Complexity

On the initiative of the Brussels-Capital Region, the Fondation Kanal is developing a major museum centre dedicated to modern and contemporary art and architecture in the former Citroën garages along the canal. The design by Atelier Kanal, a collaboration between noAarchitecten, Sergison Bates architects and EM2N, is based on the principle as found. Out of respect for the industrial heritage, the existing architecture is being preserved, restored and adapted to new functions.

The combination of renovation, repurposing and new-build, the scale of the project and the large number of parties involved make its realisation particularly complex.

Works

the repair of the roofs

the construction of 3 roof penetrations

renovation of the emblematic facades

the construction of museum, office and conference rooms, multipurpose rooms, reception areas

the completion of the hospitality pavilion

Bureau Bouwtechniek is responsible for construction process support for architecture. We support Atelier Kanal in organising and coordinating the construction process and facilitate the alignment between design, execution and strategic decision-making.

Sustainable inserts

limited use of virgin materials
energy-efficient heating (solar panels on the roof)

From architectural ambition to implementation

Atelier Kanal brings together three architectural practices in a temporary collective. This collaboration unites different design visions and areas of expertise, which must be continually aligned during the implementation phase.

Bureau Bouwtechniek supports the architectural team in site supervision, technical and organisational coordination, and the preparation of decisions. We organise and chair the weekly general site meeting, monitor the follow-up of agreements made, and facilitate collaboration between the various parties involved.

In this way, we help the design team to consistently translate the architectural ambitions into the construction phase, without losing sight of the bigger picture.

A construction process in constant flux

In a project of this scale, coordination is not a static process. Technical challenges, changes during construction and the interdependence of different building phases require a constant reassessment of priorities and scheduling.

Bureau Bouwtechniek monitors the design and construction schedules, supports short-term planning and ensures coordination with future construction phases. In doing so, we link day-to-day site monitoring with the wider project organisation.

This systematic approach helps to identify bottlenecks in good time, clarify the consequences of changes and prepare decisions at the appropriate level.

Strategic support

By monitoring the consultations between Atelier Kanal, the project partners, the steering group and Fondation KANAL, we also support the strategic management of the project.

For the client, this means structured monitoring of the construction process, with a focus on the interplay between planning, execution and project objectives. By aligning information and decisions across the various levels of consultation, we help maintain an overview and facilitate well-founded choices.

Bureau Bouwtechniek’s added value lies in linking architectural ambitions, technical execution and strategic decision-making. In this way, we support the design team, the client and the contractor in the realisation of a complex and ambitious construction project.

News from the construction site

Meet the Kanal team.

From Team Architecture (French-speaking) (1)

arch. Francesca Crosby

Project architect

E-mail |

From Team Knowledge Innovation & Technology (2)

prof. arch. Johan Cordonnier

Project architect
Expert construction details
Façade advisor

E-mail |

prof. arch. Jan Moens

General Director
Managing Director

E-mail |

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