The Oud-Wezenhuis building closes off the OCMW campus along August Demaeghtlaan in Halle and was used
until mid-2002 as a rest home for the elderly.
This imposing building, which dates from the beginning of the last century, is listed in the Sint-Lucas
(Architectural Library) Archive, where it has been classified as historically valuable. Structurally, the building is
in good condition, but the building shell requires renovation.
The Oud-Wezenhuis contains spacious, high-ceilinged dormitories, wide corridors, a built-in chapel and highceilinged
unused attic spaces. The intention is to transform it into a 'Sociaal Huis', which will be a contact point
and referral centre for social services.
As such, essential elements of the building's new function will be to include a reception area with a distinctly
approachable, inviting character; to provide optimal accessibility; to create comfortable meeting spaces for
social work; and to include a maximum number of individual workstations for administrative activities.
Additional attention should be given to secondary activities such as meetings, file management and logistics.
By making full use of the existing floor area and integrating the 'Sociaal Huis' concept into the historical context
of the 'Oud-Wezenhuis', this building will serve as an anchorage for Local Social Policy in Halle.