We designed the "House of European Democracy" as we called it,  as an open, inviting and sustainable representative of the European Parliament and the European Union. In our vision the new House of European Democracy connects and welcomes the European citizens through an open and visible public heart in the center of the building. The House follows the European tradition of continuity and innovation through intelligent re-use combined with innovative renewal. One of the key points of our plan is the recycling of the existing structure of the Paul-Henri Spaak Building, thus meeting the ambitions to realize a super sustainable building.

The House will stimulate the evolution of the European democracy through a participating design composed as a European city: internal diversity and changeability of spaces facilitate different ways of democratic interaction and discussion, now and in the future.

The introduction of a new front square on the side of Parc Léopold allows for a gradual transfer from park to building. With its new entrances and connections, the House provides a lively, active and interesting addition to the park.

The representative and adaptable chamber room is in close contact with its surrounding nature by a large park window and topped with abundant daylight that can be filtered, shaded or blocked when necessary. We designed the chamber in such a way that it can accommodate different uses and democratic events, like a citizens assembly.

 competition team members: Neutelings Riedijk Architects, Juliette Bekkering, Boydens engineering part of Sweco, Ney & partners WOW,David van Reybrouck, WAX, YuconVR

The new Art School is designed as a city, continuously under construction. According to pedagogical wishes, the layout may vary per semester. Although arts education relies heavily on the development of individual skills, one cannot underestimate the importance of the school as a #communitybuilding. The ‘Laboratory of the Arts’ finds the perfect balance between individual students and the community, and between studying in the heart of the building, near a window, or even on the roof terrace outside.
 
Our proposal is #sustainable and #circular. With a supporting structure mainly of wood, it offers an architectural atmosphere with an exceptional sensitive quality. The characteristic brise-soleils in the facades act as diaphragms filtering light, sun and views. These wooden geometries give the building a distinctive presence, with special attention to comfort requirements and durability.
 
We certainly enjoyed working on l'École Superieure d’Arte et de Design, with the professional and inspiring team of:
Communauté urbaine du Grand Reims THIENOT BALLAN ZULAICA ARCHITECTES  @Terrell @BE Garnier PRIMA INGENIERIE@Dbs Acoustique ETAMINE VOLGA Urbanisme 

Visualisations by WAX Architectural Visualizations