The Ghent Stadshal has been located at the Emile Braunplein since 2012. Long before it was finished, or even started, the building was controversial. Many people in Ghent don't like the look of the building, which is a square under cover. It was given all kinds of nicknames, including monstrosity and sheep pen. The comparison to a stables is not actually completely off the mark. The architect's intention is to refer to medieval market halls and the roof construction imitates the gables of the town hall next door. It's hard to establish if the building is an improvement to Ghent city, but it's obvious the steel and glass construction doesn't seamlessly blend into its surroundings. The Stadshal houses a semi subterranean bar, public toilets and an underground bicycle parking facility.