The Flemish Museum of Contemporary Art is a proposition developed in response to the brief released by the board of MHKA in order to expand their institution’s scale and reach.

Located between the most historic part of the city and the newly developed New South it is in relation with both, just as it is in relation with the history of the institution and the unknown future of the world of art. Finding the balance between the publicness of such an institution and the necessity to protect valuable pieces of art was the driving point for multiple design decisions.

My proposition takes advantage of the existing building located on the site and the spatial qualities it offers. The smaller in-scale spaces are supplemented with larger galleries. The old and new parts are combined in a coherent way under a seamless façade. Its monolithic and shiny face stands out in the city becoming a new icon for art and knowledge.

London is a city with extremely rich history, where old and new are heavily intertwined. A prime example of this is the King’s Cross area, which has continued to be an integral area of the city for many Londoners. However, throughout centuries its meaning has changed. People have worked there, started journeys there, had their craziest Saturday nights and now, in the light of recent developments, they can enjoy a walk in a park and a meal in a Michelin starred restaurant.
This paper explores how the frequent changes of King’s Cross’ use and function were expressed through architecture. The chapters chronologically describe the site’s transformation. The dynamic changes of the buildings’ and districts’ functions is hugely related to the political and economical situation in Britain, in addition to the global economy. The focus is put on the four periods of time which define the biggest changes: the time of industrial glory (1850 -1914), the decay and abandonment caused by wars and de-industrialisation (1914-1980), the interim use that enhanced artistic expression (1980-2007) and the newly regenerated commercial district (2007-now).
The analysis is conducted considering various aspects. Firstly, each chapter discusses the direct relation between architecture and the function behind it. Secondly, it focuses on the changes of social dynamic of the site. It explores who was attracted to the area during different periods and how the district was perceived by society. Lastly, it analyses the influence of the development of King’s Cross area on the urban fabric.