ULB

For the Brussels Bouwmeester competition, OSK-AR, in collaboration with Archipelago, is creating a renovation design for the ULB campus’s architecture department. The project aims to revitalize the ‘Solbosch’ building while honoring its industrial heritage. Enhancements will also improve accessibility and engage the surrounding areas, creating quality outdoor spaces for gatherings and design studio extensions.

Central to the renovation is a new atrium, which increases natural light and airflow while fostering connectivity throughout the campus. The design minimizes invasive changes, preserving the building's historical significance and allowing for a flexible open-plan layout that meets evolving user needs.

Our analysis of ‘Solbosch’ has identified various space typologies, each with specific characteristics such as ceiling height and natural light access. The design emphasizes heritage preservation in both façade and interior spaces, with internal insulation to meet energy standards and serve as an educational resource. The atrium will enhance natural ventilation and promote sustainability throughout the building.