This former industrial site facing the canal is being transformed by a private developer to accommodate a mix of functions: a school campus, housing and production activities. The various programmes have been designed by different architects but according to one coherent scheme. The master plan also envisages a public passage and clears space for deep soil.

Another bold move is the decision to house production workshops both under the side with the schools and under the residential buildings. The stacking is typical of the canal area but here takes on a neighbourhood scale. Both worlds are functionally separated but visually connected thanks to open views.

This exemplifies the new urban development sought for a growing city such as Brussels, one that does not chase production activities away from the city itself.

On this difficult plot, of which there are many in Brussels’ built fabric, the challenge was to insert a four-storey apartment building. The new building has a frontage onto the rue du Biestebroeck, which the architects have named ‘avant-scène’ (front-of-stage). It is also linked to the other side, which is perceived and built as a ‘backstage’ made up of garages and makeshift extensions.

Because of its position at the end of the block, the building is treated like the bow of a ship, rounding off the urban construction. The architects have chosen to emphasise the building’s relationship with its context by taking up only part of the plot, as neighbouring plots do, playing with a foreground and background.

Despite its modest size, the choice of materials and colours give the building the appearance of a lighthouse, treating residents to an unobstructed view of the canal.

The new brewing plant for Brussels Beer Project (BBP), a young and thriving local company, not only accomodates the complete production process of 35000 hl of beer per year, but is also open for the public to witness and sample its products.

The building is designed as a compact and efficient industrial container, an open rectangular box with an inclined roof which reveals its contents. The roof expresses the company’s graphic identity, as it is coated in stripes in the characteristic colours of the BBP beer labels. The ground floor is set aside entirely for the production process. All the offices and technical rooms are grouped on the upper floor, above which is the public taproom.

In summer, the adjoining area serves as a ‘beer garden’, welcoming the general public and small events at the open-air bar, further contributing to the idea behind the project, which is to integrate the industrial production process with a public space.

Attitudes to waste among Brussels’ inhabitants have evolved and, with this change, their perception of recycling centres is becoming more positive. One person’s waste is another person’s resource, and recycling centres are an essential link within the circular economy.

To facilitate the integration of a Recypark in this urban environment, the architects came up with the idea of adding a skate park and green spaces to mitigate the nuisances generated by the Recypark. This diverse programme ensures that the project is open to all and becomes a vibrant space, frequently used by skaters and local residents.

In Liège, the architects came across a former horse pen featuring a structure made of archways of glued laminated timber. These were disassembled and brought to Brussels to be used as a part of the structure of the new Recypark canopy. Building a recycling centre from recycled materials… what better symbol for the project!

The conversion of this former mill combines a space for small- and medium-sized companies with an “interpretation centre” on the history of the site.

The industrial heritage is highlighted through various concepts. The components of the program are considered as on-going projects that are subject to constant interactions rather than fixed spaces. The project interacts at local and supra-local levels.

The two existing buildings are listed, with their walls having been laid bare, and are used as large and versatile containers. Between these two spaces, the service facilities – stairways, lifts, technical ducts, etc., are inserted in the form of light architecture. On the ground floor, landscaped spaces along with reception and administrative areas open the project to its urban context.

Feel free to climb up to the building’s rooftop where a panoramic view overlooks the city and includes a restaurant, a garden and terraces. At night, it works as a lighthouse on the banks of the canal.

It is common knowledge that all production leaves some type of waste, which is why it is important that within the productive city there are also recycling facilities. Recy K fills that void very fittingly. The recycling plant is slotted between Delacroix metro station and other industrial facilities by the canal. Recy K promotes the use of industrial waste in the making of art, which gives life and soul to materials that we have chosen to discard.

With an industrial building, such as Recy K, it is important that the architectural style reflects the function. That is why the plant is with a simplistic design, but cleverly makes use of colours that are often found at industrial and recycling parks. The building also boasts a long ramp, which invites pedestrians to experience the recycling plant and its activities.

Recy K serves as an excellent pitstop for the tour, as it hosts an affordable canteen.

Hidden in the curve of the street is the arts center Recyclart. Today, we enter the heart of the site through a garage door, leading to a large open area that hosts various activities.

Meanwhile, a renovation project is underway to transform this site into a cultural and creative hub. The project features a deliberately low public plinth that offers a clear view of the inner building block. With a focus on heritage enhancement, the project seeks to preserve and highlight the strong elements of the structures, such as the façades, without altering their integrity. Both existing and new stakeholders are involved in a co-creation approach for the project.

One of the activities on site includes a restaurant/bar, as well as a professional development space in the hospitality sector that is open to the public.

Often overlooked are the communal effects of parks. Besides providing a break for our mental health, absorbing our carbon, retaining our water and providing leisure, parks also act as bridges for communities – which is exactly what Park Porte de Ninove does. The green space provides a much needed outlet for recreational space, where residents can enjoy being outside, being active and kids can play. Additionally it holds capabilities to host kiosks, where drinks and ice cream will be sold to cool down on a warm summer day.

Design wise, the layering of the park is evident: steps and slopes create rings throughout the park, which gives the park an intriguing look while maintaining an open space. Within the public space, there are islands of denser vegetation, which is critical for water retention and biodiversity. The plants which are used are characteristic of the plants that grew along the Senne river, which is currently covered.

Libelco Hall is one of the better examples of industry turned into public space. It is subtly sown into the industrial fabric, but brings a whole new breathing to the building and the surrounding area. Its ease of access through the pedestrian-friendly street and footbridge, brings in inhabitants from both Anderlecht and Molenbeek. Furthermore, it might bring together people who seek refuge from the (Belgian) weather, due to most of the lot being covered. The roof also provides an opportunity to organize cultural events, strengthening social ties.

The public space also has a playground and outdoor gym, where you can literally pump metal. The imagination of children is endless, so playing in an industrial (although more controlled) space is very stimulating and exciting. Additionally, a green island in the middle provides a sharp and necessary contrast to the mechanical atmosphere. The complex has a very strong industrial façade, which retains the history of the area, but a very contemporary interior, which holds a nursery.

Throughout the history of cities, markets have often been the epicentre of communication. You received and sold your goods, but also received relevant news from home and abroad. Contemporary markets follow that same line. Foodmet provides a new quality commercial space for the community in Anderlecht. But not only that; it houses an urban farm on the rooftop and in the future the former slaughterhouse site will be transformed to offer housing as well.

A secondary quality of markets is that they are flexible: stalls can often be moved and its function modified. The same applies for the Foodmet building, which with its concrete panels can be transformed into either parking, logistics, residential – into whatever might be needed in the future. A strongpoint of this project was that multiple stakeholders were involved throughout the planning and realisation processes. Foodmet is a contemporary urban warehouse – a building with a clear urban form, but no mandatory content.

What was once one of the largest historic cattle market and slaughterhouse in the country is today an area undergoing transformation with a growing diversity of activities. The site is the setting for the capital’s largest market, where every weekend more than a hundred thousand Brussels residents come to buy their vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, spices and textiles.

After the construction of FOODMET , it is now the new MANUFAKTURE building by the architects of Baukunst that is contributing to this evolving mix. The new building replaces the historic abattoir on the site with workshops for food processing in its base. The rest of the structure consists of a two-storey car park that frees the surrounding area from cars and makes room for a new square with connections to the neighbouring areas.

The icing on this layered cake? A rooftop swimming pool that will use residual heat from the cooling units downstairs. This is a project that welcomes and celebrates complexity and diversity.

As with many other projects by the canal, culture plays an important part in their identity, function, and presentation. RITCS is no different, as a school for theatre, cinema, and sound, it is the etalon for freedom of expression and learning. Hidden behind the Erasmushogeschool Brussels, RITCS will host a perfect learning environment for its students and an incredible milieu for performance. Alongside the Manufakture and Foodmet buildings, the school will form a silhouette, that represents the industrial past of the canal front.

With its façade, the RITCS building emulates the look of an industrial complex, but makes use of modern technology to bring the building into the 21^st century. The simple design within the school is made more unique by the styling of beams in the roof, acoustic panels on the walls, and adjustable room planning. And, on the outside, a golden trim that lines the roof, giving the building a zest of the arts.

Neighbourhoods are often described by the architecture that is found there. However, what gives a neighbourhood its charm is the community that has fostered there. This calls for projects that offer public spaces for the residents –  which is precisely what Maison du Peuple will do. In fact, it has done so already in the past, but will now be given the opportunity to hold more functions. The community building will have a celebration room, store and an open space.

In order to be aligned with the productive city principles, Maison du Peuple will additionally boast a wood and metal atelier, even a microbrewery. With the combination of other communal functions, the house will become a true cultural epicentre for the neighbourhood by the canal. Almost an entire block is transformed to achieve these goals, livening the surrounding area. The architectural style is kept relatively similar in order to not deviate from the surrounding buildings and identity of the Maison du Peuple.

Two large adjoining plots were awaiting a new use. The original plan was to demolish all the existing buildings and build a cinema in a blind big box and a large car park. The research by design carried out by the BMA highlighted the potential for the site as a whole, and subsequently was taken over by two of Brussels’ public housing companies, working together to develop an ambitious and integrated project.

Building on a heritage study, which highlighted the importance of preserving the existing buildings, followed by an architecture competition, a new city district is going to be developed, with a mix of functions, typologies and users.

Until work gets off the ground, the site is temporarily occupied by artists, a climbing gym and a bar.

The Flow temporary swimming pool illustrates the need for more leisure and water sports facilities in Brussels. It is the result of a campaign by a citizen association POOL IS COOL, which has succeeded in putting this need on the political agenda. In the face of climate change and summer heatwaves, they are calling for the reintroduction of public bathing, offering everyone the chance to enjoy a refreshing break. There are currently no public open-air baths in Brussels.

The Flow project explores the mixed use of the canal in order to reconcile production activities with recreational and sporting activities. Given that the project is temporary, it has been entirely designed and built to be dismantled.

In winter, under the name POOL IS COLD, the bravest can even dive into its icy waters.

Along Digue du Canal, many new housings blocks are being constructed or have been built already. City Dox 7 follows suite, but is distinct in a very clear way – it will provide the neighbourhood with a secondary school. This helps majorly with the 15-minute city concept, as such an important necessity is so close. The entire building acts as a gate between the City Dox quarter and the rest of the canal project developments.

While the design of the building is very clear, the orange lining within the window frames, bricks and the balconies, give a more vibrant look to the whole building. A benefit to the construction will be the stacked plateau on the back-side of the building that brings in a playground with a vertical experience. If that proves to not suffice, then the front-end of the building is in front of a small park with an open space that permits even more freedom to play.

The private property developer had plans for a mixed-use neighbourhood comprising housing, a nursing home, a school and production activities. Initially, the former industrial site was to be divided into nine building plots. The research by design carried out by the BMA raised questions about the initial density and convinced the developer to free up the central plot to create a park.

This proved to be a smart move, as the developer is now using the park as a selling point for its homes! The logistical demands of ground floor production activities can sometimes result in rather bleak façades. Here, two plots have been combined to create a single, large production area, with an interior space for deliveries. Other projects along the canal are the outcome of architecture competitions and superimpose a car park on the production area to create a buffer space with the homes above. It shows how the two at first sight conflicting programs can be reconciled by an appropriate design solution.

The future of the car is uncertain, that’s what even this client realises, the oldest car importer in Belgium. The client was therefore keen to create a mixed and adaptable building, with mobility as the central theme, surrounded by other production activities.

A wavy and kinked façade line constantly mediates between the amorphous boundary of the plot and the desired urban front, between ramps inside the building and turning circles for trucks outside, between creating visibility for inside activities from the street and shielding others from view.

In contrast to the undulating exterior, the interior is resolutely rational and orthogonal. The basic idea is a structure in which anything is possible, hence a column grid of 16.2 by 16.2 meters and floor heights of 7 metres. It offers the flexibility needed for intermediate floors to be laid or suspended in between.

Ultimately, the project is more of a clad structure than a building.

The Ceria sports campus and two secondary school buildings are a significant addition to the already large Ceria complex. The new buildings will serve around 600 students. It was important that the buildings would accommodate the needs of the students, but also take into account the surrounding area, as the campus is encircled by the canal, large motorway and railway – it needed to relate to them.

This was for instance achieved by retaining a connection to the canal side pedestrian walkway. The library, that is on the first floor provides a view to the water – a moment to relax. Additionally, the ground floor of all the buildings form a continuity with public space; this way they communicate with each other. The buildings were designed by different architects but with an eye for cohesion and connections. The new complex will also be home to the refectory of the campus.

This is quite possibly one of the more unique university buildings in Belgium.  This singular tower that skies over the motorway and adjacent school campuses is home for a hotel school. It is evident that the keyword for the building is verticality, this is why the tower only has one room per floor, in order to make most of the space. A secondary reason for the verticality was the preserve space for future additions.

As a surprise to no one, the kitchen tower does in fact have kitchens inside for students who study culinary arts. What’s more, the building has everything else a school of such calibre would require: an entrance lobby, storage space and lockers. The final, and quite literally cherry on top, is the rooftop bar and restaurant which are open to the public. However, it does not only serve as a campus, but also an important waypoint for the many travellers that pass through the ring road.

After World War II, many western countries adopted the understanding that work and life should be separated – workers would commute from longer and longer distances to do their work. However, in Brussels we believe that these two things belong to the same place – the city. This is precisely what NovaCity aims to do, where half of the surface area goes to housing, and the rest to economic activities.

The mix of apartments upstairs and space for small and medium-sized businesses downstairs, means a permeable buffer: both worlds remain in contact with each other. There are even a few apartments reserved for employees on the same site. The uniform materiality and colour make the identity of the project perceptible on the scale of the district and the city.

The buildings follow a sustainable path as well, since the roofs have solar panels and make use of grey roofs. Finally, NovaCity follows the principle, that industry and housing should not be far away from each other.

Housing,is always a hot topic when it comes to discussions about cities. It is an area that needs constant observation, which is why the CityCampus Gryson is such a significant complex. The campus accommodates 72 social housing units and 298 student housing units – altogether 370 units built according to passive house standards. Additionally, the buildings also promote the productive economy by having 18 low-energy workshops, which help vitalise small-businesses, especially in the food sector. This of course very convenient for the close by campus of the Ceria-Coovi hotel school.

Design wise, the complex is supported by a strong concrete base upon which a brick façade is laid on. The concrete base also houses the small enterprises, which help bring people to the street around the campus. For sustainability and rain management, the complex is by large covered by grey roofs. For the inhabitants of CityCampus, a terrace is accessible on the first floor towards Rue des Fraises.