Extension of the headquarters of the Walloon Society of Social Credit (SWCS)

Project: Extension of the headquarters of the Walloon Society of Social Credit (SWCS)
Architect: RESERVOIR A

Momentary association

RGPA + META

Programme

The SWCS project is set within a dense and strategic urban environment in the heart of Charleroi. It involves the extension and renovation of the offices of the Société Wallonne de Crédit Social, located at the corner of Boulevard Tirou and Rue de l’Écluse.

The design ensures a seamless integration between workspaces and complementary functions, featuring adaptable floor plans that can accommodate both offices and residential units. The carefully considered layout strengthens the continuity of the built frontage while defining the corner as a distinct urban landmark, enhancing the site's clarity and presence within the cityscape.

About: The architecture of the SWCS project offers a thoughtful and assertive response to the site's urban dynamics. Traditionally a point of rupture in the city fabric, the corner here becomes a unifying element, seamlessly linking the two streets through a fluid and controlled transition. The building follows the alignment of Boulevard Tirou, maintaining continuity with its neighbors, while its Rue de l’Écluse façade gently curves, accompanying the natural bend of the street and harmonizing with the existing urban context.
At the corner, an auditorium perched above acts as a beacon, signaling the project’s distinct identity and reinforcing its institutional presence. The architecture emphasizes flexibility: spatial organization is based on a dialogue between a central core—housing technical functions and circulation—and open-plan floors designed for complete modularity. The structural system spans from façade to façade, freeing the interiors from constraints and allowing for adaptable layouts. Whether for offices, residences, or collaborative spaces, the building’s function evolves according to future needs.
This principle of programmatic freedom ensures long-term relevance, preventing obsolescence and allowing the building to embrace future transformations. Materiality and durability go hand in hand, with a selection of robust, high-performance materials that minimize environmental impact while providing optimal comfort for users.