Located in Ixelles, between the European Quarter and Matonge, the Maison Africaine is an association that offers accommodation to people who come from Global South countries to train or study in Belgium. Created in 1961 to welcome Congolese students, today, the Maison Africaine hosts around 150 students and trainees per year, originating from 25 countries across all continents. The association not only provides them with accommodation during their training, but also offers a personalised welcome, access to cultural activities and an adapted community living environment, in the heart of a dynamic neighbourhood. The association has two buildings with a total of 80 rooms rented at a social rate, common areas and services.

However, both buildings are beginning to show their age. The Maison Africaine therefore wishes to upgrade them, to give them a new lease of life and thus improve the quality of the services it offers. However, the non-profit wants to study different avenues and carry out a feasibility study to define the conditions of the programme, before embarking on an architectural project. The aim is to understand not only the physical conditions, but also the heritage – the main building is listed – and above all the budget. The budget allocated to the project is limited and must remain so if the association is to continue to offer accommodation at social rates.

This is an interview-based appointment procedure. During this interview, the applicant’s grasp of the project’s challenges and the client’s ambitions will be discussed. There is no requirement to produce a sketch.

The Maison Africaine is not subject to the law on the use of languages. Contract documents are written in French. The assignment will also be carried out in French.