Tour & Taxis renovation wins architecture award
The former Brussels port ferry terminal, built between 1902 and 1907, is a glass and raw iron structure, typical of large capacity architectural designs such as the stations, covered markets and exhibition halls of the time. The site has been completely refurbished to accommodate work spaces, an atrium suitable for holding major events, retail premises, restaurants, parks, a day nursery and more.
The complex, renamed "Spaces Tour & Taxis" and located on the northern edge of the city centre, has won a Dutch architecture competition. The project was carried out by property developer Extensa in collaboration with the architecture firm Neutelings Riedijk Architects.
This renovation has really taken on board the requirement for sustainability, respect for the environment and the systematic use of green energy. While most of the historic parts have been renovated and reused, extensive use has also been made of the latest construction techniques. This is the site of the largest solar space in Belgium, with 17,000 m2 of solar panels installed on the roof.
Through the use of cutting-edge techniques, this particularly daring restoration has clearly found a compromise that takes account of the past, the history of the site and a vision of the future.