Ghent barracks: Sergison Bates and 360 Architecten have transformed a fortified military site into a robust and generous seat for the government of East Flanders.

The article focuses on the transformation of the Leopoldskazerne, a historic military barracks in Ghent, Belgium, into the provinciehuis, the seat of the East Flanders government, completed in 2024. The project, led by architects Sergison Bates, 360 Architecten, and others, involved opening up and softening the fortress-like structure while preserving its oversized character, adding new gardens, circulation routes, and modern office spaces. The wider complex also includes housing and a hotel, designed by collaborating architects, unified by a coordinated material and design approach. Despite its renovation, the site faces challenges integrating with the surrounding urban fabric due to its proximity to a busy ring road and a largely transient student neighborhood. This project marked a significant expansion of Sergison Bates’ work in Belgium, coinciding with the opening of their Brussels office. [Extracted from the article]