View of public space in church ruin and new belvedere tower

Hasselt Beguinage

Remodelling of Hasselt's C18th beguinage to create a new park and house the university's architecture faculty

David Kohn Architects, in collaboration with Belgian practice Bovenbouw Architectuur, transformed Hasselt’s 18th-century Beguinage into a new home for Hasselt University’s Faculty of Architecture, set within a public park. Once an introverted enclave for religious women, the 6,800 m² site has been reimagined as an open, inclusive urban hub that integrates education, heritage, and community life.

The project, initiated through a 2018 international competition by Team Vlaams Bouwmeester, preserves the beguinage’s historical character while increasing its permeability to the city. A new circular entrance and interconnected garden routes invite the public into what was once a secluded space. The footprint of the ruined church has been transformed into a reflecting pool that can also serve as a stage, symbolizing renewal and adaptability.

A striking new 30-metre belvedere tower re-establishes the beguinage’s presence on Hasselt’s skyline, acting as both landmark and viewing point. The refurbishment of the terraced houses balances restoration with subtle innovation: fireplaces become doorways, attics convert into ateliers, and oak-framed interiors blend old and new. These spaces now host master’s studios, research areas, exhibitions, and living quarters for doctoral candidates, while the gatehouse contains an auditorium and a small museum.

Sustainability and reuse underpin the project, with an emphasis on local materials, repair over replacement, and the integration of discreet energy-efficient systems. Together, these interventions redefine the beguinage as Hasselt’s largest green public space and a model for adaptive reuse—where contemporary academic life thrives in dialogue with centuries of architectural heritage.