MONS CONVENTION CENTRE
LOCATION / Brussels, Belgium
CLIENT / Local authority of Mons
AREA / 9 526 sqm above ground
PROGRAM / Congress center
PROJECT / 2011
STATUS / Unbuilt
A key element of a new business district, this project attempts to reconcile the strong symbolism of urbanity and the extreme variability of the daily needs of a Congress Center. Just like the City itself, the project allows a harmonious coexistence of groups of very different sizes within the same building, allowing the possibility, if appropriate, to partially or completely isolate the various entities rented separately. The project makes use of a very significant volumetry, where the functions accommodated are very recognizable from the outside, and clear signage emphasising the commons and circulation areas. The Convention Centre shows off Mons: its façades open outwards, its volumes are turned to enhance the viewing angles towards the noteworthy sites of Mons, the circulation areas bring congress participants to indoor levels (foyers) or outside floors (roof/ terrace) from where they can admire two contrasting panoramas of the City and the railway station that unites them and vice versa. They recreate an urban landscape and emphasize the skyline of the historic City opposite the newly created district.