Future Bank

Revitalisation of the urban block

Master thesis (2022)

Authors

A. Oest Arrecubieta Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

Mark Pimlott Situated Architecture - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 1)
M.W. Klooster Teachers of Practice / A - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 1)
J.S. Zeinstra Situated Architecture - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 1)
D.J. Rosbottom Situated Architecture - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 2)
S. Pietsch Situated Architecture - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 2)
S. De Vocht Situated Architecture - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment
Copyright: © 2022 Alejandro Oest Arrecubieta
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Published Date

01-07-2022

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

The graduation thesis deals with the architectural redevelopment of the National Bank of Belgium. It examines how this refurbishment can benefit the bank, the city of Brussels, and its inhabitants.

Built to its limits, the introverted character of the complex reflects the historical need to secure Belgium's financial reserves within its walls. Since its completion, however, there has been a fundamental change in the demands placed upon it. Industrial functions, such as printing and storing currency, have moved out of the city or abroad. At the same time, finance is becoming increasingly digitised. In response, the National Bank decided to redefine itself physically.

The proposal examines the optimisation of space through various changes to the layout of the offices to fit the bank's desired programme, as set out in the competition brief. The project recognises that the reduced surface area required by the bank allows a large part of the site to be given over to the city. The proposal not only suggests not new uses but new spaces that become part of the urban fabric, establishing connections and refuges for urban life, both public and private.