15-05-2008

In co-operation with the European Commission and the City of Brussels, the Brussels Capital Region has announced an urban design competition. Another competition has been announced for the rearrangement of the Robert Schuman Square. At the moment, the square serves as a transit, but the aim is to make it more quiet by allowing only local traffic. The tunnel that directs traffic from the E40 to the city centre may be extended to the Rue de la Loi to alleviate the burden on the Robert Schuman Square and the Cortenbergh Tunnel.

The European Commission wants to create extra office space in the European District. It seeks 230,000 square metres of new office space on the Rue de la Loi. The aim is to concentrate European Commission offices, which are now spread out over the city. However, in the same street, a total of 110,000 square metres is reserved for housing as well as 60,000 for commercial properties.

According to the new guidelines of the Brussels’ government, the renewed European District should have a strong symbolic identity, with inviting public spaces and an eminent architectural value. In addition, pedestrians, cyclists and public transport will be given priority. With regard to environmental issues, both the project as a whole and the individual buildings will be subject to high environmental and energy quality requirements in both planning and architectural terms. The Brussels’ government also proposes numerous measures to reduce car traffic.

Aspiring candidates can submit their designs until the 30^th of May. By the end of June this year, three to five candidates will be shortlisted and in November 2008 the winner will be announced. Proceedings could commence in 2011.