Call for designers
Big plans ahead! It's been 2 years since we arrived on this 14.000 m² site in the Da Vinci district of citydev.brussels. If we have chosen a site of this size, it is because we wanted to create a place that would not only house Rotor (DC), but also several other initiatives. From the start, the idea has been to transform the site into a vibrant place dedicated to reuse, local economy and craftsmanship, which would play an essential role in the city. To turn this ambition into reality, our colleagues at RotorDC have now launched a call for design teams.
No plans for demolition: the project consists of keeping the existing buildings from the 1980s and improving, transforming and extending them, using a large share of reclaimed and bio-based materials. That's why we're looking for designers without newness bias, but who are willing to work with what's already there.
The call is organized just like a public architectural competition. What’s specific is that RotorDC is not asking to produce a full schematic design as part of the application. Instead, with the team of the bouwmeester / maitre architecte, they have developed a lighter procedure, where the evaluation is based on references, vision, collaboration methodology, etc.
Important note: the project is still conditional. In order to finance it, RotorDC applied for an ERDF project call from the Brussels region, which aims to support the creation of reuse and recycling centers. After the first round the project was shortlisted together among 7 others - while only 5 or 6 will eventually receive financing. It was decided to launch the call already so the works can start as soon as possible if the final decision turns out to be positive.
If so, by 2029 the site will be home to an ecosystem of more than 9 SMEs employing more than 70 FTE jobs and putting thousands of tonnes of materials and goods back into circulation each year. It will also be an inspiring place to visit and a key piece in the big puzzle of the material economy.
We can't wait to see what this site will look like in 5 years!
All info about the call:
https://bma.brussels/rotor-fr/
Deadline to apply: 30 september 2024
