daniel libeskind's mons convention center opens in belgium

daniel libeskind’s mons congress center opens in belgium
image © hufton + crow

a convention center in mons, belgium – designed by daniel libeskind – has been completed in time for the town’s inauguration as the european capital of culture. situated close to the french border, the building has been conceived as a bold architectural landmark for the region, connecting the historic town center with the region’s new development.

the building has been conceived as a bold architectural landmark for the region
image © hufton + crow

the building is topped with a steel viewing platform, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape – including the 17th century beffroi tower, and a railway station by santiago calatrava that is currently under construction. the structure’s cladding reveals the interior of the scheme, with lower walls finished with upright timber slats. the design’s contrasting upper section boasts vertical bands of anodized aluminum that follow the wall’s curvature.

the building is topped with a steel viewing platform, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape
image © hufton + crow

internally, concrete ribbon walls allow for a greater flexibility of space, providing more floor area for the site’s various facilities. alongside three auditoriums, the complex also houses a grand entrance hall, a multi-purpose space, various conference rooms, offices, a restaurant, underground parking and a green roof. an expansive public forecourt surrounds the building, completed using a polished, earth-colored concrete, flecked with bands of blue belgian stone.

the building will open to the public in january, 2015.

internally, concrete ribbon walls allow for a greater flexibility of space
image © hufton + crow

an expansive public forecourt will eventually surround the building
image © hufton + crow

the design connects the historic town center with the region’s new development
image © hufton + crow

project info:

client: city of mons
building size: total floor area: 12,500 sqm (134,548 sqf)
status: under construction
estimated completion: 2015
photography: hufton + crow

architect of record: H2A IR architecte & associes
cost & site supervision: CIT blaton (cost) SEMACO (site supervision)
structural engineer: ney & partner
mechanical engineer: energys
electrical engineer: putman
contractor: CIT blaton/galère
façade engineer: somec group
auditorium seats: poltrona frau/cassina (‘tangram’ libeskind design)
technical review: SECO

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