A unique building
deSingel,
originally designed by the architect Léon Stynen (1899-1990), radiates a
timeless architectural quality.
Stynen formulated an infrastructure which is unique in Flanders: a
place where international ensembles can pursue their work in
optimal conditions, where an interaction between different
disciplines - architecture, music, theatre and dance - is
thoroughly interwoven with the building's overall concept.
More on Léon Stynen and the deSingel in history of the
building.
multi-functional infrastructure
The artists-in-residence have a large-scale infrastructure at
their disposal:
- The Blue Hall (Blauwe Zaal)
- The Red Hall (Rode Zaal)
- The lobby areas/exhibition spaces
- The Small Hall (Kleine Zaal)
- The Black Hall (Zwarte Zaal)
performing arts campus
The international centre for the arts - deSingel internationaal
kunstcentrum - is just one of the institutions operating in this
building. Around five hundred students attend the
Conservatory/College of Drama, Music and Dance. There is also the
Postgraduate College of the Performing Arts, which runs two
courses: theatre design and APT (Arts, Performance, Theatricality).
The Flanders Architecture Institute, the focal point for
architecture in Flanders, has also found refuge here. These
independent institutions will determine the future shape of
'instruction-production-presentation', as the essential trinity of
artistic work in the building.
The deSingel also houses Radio 2 Antwerp, the regional studio of
Radio 2.
extension
deSingel has plans to build a new building designed by the
architect
Stéphane Beel (b. 1955). The extension will be an annex to the
present complex. For deSingel, this new building includes a
café-restaurant, an exhibition space, a multi-media space, a
bookshop, a theatre workshop, a dance studio and rehearsal rooms
for the music ensembles.
More about Stéphane Beel and the deSingel in history of the
building.