The transformation of office buildings is gaining momentum in Brussels. For example, along the E411, one of the main gateways to the city, a new reconversion project is underway for a monumental office site owned by Atenor and AG Real Estate.
Espace Beaulieu, occupied by the European Commission until 2020, consists of three office buildings visible from the Watermael Viaduct. The postmodern building complex was designed by Atelier d’Architecture de Genval and built between 1990 and 1993. The site is on the architectural heritage inventory and has a total area of about 39,000m² above ground and 23,000m² below ground. Atenor and AG Real Estate are looking for an architect with the aim of transforming the existing buildings into a mixed-use, mainly residential project.
How to create quality housing while preserving the structure of the offices whose dimensions are not adapted to this new function? What is the strategy for innovative residential typologies: surprising floor plans, generous and green outdoor spaces, real collective spaces to complement housing? What opportunities to accommodate new working environments in the buildings as well? The future of the office and the office of the future?
A special feature of this competition is its atypical procedure. Three phases are envisaged. To participate in the first phase, the minimum requirement is just one adaptive reuse reference project of their own. This phase aims at creative quality, so the threshold is very low. Thereafter, each selected candidate can choose at which stage to add a major architectural firm. 5 to 7 candidates will have the chance in a second phase to elaborate their vision in detail. Only in the final phase, 3 to 5 teams will be asked to elaborate their projet into a sketch design. A reference of a 20,000m² mixed-use project is required only for this third phase.
AG Real Estate and Atenor are not subject to the law on the use of languages. Contract documents are written in French. Bids may be submitted in French, Dutch and English. The assignment itself will be in French.