association that is battling every day to help sick children.

However, cystic fibrosis is not the only charity on the nonprofit association’s agenda. “We want to do something for all children. For example, we also support the children's wards of many local hospitals and make donations to organizations such as De Vleugels, that helps children with disabilities.” — Explosive growth The initiative of these friends took off even before they had thought of setting up a nonprofit association. “Our very first large activity was a birth party,” Yves laughs. “The huge turnout that evening made us realize how much potential our actions had, so we

'People are increasingly asking us how they can support us.

˼ ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES

ICONIC

Bombastic, rebellious, and utopian Ricardo Bofill's impressive, postmodernist architecture knows no bounds. Some have called him the chameleon of architecture, whereas others see him as the architect who wants to give everyone a castle. Even his apartment buildings look like temples.

Inside we find a gallery, co-working space, library, and seating areas. Its large and high windows let in copious natural light. Bofill used, among other things, long curtains to demarcate the rooms.

LA FÁBRICA BARCELONA

Bofill himself moved into this abandoned cement factory, which is just a stone's throw from Barcelona. He demolished 22 of the 30 cement silos, which took two years. The remaining silos form La Fábrica, an exciting development where the architect is still living and working today. The building is a perfect reflection of his style: the meeting of old and new and the masterful use of scale, color, and light, where simplicity and grandeur effortlessly complement each other.

˼ ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES

ICONIC

Always ready for a fight Before Tadao Ando became an architect, he was a boxer. A skill that has made him stronger. In an interview, he told me: “During a fight, you will be in a boxing ring where nobody will help you. You can only count on yourself. It is precisely the same in architecture. No one will help you.”

Not your everyday church. Constructed of reinforced concrete, barely 113 square meters in size, where light both defines and creates its spatial dimensions. The building’s real strength lies in its symbolism. Its architecture increases the strength of light as well as the power of prayer. For Tadao Ando, the self-taught architect, the main element is the cruciform opening in the rear facade, the light from which is reflected on the floor.

CHURCH OF LIGHT IBARAKI JAPAN

˼ I N C O N V E R S AT I O N

ICONIC

A place with a strong vision for the future This Citroën garage was the largest in Europe in the 1930s. It has always been a place for people who look ahead. Progress, therefore, is a common theme in everything that Kanal does.

Kanal takes off

'The building will be closed until 2023 for thorough renovations that will preserve its original structure as much as possible.

Although the Kanal-Centre Pompidou

— From May 2018 to June 2019, the

has only just had its first pilot year, it

museum was open for a test period under

is already one of our capital’s hotspots.

the name Kanal Brut. Did this project live

The cultural temple in the iconic

up to all the high expectations?

Citroën garage is currently undergoing

Michèle Sioen: “Definitely. We are delighted

renovations and will reopen its doors in

with what we achieved in the first year.

2023. As the board of directors' chairman,

During the test period, we saw more than

entrepreneur Michèle Sioen is helping to

400,000 visitors, including 250,000 from

draw up the museum's guidelines. “It’s

Brussels. We owe this on the one hand

terrific to be able to realize a cultural

to a beautiful monumental building that

project of this scale,” she says.

appeals to the imagination. On the other hand, thanks to our collaboration with the

T H I S WA S K A N A L B R U T

Centre Pompidou, we can immediately put well-known artists and performance

21,100 M² OF EXHIBITION AREA

artists on the program.”

4 KM ROUTE 100 EVENTS

— Kanal indeed has close links with

3,000 WORKS EXHIBITED

the Centre Pompidou. How was this

60 PERFORMANCES 402,916 VISITORS

partnership established?

28,000 STEPS/DAY FOR THE MUSEUM

“We have a ten-year agreement with

MANAGERS

the Centre Pompidou. We opted for this because the Pompidou is very strong in its

˼ I N C O N V E R S AT I O N

ICONIC

Atelier Kanal From 92 entries, “Atelier Kanal” was selected to shape the renovation. It is a collaboration between NOA Architects in Brussels, Sergison Bates in London, and EM2N in Zurich.

'Kanal also has a social function: we help to build a better neighborhood.

— In addition to your position at Kanal,

such as Tour & Taxis, we are helping to build

you are also the CEO of Sioen Industries.

a better environment. In this way, Kanal

How do these two positions relate to each

also has a social function.

other? “My main tasks at Kanal are that I help to decide on the strategy and keep an eye on

PROJECT BURSTING WITH

the budget. In that sense, they are similar

AMBITION

to my position as the CEO at Sioen. The main difference is that at Sioen, I am also

— The building's renovation will take

responsible for the operational aspects. As

until 2023. What else is on the agenda

a CEO, you have to execute the strategy

during that time?

effectively yourself. I do my work at Kanal

“Due to the work, most of the building will

out of my passion for art. I have a huge in-

be closed for 2.5 years, but that doesn’t

terest in culture. When I was given the op-

mean that we won't be doing anything in

portunity to become the board of director's

the meantime. In the former car show-

chairperson, I took it up without having to

room, which will be renovated in a later

think about it. Alongside business, I found

phase, we will start with an exhibition that

it a great additional challenge in an entirely

will run for six months from March. We are

different world.

also planning several outdoor exhibitions between 2020 and 2023.”

multidisciplinary approach. Kanal is so much more than just a classical museum. It is a place

MOLENBEEK ON THE MAP

for all kinds of arts: from painting to visual

— What is your long-term ambition for Kanal?

arts, architecture, film, and performance.

— What does this new cultural temple

“Growth. We want to become a large muse-

That is why we found the Centre Pompidou

mean for the city of Brussels?

um that everyone in Brussels wants to see

to be a suitable partner. Of course, it is also

“A city needs several museums to keep the

every year. Kanal should be a must-see for

a partner with a considerable amount of

people captivated - both its own popula-

every tourist visiting Brussels. We want it

experience and strength. Kanal can call on

tion and tourists. Brussels did not yet have

to play an essential role in the Belgian art

the Pompidou’s collection for its exhibitions.

a place for contemporary art, so Kanal was

world.”

In this way, we can immediately bring quality

created on the initiative of the Brussels

to our new spot for contemporary art.”

Community. After its first pilot year, we can confirm that Kanal is indeed attracting

— Does Kanal also have its own

international interest to our capital. On the

permanent collection?

other hand, there is also the neighborhood

“Definitely. Each year, a jury selects ten

where the museum is located: the canal

Belgian works of art to be purchased by Kanal.

zone on the outskirts of Molenbeek. Kanal

We will show these works in our permanent

also holds a great attraction for that neigh-

exhibition, in addition to the exhibitions that

borhood. It has many initiatives specifically

come in via the Centre Pompidou. Curator

for the local residents. For example, we had

Bernard Blistène selects about three new

a local children’s choir, “Les Petit Chanteurs

exhibitions per year, each with their own

de Molenbeek,” sing at Kanal Brut’s official

themes.”

opening. Together with other initiatives

Michèle Sioen (1965) is a Belgian entrepreneur. She heads Sioen Industries, a listed group of companies with various activities such as spinning, weaving, and coating of technical textiles and clothing. She is also active as a director at various companies and organizations. In 2017, she became the Kanal art center’s first chairwoman.

˼ I N C O N V E R S AT I O N

ICONIC

Showroom 2020 During the renovations, Kanal will remain partially open. From April to November 2020, a guest artist will decorate four floors of the showroom. There will be a large-scale arrangement forming a mix between sculpture, architecture, and interior. The light and sound installation Future Ruins Act II by Romain Tardy was exhibited at Kanal Brut during the Bright light festival. The 15 LED modules can be seen as pieces of dismantled architecture. In this way, the modules become imaginary ruins of a place that is still alive.

Architecture with a capital A In the 1930s, André Citroën bought the plot of land on IJzerplein to build a new garage. Architects Dumont and Van Goethem designed the 16,500 m² development. The modernist masterpiece consists mainly of glass, concrete, and steel. The heart of the building accommodated the workshops where the Citroën cars were made. The showroom was on the ground floor. To this day, it is a rewarding exhibition area for Kanal.

˼ #ACTION

ICONIC

31 This is how many men and women ION attracted in 2019. It is a fast-growing team, and it looks like that rising trend won’t stagnate any time soon.

'Even now that we're bigger, we can still maintain our agility.

Growing with both feet on the ground How does it feel to have grown from

— What attracted you to ION as an

units East Flanders, Brussels/Brabant, and

performed a hilarious sketch in which they

a small team into a company with 85

employer?

Antwerp/Limburg. Each business unit has

very aptly imitated our CEOs, Davy and

employees in just eight years? CFO Bert

Bert Viaene: “Previously, I worked as an

a manager who is responsible for all the

Kristof. Everyone was in tears of laughter.

Viaene witnessed ION’s rapid evolution

auditor at EY in Brussels. I also worked in

projects in that region. The service units are

That’s typical of ION. It’s hard work, but

up close. He started in 2013 and has been

London for about two years at the time

umbrella service providers: legal, technical,

there’s also room for fun.”

growing along with what ION is today.

and gradually started to focus entirely

financial, marketing, and sales. These people

“I believed in the growth potential from

on real estate. Moving to ION was a

work across different business units because

day one,” he says. “Our team’s drive and

significant step for me; I went from an

it is certainly not our intention for each

ambition are phenomenal.”

international company to a small but very

business unit to operate as an island.”

ambitious project developer with just eight employees. At the time, I was attracted by

— How do you see ION evolving?

the professionalism on the one hand and the

“We are finding ourselves again at a tipping

pursuit of quality on the other. Everything

point. We have just completed the capital

that was made here, from presentations

round for our second development fund

to brochures and reports, had to be perfect.

(Premier

On the other hand, there was an enormous

+120 million euros. Our first fund dates back

drive. Speed and agility have always been

to 2015 when we also saw an acceleration in

their strength. Whereas someone else

growth. So, I'm expecting further growth.

would need three months to make an offer,

Not necessarily in the number of employees,

we try to do it a lot faster. But we will always

but more in the number of projects. We

be professional, of course.”

continue to expand all over Belgium and

Development

Fund

worth

want to focus on the regions of Antwerp, — Can you maintain that speed now that

Brussels, and Wallonia. Of course, we always

the team is so much bigger?

keep a close eye on the figures and keep both

“Of course, our way of working has changed.

feet on the ground.”

Initially, we were in close proximity to each

Complex projects in the city

other so we could make decisions quickly.

— What is your best memory at ION?

Now we try to maintain our agility by

“On a professional level, I can look back on

ION is not only growing in numbers but also in the type of projects. “When I started, we were

organizing ourselves in business and service

many successes, and have especially enjoyed

almost exclusively developing residential projects, in particular in niches such as student

units. The business units have a regional

the joint team efforts. But we have also done

accommodation,” says Bert. “That was very successful, but you can never continue to grow

structure. Apart from the two business units

many great things with ION. I remember

very far in those niches. At some point, we had the expertise to start developing complex,

in West Flanders, we also have the business

how at a summer event, some employees

mixed projects. I'm thinking of new town districts such as Niefhout or Suikerpark. I think that's where the future lies.”

˼ S TAT E O F T H E A R T

Around the world When it comes to art, Paul Thiers does not shy away from any continent. Most of his spare time goes into searching for new masterpieces.

Paul Thiers is spellbound by art In 2005, Paul Thiers gave up his operational functions at UNILIN to create a future for himself as an investor. Later, he founded ION together with Davy Demuynck and Kristof Vanfleteren. Although his career has followed different paths, there has always been one constant in his life: art.

ICONIC

˼ S TAT E O F T H E A R T

ICONIC

Buy in times of crisis Paul Thiers received this tip from the legendary banker David Rockefeller. Thiers bought his best works during the 2008 credit crisis. There was hardly anyone at the art fairs in Miami, so you could bid on anything on display.

ART FAIR C ALENDAR

— How did you get into the art world?

that I am also collecting mid-century design

Paul Thiers: “Ever since I was a kid and at home,

furniture and contemporary ceramics, there’s

ARCO MADRID FEBRUARY 26- MARCH 1

I have always been exposed to art. My eldest

no stopping me.”

TEFAF MA ASTRICHT MARCH 7-15

artists of the famous CoBrA movement. Think

— Do you see that art in the home as an

of Karel Appel, Asger Jorn, and Corneille. When I

investment?

ART BASEL/HONG KONG MARCH 19-21

was a boy, I had a lot of contact with artists and

“Not at first. I buy works because I like them

their environment. So, I very soon developed

or because they do something for me. My

ART BRUSSELS APRIL 23-26

a deep interest in modern and contemporary

experience, trained eye, and passion help me

art.”

to buy works that are subsequently picked up

2020

ART BASEL JUNE 18-21

brother had his own gallery and represented

by art dealers. After a while, they turned out — And that interest has only grown over

to have been a smart investment. A nice one,

FRIEZE LONDON OCTOBER 8-11

the years...

but not the reason why I’m doing this.

FIAC PARIS OCTOBER 22-25

art, so that artistic urge has become a part of

I always say that when it comes to investing,

This neon work by American artist Bruce Nauman is Paul Thiers' favorite work of art.

me. I simply cannot imagine life without it. Art

you should ‘decide for yourself how far you

Nauman is one of the post-war period's most influential artists. In many ways, he is an

is a passion on which I like to spend my time

want to go.’ Art is something very personal.

‘artist’s artist’: an artist who has influenced countless other artists. Nauman likes to

and energy. My son always says, ‘Dad, it's

It is up to you to decide how much you want

experiment with all possible media, including neon. In this case, the artist has used the

like a museum in here!,’ and he’s right. Now

to spend on a piece that you like. I call it ‘the

TEFAF NEW YORK OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 4 MAY 8-12 ARTISSIMA TURIN NOVEMBER 6-8

BRUCE NAUMAN, “SILENCE IS GOLDEN / TALK OR DIE” (1983)

“Absolutely. I have always been surrounded by

Tip: Also visit the special

emotional dividend’, where the return is the

flashy medium to ventilate his criticism of the government. As a citizen, you only have

— Can you share that passion for art at

pleasure you experience every day by living

ION?

with the work of art.”

“Definitely. There is only a narrow boundary between architecture and art. So narrow that it

exhibitions and gallery shows when you go to the fair. Auction

— So, art gives your life more color.

almost fades away. Contemporary architecture

houses such as Christie's,

“More color, more fun, and more meaning.

- and contemporary art by extension - is a

Sotheby’s, and Philips also

I think of collecting art as a way of life. It

fundamental part of ION's DNA. As far as I

organize large art auctions at

pushes your life in a particular direction.

am concerned, top architects are on an equal

that time.

Your friends, leisure time, holidays, home,

level to top artists. They mutually reinforce

priorities... Sometimes it’s all about art. Kunst

each other enormously. We can also see this

ist Überall!”

interaction in furniture design. Just look at Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, and Jeanneret,

'Top architects are on the same level as top artists.

— What type of art do you prefer?

who often create total designs together where

“My interests are very broad. From African

architecture, design, and art merge.

Dan masks to French mid-century design to very contemporary art. When I look at my

At ION, we also try to integrate art into our

collection from afar, I also pick out a lot of

projects as much as possible. For example,

minimal art and conceptual art. Yet, I also

the artists of Achtkanter are exhibiting a

have works of artists in my house that don’t

large work in De Wijngaard.”

immediately belong to a particular movement. There is also room in my collection for the more ‘classic’ names, such as Andy Warhol and Robert Ryman.”

two choices: to be assertive towards the government and be condemned or remain silent. “Silence is Golden / Talk or Die” is a very direct and aggressive work of art that should wake up the viewer. What is striking is that after all these years, the message behind it is still extremely topical.

˼ WORK

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Everything from the construction site ION makes good use of the construction site during long-term construction works, such as the one in Veurne. At Suikerpark, there were activities such as Car-Free Sunday and Outdoor Play Day, and there was a pet farm, playground, and barbecue area.

COMING SOON

NIEUW-HUNNEGEM GERAARDSBERGEN SENIOR HOUSING 41 assistance homes

'Quiet living with views of the orchard.

Timing Completion planned Q2 2020 Surface area + 4,000 m² Investment value +8.5 million euros Architects

'A new city district buzzing with life.

Architecten Demeestere Garmyn & Partners Markland Partners Care group Eclipse

SUIKERPARK BRIKKERIJ VEURNE MIXED URBAN DEVELOPMENT 28 dwellings 9 apartments

PARKR AND HALLE RESIDENTIAL URBAN DEVELOPMENT 45 assistance homes 65 apartments 1,500 m2 office space

Timing

103 underground parking spaces

Completion planned Q4 2020 Surface area +5,000 m2 Investment value +8 million euros Architects

Timing Completion planned Q2 2021 Surface area +13,000 m² Investment value

Denc!-Studio

+40 million euros

B-architecten

Architects

A1Planning

Art & Build

Partners Delva Landscape Architects, Topokor City of Veurne, West Flanders

DS Architects

'The green heart of Halle.

˼ C O O P E R AT I O N

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Flexible building full of possibilities The new campus has four sports halls, a skate park, three soccer fields, tennis and padel courts, and even a mountain bike trail. A popular meeting place for the residents of Houthulst and surrounding towns.

Extra zest for the youngest municipality in the Westhoek region The new Recreational Campus in Houthulst

— The Recreational Campus' design is the

was officially inaugurated in October 2018.

result of a competition. Why did you choose

In just seven months, the old sports hall

to collaborate with ION?

had been renovated and vastly expanded

Joris Hindryckx: “A public-private partnership

with three new halls. Extra outdoor sports

construction has various advantages. One of

fields were also developed. The public-

them is the speed at which you can work. If we

private partnership with ION means a new

hadn't worked with a private party, we would

start for associations in the neighborhood.

have had to find an architect and a contractor

“After a year, we can hardly keep up with the

ourselves, as well as the financing... We

applications,” says mayor Joris Hindryckx.

decided to go for ION’s complete package. That was a preliminary design to which we made some changes in consultation with the clubs. The advantage is that we immediately had a permanent one-to-one relationship with one party. Without that, you could never realize such a complex project in such a short period of time. Moreover, ION is known for the speed at which they work. If the developer says the campus will be ready before the elections, it will be. Realizing this project in less than a year was truly phenomenal.”

'If ION says the project will be ready before the elections, it will be.

˼ C O O P E R AT I O N

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Construction site tourism The Recreational Campus' construction went so fast that some local residents visited it every day to see what had changed. There are not many construction sites where things go this quick.

IN THE — The Recreational Campus was the previous legislature's largest investment. Why did the city council decide to invest this amount in sports and culture? “The old sports center's renovation and

SPOTLIGHT

expansion did indeed cost 12.5 million euros – a considerable investment. But we felt that our municipality needed this. Houthulst is the only municipality in the Westhoek region that is still growing and even rejuvenating. So, compared to the surrounding municipalities, we have an inverted age pyramid. To be able to retain that young population, we need to invest in recreational opportunities.” — What kinds of associations are using

Joris Hindryckx (CD&V) has been an alderman in Houthulst since 1995. He became the municipality's mayor for the first time in 2003 and was re-elected at the end of 2018.

the new campus? “Very many. There is a gymnastics club with 400 members, which is substantial for a small municipality. Also a music company, a soccer club, badminton, tennis, netball, judo, etc. We can hardly keep up with all the applications. The new padel club that started last year now has more than a hundred members. The sports halls can also be used for events. We will soon be organizing a party here for 1,000 people." — How will the residents receive the new Recreational Campus? “Everyone is very positive. Initially, some people wondered whether such an investment would be necessary, but now that the project is finished, the residents are delighted with it. Houthulst is a merger of four municipalities, with the main town located more or less on the periphery. As the Recreational Campus has a relatively central location, it has become a kind of new center. Apart from the sports hall and grounds, the center also has childcare facilities and a container park. The cafeteria is becoming somewhat of the local center of the world.”

The Recreational Campus breathes new life into Houthulst T H R E E T I M E S A S M U C H S P A C E F O R S P O R T S A N D C U LT U R E