Salle VIP du Standard

• Date 2006-2008
• Address Rue de la Centrale, 2 – 4000 Liège

This project is a delicate undertaking… How does one create a high-quality space within a complex characterised by such architectural poverty… The Maurice-Dufrasne Stadium is the result of a series of extensions and refurbishments, the most recent major stages of which took place as part of the modernisation of sports facilities for Euro 2000. Aside from the sporting aspect – Standard were Belgian champions in 2008 and 2009 – the 2000s were a golden era for the football club, which saw its season-ticket holder numbers rise. The prospect of competing in European competitions strengthened the club’s management’s determination to provide exclusive facilities and to make the stadium not only a venue for sporting events but also a meeting place for the regional business community. One of the club’s directors had long-standing ties with Vandenhove, so it was only natural that he turned to the Liège-based architect to design the VIP lounges. Attached to the rear of Stand I and facing the training ground, the lounge forms a natural extension of the VIP brasserie on the first floor. The new, fully glazed structure spans a single level, culminating in a large terrace with glass balustrades. The space houses the lounge, complete with a bar and several tables. In this relatively quiet setting, set back from the hustle and bustle of the stadium, wood dominates the various fittings (counter, wall cupboards, partitions, etc.), whilst a painted work by Jacques Charlier depicts a succession of footballs. This level offers a generous view of the training pitch through a series of arched windows arranged in apses, the lower sections of which feature abstract works by Jean-Pierre Pincemin etched into sandblasted glass.

• Description of the collection

  Plans, sections and elevations showing the existing and proposed situations, planning application, correspondence…

• Volumetry 5 boîtes d'archives (0.60 m)
• Bibliography

  Jeanne & Charles Vandenhove Foundation Archives

• AUTHOR AND DATE OF THE ENTRY Sébastien Charlier, 2023