VUB U-Residence

site Boulevard Général Jacques 271, VUB Campus, Brussels, BE
client PPP - Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Elsene, BE and COVAS, Scheldestraat 9, 2000 Antwerp, BE
architect BOGDAN & VAN BROECK
team O. Bogdan, T. Boogaerts, H. Bosteels, L. Bown, M.Czvek, M. Lefeber, T. Rigby, P. Stessens, A. Sümeghy, M. Tierens, L. Van Broeck, M. Van Rossen
structure Norbert Provoost
photography 354 photographers, Artur Eranosian, Laurian Ghinitoiu
surface 6.631 m² gross
number of dwellings 96
budget confidential
timing competition 2006 | completion 2013
status completed
project code 0002VUB

STUDENT ROOMS, CONGRESS CENTRE AND OFFICES | OPEN COMPETITION FOR PPP ORGANISED BY THE CLIENT, 1ST PLACE

AWARDS Nominated for the Biennial Architecture Award Ixelles 2014 | Participation in the Day of Architecture 2013

This academic residence on the campus of the Brussels Free University (VUB) fulfills a double function: accommodation for students, guest lecturers and athletes, as well as a representative congress venue combined with facilities for research in the field of sports medicine and physical performance.
The architecture of the building is derived from its implantation in the landscape and its urban context. The bent volume nestles between the curve of the athletics track and the row of trees along a historic bridleway. The new landmark, resting on a transparent base of pilotis, acts as a new gateway towards the university campus: the project takes advantage of its visibility on the Boulevard General Jacques to open and connect a previously introverted site. The office and accommodation spaces are open to the city and the green surroundings. The cantilevered window frames provide shadow for the glazing, ensure a sense of privacy, and frame clear views towards the cityscape.

Selected publications:: Het Nieuwsblad