Brucity Brussels

Brussels is once again enriched by a new architectural icon. On the site of the former Parking 58 has arisen BruCity, the new administrative centre of our capital city. The elongated building has recently become the permanent home of all of the city’s municipal services and houses

around 1,300 employees. The main eye-catchers are the imposing ground floor atrium and the eighth floor with its circular council chamber. A breath-taking view over the Brussels skyline was of course essential, so as not to lose sight of the connection to its bustling city life.

No doubt many inhabitants of Brussels will have simply walked past it, but from now on, you can also see the inside of this brand new Brucity administrative building for the first time. The publicly accessible building of some 37,000 m² consists of twelve floors and has various interpretations. The new building will be the new home to 1,700 employees of the Brussels Administration. On the eighth floor you will find a restaurant which is open to the public and on the ninth floor, users and visitors can enjoy the view of Brussels city centre from the panoramic roof terrace.

“The various interpretations of the building will bring much life and quality to Brussels. Furthermore, the project not only delivers a great deal for users and visitors, but will also offer added value to every Brussels resident and the heritage of Brussels.” Barbara Wolff, architect at B2Ai

Overall concept
To realise the administrative centre, B2Ai collaborated with various experts to arrive at the overall concept. So, on the one hand, the building was designed by Belgian architect Bruno Albert Architectes & Associés, but for the iconic façade, the Brussels architect Pierre Lallemand, known amongst many things for the renovation of the Brussels Berlaymont Building, was engaged. Interior designer and expert in office spaces Prepared Mind was then responsible for the interior layout of the administrative centre, and the innovative cooling system which uses purified drainage water was designed and installed by Vivaqua.

“B2Ai was involved with the project from the very beginning. Initially we fulfilled an advisory role and later became responsible for the implementation and coordination of the building in collaboration with the offices of Bruno Albert Architects & Associés. The completion of Brucity is a great example of various types of expertise that come together in one project to create an overall experience.” Barbara Wolff.

Supporting Brussels
The anticipated opening of Brucity in 2021 was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as a new risk analysis and archaeological discoveries. But despite the extended lead time, B2Ai used the latest technologies to bring the building to life.

“For Brucity, we combined the latest technologies and the culture of Brussels to create a building that is a reflection of society. Thus, 250 cycle parking spaces were provided in the underground parking area to further support the ‘soft’ mobility of Brussels, we preserved the former characteristic passageway of the building, took into account the new way of working since the Covid period, and made use of local European wood species to also make a contribution to sustainability.” Barbara Wolff.

New impetus for Brussels city centre
The resurrection of the new administrative building not only provides a new home base for 1,700 employees of the City of Brussels, but gives the city centre a new impetus.

“The first thing you notice about the building is its emblematic open façade, which symbolises the aspiration of openness and transparency in the administration of Brussels. The project gives Brussels the identity and the image of a city that is accessible and promotes the integration and quality of life of the city centre.” Barbara Wolff.