On the edge of Leuven city centre, the Paul Van Ostaijen site has long been a haven of peace. Today, the calm of yesteryear has given way to music and dance, theatre and circus. Offering a multitude of activities and open to the surrounding neighbourhoods, the former convent site has been transformed into a cultural hub where spontaneous encounters foster a rich hybridisation. The long and tumultuous journey that began in 2011 with an Open Oproep procedure for a specialised school led to the creation of an educational and cultural hub that harmoniously combines a unique programme of creativity, musicality and acrobatics.

An analysis of the heritage trees and their root structures marked the start of the masterplan for Lava. The architectural design was dictated by the root network. The magnificent hornbeam, which has become an exceptional tree over the years, has thus had its longevity assured. The result is a fragmented park composed of several areas: a reception area, a sculpture garden, a playground lined with lime trees and a grassy plain.