Wintercircus Technological and Cultural Hub: A Landmark of Innovation and Culture in Ghent

Located in the heart of Ghent, Belgium, the Wintercircus Technological and Cultural Hub is a remarkable transformation of a historic 125-year-old building into a dynamic center for innovation, culture, and community. Originally constructed in 1885 as the "New Circus" by architect Emile De Weerdt, this monumental structure has witnessed a diverse history—from circus performances to car workshops—before being revitalized by OYO Architects into a vibrant hub that bridges heritage, technology, and culture.

Adaptive Reuse and Sustainable Design

Spanning 4,830 square meters, the Wintercircus project exemplifies adaptive reuse, preserving the building’s robust industrial structure while introducing modern interventions. OYO Architects, based in Ghent and Barcelona, reimagined the interiors to align with the vision of TENT, a local consortium of technology entrepreneurs and the city, transforming the building into a catalyst for creativity, employment, and sustainable urban development.

The design focuses on human scale and comfort, incorporating warm materials, natural lighting, and a palette inspired by the historic circus atmosphere. Visitors and tenants experience an environment that fosters collaboration, curiosity, and innovation, making it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and the general public.

A Multifunctional Campus

At the heart of the Wintercircus lies the Arena, a versatile event space designed for presentations, art installations, and community gatherings. Surrounding the Arena is the Start-ups Campus, hosting over thirty technology start-ups across multiple levels. These offices feature spacious desks, collaborative zones, and breakout areas enhanced with large windows and a playful palette of greens, yellows, and reds. Nearly all furniture incorporates recycled, second-hand, or locally sourced materials, emphasizing the project’s commitment to circular economy principles.

Additionally, the hub includes:

• An Auditorium with glass walls overlooking the Arena, perfect for conferences and presentations.
• The Expo space, a flexible area for art exhibitions, fitness activities, and community events.
• Two gastronomic venues: a first-floor sushi restaurant and Bar Bougie, a café combining industrial structure with warm wood and lighting, creating an urban yet inviting atmosphere.

Innovation Meets Heritage

OYO Architects seamlessly fuse contemporary design with the Wintercircus’ historical legacy. Robotics and electronic waste were creatively employed in furniture and interior construction, emphasizing both technological innovation and sustainability. The result is an eclectic space where historical architecture and modern design coexist, reinforcing Ghent’s reputation as a creative city while promoting circular, sustainable practices.

Historical Significance

The Wintercircus has a rich history:

• Built in 1885 as the New Circus, hosting winter circus performances.
• Partially destroyed by fire in 1920 and rebuilt in 1923.
• Converted into a car workshop and repository for classic cars throughout the mid-20th century.
• Acquired by urban developers in 2005 and later renovated by BARO and SUMproject.

This transformation aligns with Ghent’s ongoing cultural and environmental ambitions, including its 2009 UNESCO designation as a Creative City of Music and the 2018 commitment to become climate-neutral by 2050.

A Cultural and Technological Landmark

Today, the Wintercircus stands as a cultural and technological hub, bridging Ghent’s rich heritage with contemporary innovation. It is a testament to adaptive reuse, sustainable design, and community-centered architecture, offering a platform where technology, entrepreneurship, and cultural expression converge under one roof. OYO Architects have not only preserved a historic building but revitalized it, making it a vibrant, multifunctional space that energizes Ghent’s cultural and creative life.

All photographs are works of Farah Lieten, ​Karen Van der Biest