En Blanco 36 - AgwA

Issue 36 of En Blanco magazine focuses on Belgian architecture firm AgwA, highlighting their innovative approach and passion for construction. The issue explores essential aspects of AgwA's work, such as its emphasis on construction, its appreciation of imperfection, its use of reuse, and its focus on structure and collage.

AgwA is characterized by its focus on construction as a dynamic and experimental process. For them, the building site is where "the project really begins," allowing them to discover new spatial and aesthetic possibilities.

Their penchant for imperfection and reuse also stands out. A notable example is the transformation of a warehouse into a home and ceramic workshop in Brussels, where they integrated "failed in-situ concrete" into their design, demonstrating their ability to appreciate and exploit imperfection. In addition, their commitment to the reuse of materials is evident in projects such as the Karreveld School, where they reused existing partitions to reduce environmental impact and stimulate the local economy.

Another key aspect is AgwA's focus on structure and collage. They see structure not only as a functional element, but as an essential component that defines the spatiality and aesthetics of a building. They use collage to integrate their designs into pre-existing contexts, creating a dynamic dialogue between new and old, as can be seen in projects such as the Prins Dries children's playground and the Durlet School extension.