- Project
BeCentral - The Otlet Level
- Architect
Maxime De Campenaere Studio s.r.l.
- Programme
Renovation of a 2,650 sqm office floor comprising collaborative and flexible spaces, private offices, phone booths, meeting rooms of various sizes, an artificial intelligence experimentation center for FARI, an AI and cybersecurity hub (Proximus ADA), and a coworking area.
- About
The design of the fourth office floor at the BeCentral digital campus embodies a commitment to sustainable architecture, seamlessly blending material reuse and environmental responsibility. Drawing inspiration from the visionary work of Paul Otlet, a pioneer in information science, the project transforms his conceptual legacy into an architectural dialogue between past and future. Natural elements—waves, sand, and earth—interact with geometric shapes derived from his diagrams, creating a distinctive workspace dedicated to start-ups active in the domain of digital transformation.
Moving away from conventional approaches, this project champions second-life materials to minimize environmental impact. Salvaged doors from the demolition phase are repurposed into wooden paneling, preserving both their history and aesthetic value. Exposed concrete structures remain intact, enhancing the space with a raw yet timeless character. Stainless steel finishes and mirrored film introduce a striking contrast between robustness and refinement, reinforcing the project’s retro-futuristic aesthetic.
Geometry, a key feature in Otlet’s work, takes on a dynamic presence through the project’s three-dimensional architecture. Spherical lighting fixtures echo the interconnected circles of the world, while archways mirror the triangular shape of the World City concept. At the heart of the distribution hall, the octagon from the Cellula Mondaneum serves as a unifying element, connecting the campus’s diverse spaces.
More information
Maxime De Campenaere Studio s.r.l.
