Oyo Architects transforms a historic 125-year-old building in Ghent into a vibrant 4,830 sq-m hub, repurposing its past to create a unique ecosystem for innovation and collaboration. 

Key features

Inside a monumental structure, originally built as a circus in 1885 and later repurposed as a garage, Oyo Architects has crafted a dynamic, multi-purpose venue that echoes the building’s history while embracing its future as a hub for creativity and collaboration for the client, Wintercircus. Anchored by 'The Arena,' a vast, adaptable space designed to host everything from conferences and performances to art installations, the venue retains its industrial character with high ceilings, exposed beams and a movable neon light installation, adding both whimsy and modernity. The spirit of spectacle and gathering is further enhanced by 'The Auditorium' upstairs, offering panoramic views of 'The Arena' and seating for over 100 people, while below, 'The Expo' space is flexible for exhibitions, fitness classes and cultural events, underscoring Wintercircus’s focus on community engagement.  

The venue also offers two dining options: the Sushi Restaurant on the first floor and Bar Bougie, located in the former garage’s grease works. Bar Bougie, with its blend of wood, green steel and concrete, creates a warm and contemporary gathering space for both locals and visitors. Surrounding these spaces is the 'Start-ups Campus,' a thriving ecosystem of over 30 workspaces spread across several levels of the building. Designed to encourage creativity and connection, the workspaces feature natural light, warm materials like wood and textiles and a playful colour palette of greens, yellows and red – a nod to the building’s circus heritage. Entrepreneurs, researchers, students and digital creatives work side by side, sparking spontaneous collaborations and exchanges of ideas, making Wintercircus a destination for innovation and community. 

FRAME's take

Wintercircus is driven by two core principles: sustainability and community. By incorporating robotics in its construction and repurposing materials like electronic waste and urban elements, the project redefines building design. It shows that old structures can be revitalized for the future, blending history with forward-thinking solutions. With nearly every piece of furniture either upcycled or locally sourced, Wintercircus not only reduces its environmental footprint but also cultivates a vibrant sense of community, bringing together individuals to collaborate, innovate and thrive within a dynamic, interconnected ecosystem.