Henning Larsen envisions Fælledby as Copenhagen’s first all-timber neighbourhood
by Zohra KhanJan 16, 2020
•make your fridays matter with a well-read weekend
by Zohra KhanPublished on : May 24, 2019
The architecture of convention centers often appears confusing, intimidating and unwelcoming. Though it remains impactful to the distant eye, given the imposing scale and demeanor, once inside, sometimes, the script gets flipped.
The NEO 2 Convention Center, symbolic of Brussels’ rich culture and public interests, integrates people, connectivity and identity. The concept proposed by Scandinavian architecture firm, Henning Larsen in collaboration with Belgium architects, A2RC was shortlisted as one of two finalists in a design competition. This scheme presents a ‘European model for a modern and multi-functional conference district’, which the team at Henning Larsen believes, “creates a space connected to the surroundings, the city, nature and the changing seasons.”
“Our proposal for the 76,000 sqm NEO 2 convention center in Brussels is a friendly gesture to the area with accessibility, human scale and transparency as focal points for the design,” explain the designers.
The context largely comprises of cultural buildings and public spaces including museums, theatres and parks, whereas an underground metro station sits below the site. The convention center has been modelled to harmonise with the human scale. The entire massing is broken into smaller volumes where each block from inside-out, creates a micro-climate that provides comfort and ease for people to meet and work.
“Architecture, no matter size or budget, should allow people to gather and stage human interaction through eye-level design: design that frames people and their relations to each other and the city,” say the designers of the Copenhagen based firm.
The space is designed as a glazed fluid form, which is an interconnected structure with several levels. Sitting at the heart of the building is a large foyer that brings people together and offers panoramic views of the built environment and beyond. At one corner, a slope leads to the rooftop which is a big public park. These terraces overlook striking views of the Brussels’ World Fair and its famous Atomium installation. Other spaces include a 5000-seater plenary, exhibition areas, multiple squares and a public plaza that support the inviting and alluring appearance of the NEO 2.
The proposal attests to the firm’s strong belief that grand projects could be more than just iconic buildings. And rightly so, architecture comes first for the people and later for what it is like and how it is built.
by Aarthi Mohan Sep 24, 2025
An exhibition by Ab Rogers at Sir John Soane’s Museum, London, retraced five decades of the celebrated architect’s design tenets that treated buildings as campaigns for change.
by Bansari Paghdar Sep 23, 2025
The hauntingly beautiful Bunker B-S 10 features austere utilitarian interventions that complement its militarily redundant concrete shell.
by Mrinmayee Bhoot Sep 22, 2025
Designed by Serbia and Switzerland-based studio TEN, the residential project prioritises openness of process to allow the building to transform with its residents.
by Zohra Khan Sep 19, 2025
In a conversation with STIR, Charles Kettaneh and Nicolas Fayad discuss the value of preservation and why they prioritise small, precise acts of design over grand erasures.
make your fridays matter
SUBSCRIBEEnter your details to sign in
Don’t have an account?
Sign upOr you can sign in with
a single account for all
STIR platforms
All your bookmarks will be available across all your devices.
Stay STIRred
Already have an account?
Sign inOr you can sign up with
Tap on things that interests you.
Select the Conversation Category you would like to watch
Please enter your details and click submit.
Enter the 6-digit code sent at
Verification link sent to check your inbox or spam folder to complete sign up process
by Zohra Khan | Published on : May 24, 2019
What do you think?