VRT Headquarters

Under the flag of CIT Blaton, Karres and Brands participated in the closed PPP tender for the new Flemish Radio and Television Broadcasting Company (VRT) headquarters in Brussels. The new building will be erected on the yet to be constructed Mediaplein, which will be located between the RBTF building (Walloon Broadcasting Service) and VRT, making this square the most important public space in the Media Park for both everyday use and special events. 

The design will result in a particularly compact building with considerable focus on designing clear and logical circulation lines within the complex links of the various functions. This analysis resulted in a disc structure with maximum height combined with robust ground level volume. The relationship between the building and the public space will be activated to the max by the huge transparent glass areas and the facade stairway connecting all floors. 

Whereas the new building on Mediaplein will have a clear architectural accent, roof terraces will form the distinctive element on the northerly Parkbos side. They form the work floor’s outside spaces and offer areas for relaxation, exercise and play, study, meeting, and contemplation. Private accessibility is safeguarded by a smart terrace perimeter design with height differences, plant cover, and a Wadi. The patio gardens, which are cut from the structure, form the newsroom’s stylistic green backdrops and contribute to a pleasant working environment. 

The roof surface of the ground level structure will be designed as an urban forest with different zones that are accessible to all VRT staff. The roof garden contains various zones including an outdoor studio, outdoor amphitheater, a terrace with pergola, the Ketnet playground, and a sports field. The urban forest being created on the roof will form a permanent ecological stepping stone in the Mediapark’s green network, creating a seamless connection with the adjacent ecologically valuable Georgin forest. The new building will add ecological value to the area, providing a powerful and sustainable enhancement to Brussels’ green policy.