The Free University of Brussels (VUB) is opening up two of its recent study projects for the “Sustainable Architecture” Days, part of archiweek. VUB is aiming for a sustainable approach for its architectural heritage. Renovation of the student housing, located at the centre of the campus in Elsene/Ixelles, sets us some significant challenges. This student accommodation, designed by the architect Willy Van Der Meeren in 1971-1973, is recognised as architectural heritage, but also needs economically sustainable and future-oriented intervention. In two study projects, the renovation of the student rooms has been studied from a different perspective and tested in practice.

The Circular Retrofit Lab studied the options for adapting the principles of circular construction to an existing building, making it one of the first circular renovation projects in Belgium and Europe. The WVDM Living Lab is studying innovative renovation strategies by considering four related topics: energy, heritage, sustainability and economics.

Visit by Ine Wouters, Niels De Temmerman, Stijn Elsen (VUB).

The Covid Safe Ticket applies.