2 Brussels building projects in line for the MIPIM AWARDS 2022

The MIPIM Awards are organised on the sidelines of MIPIM in Cannes, the world's largest real estate and property fair. Each year, the MIPIM Awards crown the most outstanding and groundbreaking projects in the sector. The 2022 winners will be announced during a prestigious event on Thursday, March 17 at 6:30 pm. In the laureates, two leading Brussels projects: ZIN and the new headquarters of BNP Paribas Fortis at Warandeberg.?

In February, the jury of the MIPIM Awards 2022 took on an infernal task - compiling a shortlist of candidate winners. No less than 46 exceptional building projects from around the world made it to the list. There is one constant in the selection: all projects excel in innovation, architecture, a smaller ecological footprint, seamless integration into the environment and positive impact on the community.?

An additional criterion this year: could the project adapt to the impact of the global pandemic? And more specifically: does the building project take into account our new way of living, working, shopping and relaxing?

3 Belgian projects in the running, including 2 from Brussels

The MIPIM Awards are divided into 12 categories, each with specific requirements and criteria. This year, Belgium is represented in 3 categories: in the BEST FUTURA MEGA PROJECT category with the ZIN project in Brussels' North Quarter, in the BEST OFFICE & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT category with the new BNP Paribas Fortis headquarters and finally in the BEST REFURBISHED BUILDING category, with the Grande Poste renovation project in Liege.?

ZIN: best futura megaproject?

This category is for building projects in the planning or development phase - and not yet completed. The main condition for selection: the project must be innovative in terms of architecture and sustainability. In addition, the project must fit into the nearby environment and meet the needs of the local community.?

This is precisely the objective of ZIN , an ambitious project of Befimmo ?and Besix . ZIN is a multifunctional redevelopment project for the well-known WTC towers in the North Quarter - originally dating from the 1970s.

In the dismantling of both (30-storey) buildings, the concrete core is retained. This is followed by reconstruction around the existing core, including a brand new building volume connecting the skyscrapers. ZIN brings different destinations and functions together in the building, via innovative and intertwining floors and volumes. In this way, the towers will soon house housing, offices and hotel rooms. And last but not least: on the roof - 100 meters above ground level - there will be a 110-meter long promenade and a conservatory that is open to the public. A new landmark in the making!

The project is in the hands of architectural firms Jaspers-Eyers , 51N4E and?l'AUC Paris .

BNP Paribas Fortis HQ: best office & business development?

This award recognizes office buildings and business parks that focus on improving the quality of life and productivity of employees. They do this, for example, by creating a healthy working environment, greater job flexibility and better energy and environmental performance of the infrastructure. Emphasis is also placed on the capacity to meet the specific requirements of the tenant in terms of layout and use of space.

In this category, the new headquarters of BNP Paribas Fortis at Warandeberg is a noted candidate. Completed in 2020-2021, it replaces the old headquarters - which have been located on the same site for 200 years. The shape of the new building follows the original alignment of the adjacent Warandeberg. At the same time, the building bridges a height difference of 12 meters, and acts as a link between the "Upper City" and the "Lower City" of Brussels.?

Underneath the building is a remarkable feat of innovation to save energy: several large water basins in the basement serve as seasonal heat storage, storing thermal energy and using it as a heat source during the winter. Another asset for the 4,500 employees and users of the building in the heart of Brussels: green courtyards and a large atrium, where it is pleasant to linger.

For this assignment, the Brussels architectural office Jaspers-Eyers joined forces with Styfhals from Machelen and?Baumschlager Eberle Architekten from Austria.

Curious about the winners of the MIPIM Awards? We'll have you sitting in the front row at the awards ceremony on Thursday from 6.30 p.m., live from the Grand Auditorium at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. See you then!