Stadshal, Public pavilion in central Ghent, Belgium
The Stadshal is a modern market hall with a large canopy structure supported by four concrete pillars and illuminated by glass skylights that bring natural light into the space. The building unifies three previously separate squares into one continuous area positioned between the Belfry and Saint Nicholas Church.
Built in 2012 on the site of a former car park, the hall marked a shift from vehicle-focused use to pedestrian-friendly public space in the city center. This transformation of multiple disconnected squares into one unified area was a significant moment in Ghent's contemporary urban development.
The Roeland Bell, known as The Triumphant, stands within this space as a symbol of the city's medieval past meeting contemporary daily life. Locals and visitors gather here to shop, eat, and move through the squares that now flow together as one shared meeting place.
The northern section provides bicycle parking, public facilities, and a cafe where you can find Italian dishes made with regional products. Visitors should know this is an active market and meeting place, so crowds vary depending on the time of day.
The structure combines concrete, glass, and wood from Pericopsis elata trees in a way that stands out against the gothic architecture surrounding it. A mural by artist Michaël Borremans above the elevator door adds an artistic touch that many visitors pass by without noticing.
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