Design and layout of a rental office space - 1.700 m²
The design of the fourth office floor at the BeCentral digital campus embodies a commitment to sustainable architecture, seamlessly blending material reuse and environmental responsibility. Drawing inspiration from the visionary work of Paul Otlet, a pioneer in information science, the project transforms his conceptual legacy into an architectural dialogue between past and future. Natural elements—waves, sand, and earth—interact with geometric shapes derived from his diagrams, creating a distinctive workspace dedicated to start-ups active in the domain of digital transformation.
Geometry, a key feature in Otlet’s work, takes on a dynamic presence through the project’s three-dimensional architecture. Spherical lighting fixtures echo the interconnected circles of the world, while archways mirror the triangular shape of the World City concept. At the heart of the distribution hall, the octagon from the Cellula Mondaneum serves as a unifying element, connecting the campus’s diverse spaces.
The Glow collaborative area offers an immersive experience beneath a ceiling adorned with a constellation of gleaming zinc tubes. This bold arrangement oscillates between the fantastical ambiance of a stalactite-filled cavern and the vibrant energy of a retro club. This creative reinterpretation of industrial materials is a hallmark of the Maxime de Campenaere studio, which breathes new life into reclaimed elements with an unexpected aesthetic. BeCentral’s identity is subtly woven into the interior design through a luminous installation composed of dozens of bulbs, elegantly reflecting its logo.
In the Chill Field space, natural light is amplified through glass bricks, while an inverted ceiling adorned with violet flowers challenges traditional perspectives. This surreal atmosphere serves as a metaphor for the start-up world—an ecosystem where innovation often emerges from the boldest ideas.
The layout fosters a collaborative environment where quiet work zones alternate with open areas designed for interaction. In the coworking space, a custom carpet in blue-green tones mimics the movement of waves, while relaxation areas feature undulating patterns reminiscent of sand. Ceiling elements reclaimed from RotorDC are reimagined as oversized light fixtures, enhancing the sense of scale and depth. Meanwhile, the use of Corten steel pays tribute to natural oxidation processes, grounding the design in earthy textures.
Moving away from conventional approaches, this project champions second-life materials to minimize environmental impact. Salvaged doors from the demolition phase are repurposed into wooden paneling, preserving both their history and aesthetic value. Exposed concrete structures remain intact, enhancing the space with a raw yet timeless character. Stainless steel finishes and mirrored film introduce a striking contrast between robustness and refinement, reinforcing the project’s retro-futuristic aesthetic.
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