A place for the people: Klokkenberg, Breda

The preservation and the protection of the structural and architectural heritage of a country is a process that is often nowadays translated into the process of altering the function of an existing building. Through this procedure, the building gets a second chance to be revived by being suitably renovated and adjusted to the new function. The specific process of a building's preservation through the alteration of its function has to be implemented in every stage under careful consideration. This is necessary in order to be able to enhance the concept of preservation to a maximum: the protection and continuation of these features of the building that render it so unique for the given country. The Klokkenberg, a complex of buildings in this case, is a sample of characteristic architecture that has been already recognised as provincial monument in the Netherlands and is in the process of recognition as a national monument. The revival of the complex is since 2006 actively on the table of discussion thanks to the new plans of Vitalis Zorg Groep of transforming the once sanatorium to a luxurious Living and care complex for elderly people. The plans of the redevelopment visualise the complex to transform into a luxurious self-standing “village”, which will give the opportunity to the residents to be independent to the maximum. They will lead a rather comfortable and luxurious life, having at the same time the option to receive additional care by suitable staff and facilities within the framework of the complex.Design and ConstructionCivil Engineering and Geoscience