The iconic Beursschouwburg theater in the heart of Brussels has been renovated many times over Rather than opting for an extensive and costly overhaul, the design focuses on working with the building’s layered identity, embracing its existing qualities to shape a future vision.
Rather than erasing many old layers to tell a new, meaningful story, we weave together the loose ends of this hybrid structure, continuing its palimpsestuous identity while creating space for new desires.
Our approach builds on the concept envisioned by B-architects 20 years ago: a series of Koolhaasian style rooms connected by a striking red interior hall that serves as the backbone. While the street, as a passageway between Auguste Ortsstraat and Karperbrug, never quite functioned as intended, the alley as a central meeting point proved successful. From this idea, we reimagine the hall as a dynamic, three-dimensional connecting space where interactions and visual connections take center stage.
The café will reclaim its rightful place on Ortsstraat, resolving the long-standing confusion about the theater’s address.
Our design seeks a fine balance between the stylistic characteristics of the existing architecture and a fresh, subtle reinterpretation that enhances and deepens its original essence. The Beursschouwburg is already rich in layers of form and meaning, adding too many additional layers risks to overwhelm its character. For this reason, our approach is rooted in empathy, ensuring a design that is both respectful and sustainable.