The Proximus towers will undergo a complete transformation that will bring more mix and in particular housing to the North District, a district that is currently mainly used for offices. The project is the result of a tender organized by Proximus and is being developed by Immobel with Neutelings Riedijk Architects (design) and Jaspers-Eyers Architects (execution). While the tower next to the North Station will remain reserved for Proximus, the other tower will accommodate approximately 40.000 m² of residential space.
How can one ensure high-quality housing while preserving the structure of an office tower whose dimensions are not adapted to this new function? What is the strategy to create innovative residential typologies: surprising floor plans, generous and green outdoor spaces, true collective spaces complementary to housing? How to increase the ambition in the reconversion of offices into housing in Brussels?
This call for expert(s) (minimum an architect) aims to find innovative proposals for this challenge. The assignment consists of pushing the boundaries of current real estate production by developing original solutions for the transformation of office buildings into quality housing, and more specifically in the case of the reconversion of one of the existing Proximus towers. The first phase consists of exploring the theme, identifying the issues and proposing innovative typologies. A second phase consists of assisting the project architects in integrating the proposed typologies into the design. In addition to this impact on the design, a final phase is planned for a separate research report.
After this application phase, 3 to 5 candidates will be invited for an interview with Immobel, the project architects and the BMA. The interview will take place on the basis of the candidate application and a vision note in the form of a presentation that will be sent a few days before the interview. The assignment is short and intensive, as it must be completed before the permit application, which is scheduled for July 2022.