Collection

Schunck Pharmacy

  • Date 1986-1987
  • Address Bergstraße, 59 – 4700 Eupen

Located just a stone’s throw from Sint-Nikolaus Hospital in Eupen, Schunk Pharmacy is situated at the entrance to Eupen’s historic centre. Having recently completed projects at Torrentius and Hors-Château, the practice has expertise in working on historic buildings, and this is likely one of the reasons why pharmacist Manfred Schunk got in touch with Vandenhove. The practice’s expertise in projects within the medical sector is certainly another key asset. The complete refurbishment of the pharmacy began with a thorough re-evaluation of how the business operates. Vandenhove moved away from the tried-and-tested layout of a counter separating the customer from the pharmacist in favour of a much more human and sensitive approach. In a completely open-plan space, the architect arranged four individualised counters that ensure a sense of closeness and a degree of privacy with visitors. Vandenhove also paid particular attention to the fittings, especially the burl walnut cabinets designed to store pharmaceutical products.

The transformation of the façade also reflects an intention to blend into the context whilst incorporating contemporary elements. Like its neighbours, the façade is clad in a light-coloured render, but various elements from Vandenhove’s repertoire – lobed columns, the prominent cornice and the bronze balustrades – serve to reinforce the architect’s contemporary style.

  • Description of the collection

    General and furniture plans, photographic portfolio…
  • Volumetry 4 archive boxes, 1 ring binder (0.56 m)
  • Bibliography

    ARON, Jacques, BURNIAT, Patrick and PUTTEMANS, Pierre, Contemporary Architecture in Belgium: A Guide, Brussels, Les éditions de l’Octogone, 1996, p. 134.

    BEKAERT, Geert, DERCON, Chris and VERSCHAFFEL, Bart, Charles Vandenhove: Art and Architecture, Tournai, La Renaissance du livre, 1998, p. 256.

    SCHUNCK, Manfred, ‘But that’s in Belgium’ in Le Moniteur des pharmacies et des laboratoires, no. 1833, February 1989, pp. 34–40.
  • AUTHOR AND DATE OF THE ENTRY Sébastien Charlier, 2021