Creative Company Headquarters
Gare Meritime, Brussels, Belgium, 2020
Client: Publicis
Surface: 3.800sm
Gare Maritime was constructed in 1902 and inaugurated in 1907. This expansive 40,000 m² steel-and-glass structure was originally designed to receive goods efficiently by land and water, and subsequently distribute them by rail. Within this historic setting, a Media Company chose to establish its Belgian headquarters.
The design of the new headquarters is guided by several predetermined parameters:
A) The characteristics of the existing space and the specifics of the Gare Maritime restoration.
B) The 120×120 cm fixed grid, which directs the placement of new internal partitions.
C) The functional requirements and work areas specified by the client.
D) The reuse and integration of existing furniture.
E) The maximum load capacity of the historic structure.
The project is carefully modeled around these fixed points, resulting in a sequence of open and interconnected spaces. These are complemented by a wide variety of informal areas that form a continuous, communal workspace—ideal for smart working, relaxation, or spontaneous collaboration.
In this arrangement, formal work zones coexist seamlessly with informal spaces, fostering opportunities for interaction, focused discussion, and collaborative activities. The design thus balances structure and flexibility, creating an environment that encourages both productivity and creativity while respecting the historic integrity of the Gare Maritime.