The Academie voor Muziek, Woord en Dans Dilbeek [Dilbeek Academy of Music, Word and Dance] currently has
about 600 students and 30 teachers.
The town council would like to see the academy create a distinct profile for itself in the socio-cultural sector,
achieving leadership by being active, dynamic, recognizable and charismatic. One element that could make a
real contribution to achieving this goal is the construction of a modern, customised school building. The town
council has already passed the resolution approving the construction of such a building.
This school building will stand on the corner of the Kamerijklaan and the Kloosterstraat in Dilbeek. The site is
located in the immediate vicinity of the Ontmoetingscentrum Westrand (Westrand Cultural Centre), with which the
Academy will continue its partnership in the areas of organization and traffic flow. The immediate vicinity also
includes a nature reserve and a residential area. The site is 23a 51ca in size. Approximately 1000 sq. m. can be
built on, in two storeys above ground.
Keeping in mind that a new location will undoubtedly attract new students, infrastructure should be provided for
approximately 1000 students and a minimum of 50 teachers.
The municipality wants the new academy to be an austere, versatile and multifunctional building, constructed
with sustainable materials and technology and using a maximum of natural energy. Given the nature of the
teaching, it is essential that particular attention be paid to acoustics and sound insulation. The spatial relationship
to the Ontmoetingscentrum Westrand will remain, though the school will acquire a distinct identity of its own. A
harmonious connection should be created with the nature reserve located behind the site, while the surrounding
private homes should experience minimal disturbance by means of careful siting of the building.
The proposed building project is ambitious and wide-ranging. Decisions will be made after careful consideration,
in consultation with the winning designer and within the limits of spatial feasibility and the available budget.