POLO Architects took up the challenge of fireproofing the Silos & Van Orshoven mills in the Vaartkom district, and reconverting them into an accessible and attractive space for temporary use as a makerspace. With this initiative, the City of Leuven offers a solution to the need for project spaces in which education, creativity and innovation can intersect.

The experimental urban project is implemented in a circular and participative manner. In April, the construction team, a partnership of POLO Architects, contractor Vanhout.pro and Groep Infrabo, will complete the site's temporary reconversion.

Due to the current Covid measures, each of the maakleerplek partners will start off with a separate trial period over the next few months. The location boasts, among other things, a 3D printer as well as woodworking and metalworking equipment, but it also includes workshops for artists and creative minds, a studio that welcomes children and teenagers for after-school STEaM workshops (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts en Mathematics), a co-working space for starting entrepreneurs, and a cafeteria brewing fresh coffee for everyone.

The site is not yet open to the public. The grand opening ceremony is scheduled for the autumn of 2021. In the meantime, you can check out maakleerplek's website: www.maakleerplekleuven.be

Read more about the reconversion of the Silos and Van Orshoven Mills in Leuven
Read more about POLO Architects’ expertise in circular building design

Julie Feyaerts & Jens Vermeiren