Cepezed Designs New Headquarters for Environment Brussels

Cepezed Architects will design the new headquarters of Environment Brussels, the former Brussels Institute for Management of the Environment.

The building will be realized in one of the largest and most important urban renewal areas of the Belgian capital, the site Tour & Taxis of developer Project T&T at the Havenlaan.

Also given the user, the project is subject to ambitious standards with respect to ecology and sustainability.

The construction is positioned facing the large-scale historic buildings of the Royal Depot and Shed-halls, which have recently been renovated and now accommodate a.o. offices, restaurants, design retail and cultural events.

The preliminary design is characterized by a compact volume beneath a curved and largely transparent roof.

A central atrium has been designed as a continuation of the public domain, the first two floors are easily accessible for the general public and the building's east wing has been provided with receding patios with integrated trees and a generous view over the direct surroundings.

Thus, the building emanates an inviting atmosphere and stimulates the interaction with the rest of the Tour & Taxis-site, on which a.o. housing and a completely new municipal park will also be realized in the future.

Aside from offices, the new Environment Brussels headquarters holds a visitor's centre on ecological subjects, an auditorium, a multimedia library, a meeting centre and a restaurant.