NATO headquarters
In 1967, NATO moved to its current headquarters in Evere, which was occupied as a temporary solution. 30 years later, the headquarters proved to be unsuitable for current needs, and NATO organised an international architectural competition for a new headquarters. The international jury chose the design by SOM + Assar, where we were responsible for all engineering, both special techniques and stability.
- Client
- NATO
- Location
- Brussels
- Period
- 2005 – 2017
- Architects
- ASSAR, SOM
- Services
- Facade engineering, Fire safety engineering, Techniques, Structural Engineering, , Sustainable design
- Solutions
- Feasibility study, Building simulations, Building physics
About
The new NATO headquarters breaks many records due to its scale. Above all, it is a bastion of security housing various functions, from offices and meeting rooms to sports facilities, workshops, and catering for 4,000 employees.
Challenge
The military alliance set very strict security measures, including energy independence. Additionally, it had to accommodate a constantly changing occupancy of delegations, agencies, and representations.
Solution
A modular and adaptable design of the spaces ensures a high degree of flexibility. Sustainable techniques and materials reduce the ecological footprint. During the construction phase, the NATO headquarters was the largest project with slab cooling in Europe.
NATO’s New Headquarters: A Modern Architectural Marvel
In 1967, NATO moved to its current headquarters in Evere, which was then considered a temporary solution. Thirty years later, the headquarters proved inadequate for current needs, and NATO organised an international architectural competition for a new headquarters. The international jury chose the design by SOM + Assar, where we were responsible for all engineering, including special techniques and structural engineering.
The new NATO headquarters: accommodating essential functions
The new headquarters accommodates the essential functions of the Alliance. It includes necessary functions such as modern meeting rooms and press rooms, offices for delegations, military representations, the international secretariat and international headquarters, agencies, and partner representations. It also features sophisticated security, communication and IT installations, and audiovisual equipment. Various supporting services are also housed, including restaurants, a bank, boutiques, and facilities for sports and recreation.
Innovative design addressing numerous challenges
The design addresses numerous challenges. It combines a strict, sober, and functional building with spectacular forms at an acceptable comfort level, using sustainable techniques and materials. The spaces are designed to be modular and adaptable, and can be systematically reorganised and/or expanded to continuously accommodate 4,000 people. The NATO project, with its 250,000 m², was the largest Belgian construction site in recent decades.
The new NATO headquarters is a modern architectural marvel, showcasing innovative design and engineering. It not only meets the current needs of the Alliance but also provides room for future growth and adaptation.
Fire safety
Our team began with a thorough analysis of the project based on international fire safety regulations. This study formed the basis for a complete fire safety concept.
Our service goes far beyond the installation of fire safety systems: we offer a total package, with a complete range of fire safety services. In the NATO project, we assisted the client with professional advice and worked closely with the Belgian army and local authorities.
We regularly conducted fire and evacuation simulations and supervised the tests and commissioning of the various systems. Additionally, we provided professional aftercare and support in preparing technical safety dossiers and deviation requests.
