At the periphery of the lush Sonian Forest in Brussels stands a modernist tower, contrasting against its verdant surroundings. This distinctive structure, designed by the visionary architect Constantin Brodzki, caught the attention of Fosbury & Sons founders Stijn Geeraets and Maarten Van Gool during their quest to expand their co-working concept.
Constantin Brodzki, now 93 years old and of Polish-Belgian descent, remains proud of his modernist masterpiece, which he still refers to as 'the most modern building in Belgium.' Back in 1970, when he completed the construction of the former CBR headquarters, Brodzki's use of curved concrete modules was groundbreaking and ahead of its time. The modernist aesthetic, characterized by organic sculpted elements rather than traditional Brutalism, has since influenced numerous office buildings in Brussels.
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Fosbury & Sons, renowned for its innovative co-working spaces, has taken over 7,000 square meters of this iconic 1970s building, solidifying Brodzki's status as one of Belgium's pioneering architects. The structure, with its facade adorned by 756 oval windows in curved, pre-fabricated concrete panels, provided the perfect canvas for Fosbury & Sons to create a unique and inspiring workspace.
The renovation spearheaded by design studio Going East aimed to transform the interior into a space reminiscent of a hotel or home rather than a typical office. Corridors were eliminated to foster more open, collaborative environments. Stijn Geeraets expressed how the character, history, and exceptional architecture of the Brodzki building perfectly aligned with Fosbury & Sons' vision.
Fosbury & Sons Boitsfort, as it is now known, can accommodate up to 600 workers and 250 companies. The interior configuration pays homage to the original design by Constantin Brodzki, with some original features retained, and a clear demarcation between old and new additions.
The co-working space boasts custom-made furniture, including marble tables, a distinctive chandelier-like lighting fixture above the original concrete staircase, and wooden pieces. Each floor is designed with unique elements to ensure a delightful and productive experience for every member.
Fosbury & Sons Boitsfort Co-Working Oasis include an open lobby and bar on the ground floor, 15 meeting rooms, a 75-seat auditorium, private and shared office spaces, and additional communal workspaces. The 8th-floor bar offers panoramic views of the nearby Sonian Forest, complemented by a restaurant managed by Coffeelabs.
Art plays a significant role in the building's ambiance, with contributions from Brussels galleries Rodolphe Janssen and Veerle Verbaekel Gallery, as well as artists Perry Roberts and Florian Tomballe, and the Private Art Support Foundation.
In conclusion, Fosbury & Sons has seamlessly integrated luxurious co-working facilities into the iconic structure designed by Constantin Brodzki, creating a harmonious blend of modern innovation and architectural legacy. The transformation of this Belgian landmark stands as a testament to the enduring vision of both Brodzki and Fosbury & Sons.
Floor plan of Fosbury & Sons
All photographs are by Jeroen Verrecht
Sources
Metalocus, ''THE MOST MODERN BUILDING IN BELGIUM BY CONSTANTIN BRODZKI. BOITSFORT TOWER FOR FOSBURY & SONS BY GOING EAST'' december 3, 2018. https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/most-modern-building-belgium-constantin-brodzki-boitsfort-tower-fosbury-sons-going-east
Dezeen, '' Modernist building in Brussels transformed into Fosbury & Sons co-working space '' 14 january 2019. https://www.dezeen.com/2019/01/14/fosbury-sons-boitsfort-coworking-belgium-modernist-building-going-east/
Anabata, ''Constantin Brodzki's Modernist Building Transformed into Co-Working Spaces with James Bond Vibe'' April 18th, 2022. https://anabata.com/interior=constantin-brodzkis-modernist-building-transformed-into-co-working-spaces-with-james-bond-vibe
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