Café Labath

Across the Leie (Oude Houtlei 1) lies Café Labath. Many people gather around what is a transitional area between the sidewalk and a terrace. When the bus passes by, it becomes apparent that at least half were waiting for transport. Most were sitting or lounging on an outdoor sofa with a rococo-like backrest or on the pedestal of a giant fountain basin (which holds a bouquet of flowers). It is street furniture by the young designer Theo De Meyer and was recently nominated for the Ghent Architecture Awards. It is made of lightweight insulation panels, but with its stone-like coating, it looks fearfully heavy.

De Standaard