The Usquare.brussels renovation and restoration project gave new purpose to the former Fritz Toussaint barracks in Ixelles. Once a training institute for the Belgian police, the site stood empty for years. Designers evr-architecten, Callebaut Architecten and BC Architects were commissioned to repurpose the seven historic buildings into a university site for ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) and VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel). Their design goes beyond the educational and is an ‘open neighbourhood where space is created for socialising, living, research, development and entrepreneurship. A lot of attention was paid to the careful restoration of the interior and exterior. Several compelling, contemporary interventions prepare the complex for the future while providing a bridge to the past. Notable is the team’s dedication to carrying out the renovation in the most circular and ecological way possible. Materials were reused both on-site and at other locations.

Usquare Feder, winner of the Brussels Architecture Prize (honourable mention), is also one of the four projects nominated for the Architectuur Prijs Vlaanderen in the werken (work) category. The building is exceptionally open to the public in collaboration with the Flanders Architecture Institute (VAi) as part of the Dag van de Architectuur. Two options are available: explore the public spaces at your own pace between 10:00 and 18:00, or join a guided tour led by the architects to explore the project from workplaces to guest residences. Guided tours are offered at 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00 (booking required).

Architect(s) : BC Architect & Studies & Materials - evr architecten - Callebaut Architecten
Client : VUB & ULB, SAU/MSI
Category (Brussels Architecture Prize) : Major intervention (honourable mention: People's choice award)
Text : Febe Seghers