b-architecten + OMGEVING clad leisure center in brussels with transparent façade

antwerp-based firm b-architecten, in collaboration with OMGEVING, have completed ‘centr’al’, a two-building multifunctional leisure complex, designed to respond to the needs and interests of the local community, in forest district, brussels. settling in the heart of the municipality, the structures take shape as two geometric volumes with transparent façades, designed to feature all necessary amenities, including a series of sports halls and auditoriums. 

all images courtesy of b-architecten

the design by b-architecten and OMGEVING, seeks to generate a centerpiece for the district, and the architects see it as ‘an excellent opportunity to put this vibrant part of the city on the map in exemplary fashion’. the translucent façades of the buildings generate a reflective effect that livens up the area, while partly revealing what goes on in the interior. generous public areas, such as the auditorium and the sports halls are located on the buildings’ corners, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy their free time within a simple, yet fresh environment. 

right beneath the covered outdoor spaces, there is the main entrance leading visitors towards the interior. on the ground floor, a restaurant opens towards the new town square and connects with the foyer, which spreads over the different floors of the building. all functional units are stacked as compactly as possible, to create a cohesive, efficient cultural and sports complex.

project info:

name: centr’al
architects: b-architecten, in collaboration with OMGEVING landscape architecture
team: stephanie collier, evert crols, kenny decommer, dirk engelen, sven grooten, karol grygolec, valentin piret, julie van huynegem, domien wuyts
location: forest (vorst), brussels
surface: 1800 sqm (19375 sqft)

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom