Henning Larsen to transform Brussels city block into integrated mixed-use destination

– Jacob Kurek
Henning Larsen have revealed plans to transform a city block in Brussels, Belgium, into a mixed-use destination that will integrate living, working and green spaces.
The Brouck’R project is being delivered with local architects a2rc, developers Immobel Group and BPI Real Estate.
The Brouck’R project, due to break ground in 2021 and be completed in 2024, is being delivered with local architects a2rc, developers Immobel Group and BPI Real Estate.
It follows successful efforts elsewhere to "pedestrianise and re-centre civic life in Brussels’ urban core", which was left largely empty after working hours following the city's expansion in the 20th century.
The Henning Larsen studio told CLAD that the Brouck’R project is the first residentially-focused development in the city centre for decades and that the inclusion of a courtyard in the scheme will contribute rare green space.
"Cities must be places where people can move freely and fluidly, finding personal ways to connect with the city around them," explained Jacob Kurek, partner in charge of Brouck’R at Henning Larsen. "Brussels, while one of Europe’s oldest cities, has a rich urban fabric and thriving culture that makes it feel youthful. This, plus the city’s willingness to innovate and reinvent itself, makes this an incredibly exciting project to be involved in."
Covering 48,000sq m (517,000sq ft), the development will feature 182 apartments, 129 student rooms, a hotel with 145 rooms, an 8,840sq m (95,200sq ft) office building and 3,220sq m (34,700sq ft) of retail space.
A courtyard at the centre will provide green space for building occupants, while the scheme's design is aimed at balancing the "architectural heritage of Brussels’s grand Belle Epoque structures" with a more contemporary aesthetic.
"The whole concept behind the scheme for Brouck’R is to bring back its original energy, to bring back the things that have been lost in translation over the years," said Kurek. "We see it less as a new development than as a revival of an exciting, forgotten heritage."
Henning Larsen mixed-use Brussels Belgium

Scott Brownrigg-designed Museum of Military Medicine in Cardiff given planning approval

Work starts on US$898m e-sports arena in Shanghai


OMA designs Miami Beach's ReefLine – a seven mile-long underwater sculpture park

Ole Scheeren and Shigeru Ban team up to design art and cultural destination in Hangzhou

FIFA files criminal complaint over funding of €459m world football museum

ReardonSmith leads design of Heya – a hotel room concept offering personalisation for each guest

Disney reveals first visuals of ambitious Star Wars attraction – including designs for hotel 'pods'

Flaxmill Maltings – the world's first cast-iron framed building – is to be redeveloped as a visitor attraction by Mather & Co

LVMH announces Bulgari Hotel for Miami Beach, with design by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel

Technogym opens retail store in Los Angeles

AZPML and UKST win competition to design Korean Museum of Urbanism and Architecture

Delos partners with TPP Capital to advance access to health and wellbeing solutions in urban communities

The Well creates integrated wellness retreat in New England countryside for Auberge Resorts

Architects 10 Design reveal plans for ambitious Edinburgh city centre plans

Perth's Boola Bardip museum opens in new AU$400m building designed by Hassell and OMA

UK Government's £1bn scheme to decarbonise is 'a huge opportunity' for the leisure industries

Museum devoted to the history of the US Army opens its doors

Architrave designs Banyan Tree Krabi with rainforest-themed spa

Anantara to debut in Seychelles following rebrand of luxury Bill Bensley-designed resort

World’s first energy-positive hotel and spa to be completed with interiors by Space Copenhagen

3XN design Denmark’s first climate-positive hotel with rooftop spa

BRC Imagination Arts completes new Glenkinchie Distillery brand home for Diageo as part of cycle of Scottish whisky attractions

First look: Contreras Earl Architecture creates Living Coral Biobank for the Great Barrier Reef Legacy

Heatherwick Studio reveals plans for 'The Cove' on San Francisco waterfront

Millimetre Design create new spa for Johnstown Estate in Ireland

B2Ai and SCAU to design new €100m Club Brugge stadium

Legorreta + Legorreta reveal cascading hillside design for Four Seasons Tamarindo

Celebrating Terence Conran

Nikken Sekki and Layan Architects + Designers design mountainside resort in Japan for Ritz-Carlton

Croatian architect Tomislav Alujevic creates contemporary eco resort in Hvar
