May 15, 2025 News
LOOM green complex · Brussels, Belgium
A biodiversity hub in the heart of the European District
We have conceived the Wetstraat axis, where the project area is located, as a strategic green corridor leading to the Sonian Forest on the city’s outskirts
Embracing the large-scale green vision
Our design is grounded in the large-scale aspirations of the city of Brussels, which focus on the enhancement of urban ecology and a connected green framework. The project area is positioned along one of the radial green corridors, connecting the peripheral natural areas with the inner city, thus potentially providing a significant stepping stone for the continuity of flora and fauna.
The large-scale framework strongly influenced our green vision and planting concept within the urban block, aiming to transform it into an environmentally sustainable and pedestrian-friendly complex.
Connecting to the pedestrian network
A core ambition of the design has been to strongly link the renewed urban block to the local pedestrian network, thus contributing to the activation of the district. The ground floor of the building has been redesigned as a transparent and permeable threshold, allowing for visual continuity between the public space and the green inner courtyard.
Adapting ecological measures
The design of green spaces aims to maximise local biodiversity and ecological services through a comprehensive set of ecological measures, including materials, lighting, and space utilisation. Based on a selection of native species and inspired by the atmosphere of the Sonian Forest, the plant selection considers various conditions such as shaded zones, full ground, green roofs, and wet conditions to ensure optimal growth. Additionally, fruiting elements attract migratory species, while allergenic pollen species are avoided. We turned spatial challenges into opportunities, creating drivers for a rich and diverse environment for people and nature.
A resilient, climate adaptive machine
We have focussed on the implementation of a green and blue strategy, transforming this urban block into a resilient, climate-adaptive machine. Water circularity within the building is maximized through retention roofs and water tanks for rainwater reuse. Central to this strategy is a water pool with a natural edge and helophyte planting, located at the heart of the courtyard. This pool not only enhances biodiversity by providing a habitat for local wildlife but also serves as a social hub, encouraging informal gatherings and short stays for the building’s users.
Balancing ecology and activation of the space
The diversity of habitats and outdoor spaces corresponds to a variety of experiences for the building’s users, ranging from intimate and calm areas with higher ecological potential to more social and active zones with lower ecological potential. As with all our designs, we have carefully crafted the outdoor spaces and their accessibility to harmoniously integrate people, animals, and plants.
