An integrated and future-ready campus for Brussels
VUB
At the heart of Brussels, the campus of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has been expanded through a major development that brings together living, learning, research and social interaction. The project supports the university’s ambition to create a sustainable, accessible and future-oriented campus while reinforcing its identity as an international hub for knowledge and exchange.
Facts about the project
- Expertise:
- Architecture
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
- Client
- 32.100 m²
- Area
- CONIX RDBM Belgium
- Partners
- Architecture, MEP engineering, structural engineering and acoustics
- Expertise
Photo © CONIX RDBM Belgium
Photo © CONIX RDBM BelgiumA compact campus with a strong identity
Brussels is Belgium’s largest student city and a unique meeting place for different cultures, languages and backgrounds. Within this context, VUB developed a new campus cluster along Triomflaan, bringing together education, research, culture and student life.
The project includes 650 student rooms, new lecture halls, a council chamber and a range of cultural facilities, including a concert hall, cultural café and exhibition space. By combining these functions, the development creates a vibrant campus environment that encourages interaction and strengthens connections within the university community.
Building a green and open campus
The campus development builds on the qualities that already define the VUB campus today: openness, accessibility and a strong presence of green spaces. The new buildings are arranged compactly along the campus edge, allowing the green core to be preserved to the greatest extent possible.
The former student village structure has been transformed into a high-quality landscape setting that provides more space for social interaction, recreation and biodiversity. As a result, the campus is evolving into an open and sustainable learning environment where architecture and landscape work together.
Photo © CONIX RDBM Belgium
Photo © CONIX RDBM BelgiumStudent housing as an urban edge
The new student residence forms a linear volume along Triomflaan, creating a clear transition between the city and the campus. Thanks to its strategic location, the building strengthens the university’s urban presence while protecting the green interior landscape.
Despite this clearly defined campus edge, the relationship with the city remains strong. The articulation of the building volumes and the continuous green boulevard provide transparency, visual connections and a natural link between the campus and its urban surroundings.
A sustainable vision for campus development
The new campus cluster demonstrates how densification and greening can successfully go hand in hand. By organising functions compactly and placing the landscape at the heart of the design, the project creates a high-quality campus that is ready for future growth.
The result is a contemporary educational environment where architecture, public space and greenery combine to create an inspiring place for students, staff and visitors.
