B-architecten was born exactly 25 years ago. With the renovation of the Beursschouwburg as their very first project, the design office immediately put itself permanently on the architectural map of Belgium. Many projects followed, including Muntpunt (Brussels), De Grote Post (Ostend) and the more recent Brussels projects Centr'Al, Station of Laken and De Ligne police station - invariably designs that fit within B's vision on second life and densified urbanity, designed with an optimal mix of experience, concentration, sustainability, human scale and technology in mind. The opening of our Brussels hub in the Dansaert district earlier this year was therefore merely a confirmation of the position that B has already acquired in the capital for a long time.

B-architecten, B-bis and B-city do not only have a clear vision on architecture. For a few years now, the design office has been working in a fully self-managing way: this is a progressive organisational structure that deliberately does away with hierarchy. Each of the more than seventy employees works autonomously and bears responsibility for his or her function.

In this way, B aims to make a thoughtful contribution to the streetscape of tomorrow. On Sunday 23 October, the designers will open their doors and allow the public a peek behind the scenes of their Brussels headquarters. There will be free admission between 1 pm and 5 pm, with the possibility of a guided tour.

Lectures.

In addition to the general programme, B organises a series of lectures on their work and a selection of ongoing Brussels projects.

13.30-14h: 'B is'

Sven Grooten, general manager of B-architecten, B-bis and B-city, offers a look behind the scenes of our office.

14.30-15h: Move'Hub

Move'Hub gives a new interpretation to the building block Bara - Blérot - Spaak, also known as 'îlot Tin Tin', in the heart of the Brussels South district. The project is strategically located near the South Station and therefore offers numerous possibilities in terms of living and working. Project leaders Jens Van Hauwermeiren and Beatriz Pérez explain the state of affairs at the level of both architecture and urban design.

15.30-16h: De Ligne police station

B-architecten and Osar are currently working together on the renovation of the iconic De Ligne police building - a design that was thoughtfully conceived by architect Marcel Lambrichts. Our design retains the existing structure as much as possible, a sustainable approach that minimises demolition waste and is the starting point for an energy-neutral reinterpretation that prepares the building for a second life in the future. The lecture will be given by project leaders Caroline Huybrechts and Louise Lauwers.

16.30-17h: Museum of Ixelles

The first phase of the renovation and expansion works for the Ixelles Museum, carried out by B-architecten, was recently completed. Project leader Enrico Onofri gives a look behind the scenes in anticipation of the grand reopening in 2024.

A maximum of 25 participants is allowed per lecture. Registration in advance is required by emailing the name of the lecture and the number of participants to laura.bonne@b-architecten.be. All presentations are bilingual.