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Metropool, Hengelo

2006-2009

Benthem Crouwel

Metropool pop and cultural centre, Hengelo
The new pop and cultural venue Metropool is situated in the heart of Hengelo, next to the station.
Contextually, Metropool locks into the south side atop the plinth of the surrounding development, to then rise a full 17 metres. Its facade, with the public entrance beneath a canopy and a café terrace that can be opened up, constitutes one urban elevation of the new station square.
The three-storey building contains two pop auditoria, a grand café, practice rooms and offices. On the first floor, the small and large auditoria are two basic hermetic concrete boxes that can operate simultaneously thanks to the box-within-a-box idea. The foyer separating them accesses their public areas and doubles as a noise barrier.
The curved roof plane is rendered as a so-called standing seam roof with metal strips. With the transparent facade of its public functions facing the square, the building enjoys an open relationship with the city. The grand café with terrace and the foyer ensure vibrancy and visual incident during the day and in the evening. With its roof design and siting, it is a striking and readily identifiable building.

Client
City of Hengelo
Architect
Benthem Crouwel Architekten

Gross floor area

2862 m²
Start design
2006
Start construction
2007
Completion
2009