The most modern building in Belgium by Constantin Brodzki. Boitsfort tower for Fosbury & Sons by GOING EAST

03/12/2018. [Brussels] Belgium
metalocus, ANDREA GONZÁLEZ

At the edge of the verdant Sonian Forest in Brussels, stands a modernist tower that contrasts beautifully with its surroundings. Its dramatic shape, both industrial and organic-looking, was what caught the eye of Fosbury & Sons founders Stijn Geeraets and Maarten Van Gool, when searching for locations to grow their co-working concept.

New Co-working space. Boitsfort tower for Fosbury & Sons by GOING EAST. Photograph by Jeroen Verrecht

New Co-working space. Boitsfort tower for Fosbury & Sons by GOING EAST. Photograph by Jeroen Verrecht

Scheme. New Co-working space. Boitsfort tower for Fosbury & Sons by GOING EAST.

Floor plan. New Co-working space. Boitsfort tower for Fosbury & Sons by GOING EAST.

Plan-elevation. New Co-working space. Boitsfort tower for Fosbury & Sons by GOING EAST.

An extraordinary architect is behind this, indeed, remarkable design: Constantin Brodzki, of Polish-Belgian descent. Now at the ripe age of 93, he lives in a quiet Brussels suburb, in an unassuming home where furniture designed by his friend Jules Wabbes takes pride of place.

Brodzki, who still refers to his modernist masterpiece as ‘the most modern building in Belgium’, was ahead of his time. When, in 1970, he completed construction on these former headquarters of CBR, a cement company, his decision to use curved concrete modules was unheard of – and proved visionary. This modernist aesthetic, more sculpted than traditional Brutalism, has been imitated in dozens of other Brussels office buildings since.

Description of project by Fosbury & Sons

Fosbury & Sons, has turned its attention to the Brussels market. Following its success in the WATT Tower in Antwerp, where the company has already expanded to a total surface area of 5,600 m², Fosbury & Sons has now opened its first serviced office in Brussels. Fosbury & Sons is bringing its innovative vision of ‘the office’ to Brussels, introducing a new, high-quality way of working and living. Going East’s architects had delivered again the most impressive interiors, while food partner Coffeelabs will be taking care of fresh, healthy, and delicious dishes. The office is dead, long live the office!

Fosbury & Sons’ second location - the former headquarters of cement company CBR - is located close to the Sonian Forest and only 10 minutes away from Avenue Louise. Fosbury & Sons’ The Office 'Boitsfort' occupies 7000 square metres, spread over 7 of the building’s 9 floors, with 3 extra floors below ground level for parking. In addition to the ‘Suites’ (private office spaces) and ‘Ateliers’ (shared private office spaces), there are numerous other shared workspaces throughout the building. For example, the lobby with bar on the ground floor is the perfect place to work and meet people in a pleasant and productive environment. F & S Boitsfort has a capacity of 600 people and 250 different companies.

Fosbury & Sons Boitsfort also provides its members with a restaurant and the very pleasant Bar 'Giorgio', which offers a panoramic view over the Sonian Forest from the 8th floor. 15 top-notch meeting rooms – equipped with all the necessary technology -, 1 large event room (the lobby) and Bar Giorgio are available for rent to members and non-members. As is the auditorium with a large screen that can accommodate up to 75 people. Similar to Antwerp, a lot of space is made available for art, in collaboration with Brussels art galleries Rodolphe Janssen and Veerle Verbakel Gallery, artists Perry Roberts and the Private Art Support Foundation or simply Pasfoundation.