Huge congratulations to our talented team at Morris+Company and our amazing collaborators a2o, VELD, and TN PLUS on this incredible #competitionwin to transform the ILO building - a 100,000 m², Cityforward vision in the heart of #Brussels. "ILO is a bold landscape-first vision blending sustainability, innovation, and heritage. From recreating the Maelbeek Valley and enhancing green spaces, to preserving the iconic Polak façades—this project is truly a perfect balance between past, present, and future.” Said Alex Gordon, who lead the Morris+Company team throughout, with Francis Naydler and Elena Oliinyk . “This is a practice defining moment for Morris+Company and is a testament to the new operational structure of the business which elevates and celebrates the incredible skills of our team. Alex Gordon, head of our new business development team, has landed an extraordinary project, one which will influence the practice for years to come.” Practice founder and Creative Director Joe Morris The team’s design will breathe new life into the #EuropeanQuarter, creating a vibrant, eco-friendly urban oasis right in the heart of Brussels. This is not just a building; it’s a catalyst for positive change. Here’s to the next chapter of this inspiring journey! #Architecture #Sustainability #EuropeanQuarter #Innovation #ILOBuilding #Brussels #EcoUrban
We are proud to announce that a2o - VELD - Morris+Company - @TN+ (for landscaping) have been selected to transform the ILO building in Brussels! 🚀 🏢 About the ILO Project: Covering more than 100,000 m², the ILO project is part of Cityforward’s vision to create an eco-friendly, mixed-use space with offices, residences, and community facilities. The winning design prioritizes sustainability and circularity, focusing on opening up the ground floor, adding green spaces, and improving water management, carbon footprint, and energy efficiency. 🌿Recreating the Maelbeek Valley is central to their design, with a strong emphasis on respecting the environment and integrating sustainability throughout the project. 🏢Respecting Heritage: The project also focuses on preserving the heritage of the ILO site by respectfully integrating Polak’s facades into the new development, merging historical significance with modern innovation. 👉 Ilot130 is now ‘ILO’: The name ‘ILO,’ inspired by the French ‘Ilot’ (small island), symbolizes an urban oasis, reflecting the project’s focus on building a sustainable and inspiring community space in the heart of Brussels. A Permeable City Block: The redevelopment of ILO will transform the entire block and neighborhood by introducing a passage that divides the large monolith into two, creating a more vibrant and dynamic public space. These are the first big ideas. We’re excited to move forward and turn this project into a catalyst for change in the European Quarter. Stay tuned as we embark on this exciting journey! 💭 A big thank you to all the participants and special thanks to BMA - Bouwmeester Maitre Architecte for organizing the competition! 👏🏻 #Whitewood #Architecture #Sustainability #Brussels #DesignCompetition #BMA #EuropeanDistrict #Cityforward #ILOT130 #ILO #EuropeanQuarter #VilleDeBruxelles #Urban #BruxellesEnvironnement #Patrimoine