The continuous thread runs through the levels of the building, through the city of Kortrijk and through its History. This project started from the choice of a product : the button. The site is situated in a four story building, owned by a Chinese restaurant and abandoned. Its gloomy and lifeless environment was rebuilt and redesigned according to the chosen product : the button but also the thread. Kortrijk is well known for its flax industry, so offering a haberdashery to the city, relates to its history and traditions. I worked as a Taylor of the space : using models, a thread and a needle.
CONNECTING TO THE CITY
HISTORICAL CENTER - HERITAGE INDUSTRY
As can be seen in this sketch model, the original space was built and unbuilt, sewed together and torn apart until it suited the new program. Threads run through the structure and create porous surfaces to let the eye through.
SPACE TAYLORING
A NEW PACKAGING
A CHOSEN PRODUCT
To close up spaces that were opened in the previous site, wooden frames made out of threads were put together. They close up spaces without enclosing light. As this building is very dark and tight, it was important to let light through any new surfaces. Each frame were sewed by hand and assembled in a 1/30 model.
RE-FRAMING SPACE
GF
1F
2F
3F
STEP INTO PRODUCTION
THREADED WINDOWS
FACING THE CITY
To start the experience, people enter through a dry flower shop where linen flowers are sold. they are produced on the top level, dried from the roof structure. Threads run down from the production workshop and create a second layer behind the windows.
The threads run behind the windows, but also over the heads of visitors and underneath their feet. The superposition of these surfaces create light and shadow throughout the space. The distribution of spaces takes place in the center of the building, in a patio covered by a threaded roof.
SUPERPOSITIONS
POROUS SURFACES
