InnovOcean building - Belgium

In 2011, the office buildings of VLIZ (Flanders Marine Institute) were given a new purpose. A search began for a new location. Around the same time, ILVO (Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research) also had plans to expand and renovate. From this, the idea emerged to house both scientific institutes together in a new building, giving marine scientific research and services an innovative and sustainable presence.

In 2019, the responsible ministers gave the green light for the construction of a new campus for VLIZ, its international partners, and ILVO on Ankerstraat (next to ILVO's old site). The construction of the new InnovOcean Campus began in 2020, and the building was inaugurated in spring 2022. It includes offices, meeting rooms, an auditorium, a marine library, physico-chemical and biological laboratories, aquaculture laboratories, and workshop space.

The InnovOcean Campus was designed by the EVR-Architects and construction company Maes-Van Roey, aiming for an accessible building welcoming everyone under all circumstances, inclusive and comfortable.

Inter, the Flemish centre for expertise in accessibility and Universal Design, gave advice from start to completion. The building has received the Flemish A++ label for accessibility. 

This A++ label means that the building is excellent in terms of accessibility, ensuring that it is easily navigable for both visitors and employees, regardless of whether they have disabilities or not. It incorporates comprehensive accessibility criteria in its design and finishing touches, catering to the needs of all target groups. These standards serve as a benchmark for new designs or significant renovation projects, aiming to maintain or enhance accessibility standards throughout.

Some notable items for accessibility are:

• The entrance has a combination of some steps and a ramp.
• The entrance hall benefits from natural light and there is a tactile route to the counter for blind persons.
• There is a reception desk that is both accessible to a desk clerk in a wheelchair but it is also accessible for a seated person on the visitor's side.
• Besides an adapted toilet, there is also a more spacious accessible toilet with transfer areas on both sides of the toilet bowl.
•  All meeting rooms are signposted and marked in a nice and accessible way.
•  The restaurant area has level access and the furniture is also well suited to wheelchair users.

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