The latest issue of Erfgoed Brussel, which is entirely devoted to office conversions, featured an article on the façade study carried out by Bureau Bouwtechniek for the Brussels office building Arlon 53. The article, written in collaboration with the VUB (Architectural Engineering department), examined the feasibility of various renovation strategies and highlighted how a facade study can serve as a lever for dialogue between owners, designers and authorities in complex renovation projects.
The issue is part of a broader reflection on the future of Brussels' office stock: how can vacant or outdated buildings be given a new lease of life without losing their heritage value or material potential?
Instead of starting from demolition, a comparative methodology was applied in which technical, aesthetic, economic and social criteria were evaluated together.
A decision matrix was used to identify six possible interventions – ranging from limited internal insulation to a completely new façade structure – each assessed on aspects such as insulation performance, heritage value, environmental impact and implementation cost. This systematic approach creates a transparent framework for consultation between all parties involved and allows for nuance in the often polarised debate between demolition and preservation.
The article “From tabula rasa to renovation. The façade study as a means of dialogue” was written by Stephanie Van Goethem (Bureau Bouwtechniek), Ruben Van Vooren (Bureau Bouwtechniek and VUB) and Waldo Galle (VUB).
