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Erasmushogeschool
University
Brussels, Belgium
2012
Status: invitational competition
Client: Universitaire Associatie Brussel
Local architect: Bureau Bouwtechniek nv, 2000 Antwerpen
Landscape architect: Atelier Ruimtelijk Advies, 2600 Antwerpen
Engineer: Util Struktuurstudies cvba und RCR Studiebureau, cvba
Collaborators: Giulia Furlan, Dries Rodet
An existing brick building is extended by a man-high wall along the plot line forming a park in the medieval centre of Brussels. The new building, just slightly smaller than the park, is partially placed on that new wall and partially in the garden. Two diagonal walls on the upper floors form two gigantic beams over the total length of the building. As a result the ground floor is almost entirely emptied of columns and therefore at one with the park. The façade is made of very large prefabricated black concrete elements. The rice-grain shaped columns amplify the idea of stacking pieces on top of each other. The proximity of the old, the new and the trees is beautiful since it all has a very physical expression.