• location: Brussels
• program: European Parliament Building
• client: EU
• design: 2021-2022
• design team: Juliette Bekkering with Neutelings Riedijk Architects

Juliette Bekkering collaborated with Neutelings Riedijk Architects on the design for the new European Parliament.  We designed the House of European Democracy as an open, inviting and sustainable representative of the European Parliament and the European Union. In our vision the new House of European Democracy connects and welcomes the European citizens through an open and visible public heart in the center of the building. The House follows the European tradition of continuity and innovation through intelligent re-use combined with innovative renewal. One of the key points of our plan is the recycling of the existing structure of the Paul-Henri Spaak Building, thus meeting the ambitions to realize a super sustainable building.
 
The introduction of a new front square on the side of Parc Léopold allows for a gradual transfer from park to building. With its new entrances and connections, the House provides a lively, active and interesting addition to the park.
 
The representative and adaptable chamber room is in close contact with its surrounding nature by a large park window and topped with abundant daylight that can be filtered, shaded or blocked when necessary. We designed the chamber in such a way that it can accommodate different uses and democratic events, like a citizens assembly.

our competition team members: Neutelings-Riedijk Architects, Boydens engineering Sweco belgium Ney & Partners WOW  Juliette Bekkering  David Van ReybrouckWAX Architectural Visualizations  YUCONVR