The 'connector'

Crucial to the new design is the connector: a public route and spatial experience that encourages the desired internal and external connection to the Markt square. All users and visitors can meet in the connector, thus contributing to meeting, interaction, synergy, social safety and a strong collective feeling; characteristics of a successful urban meeting point.

In the design vision, the ‘opening’ of the plinth creates a natural connection to the Markt and the city center, allowing the public and open atmosphere to continue vertically into the building. The new, eye-catching facade marks the entrance and serves as a landmark for Den Herd 3.0. This facade opens up to the Markt like a shop window; residents and visitors of Bladel can see what’s going on inside.

'BRUIS'

The mayor, aldermen and the board of Den Herd were very satisfied with the preliminary design in which we - GroupA, ABT and Fabrique - not only succeeded in providing a place for all the desired functions, but also in making the building very inviting. After the preliminary design had been discussed with local residents and businesses in the immediate vicinity of the new community center, the design is finalized and construction started in 2022 In 2025 we celebrated the opening of the new building.

On Saturday, May 24, Bladel opened the doors of community center BRUIS. The new cultural hub in the heart of Bladel brings together more than 45 clubs and organizations under one roof and features a theater, library, and café.

UX in public space

The densification of our cities and the diversity of users of public spaces and buildings means that it is increasingly important to give that space a good shape and meaning. This calls for well-designed UX in public space. Read more about our vision and view other cases on our UX in public space service page.