Belgian architecture studio OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen (KGDVS), in collaboration with Jaspers-Eyers Architects, has won a competition to design a new headquarters for Flemish Radio and Television (VRT) in the future Media Park in Brussels. The project is the result of a year-long competition, developed by a collective of firms dubbed VRT Morgen, which also includes: Bureau Bas Smets, Tractebel, CES, Ideal Acoustics, Willemen Construct, Jan De Nul Group, and EEG. 

The competition, launched in February 2020, was part of the transformation of the Reyers district and the realization of mediapark.brussels. Seven construction teams submitted proposals. The VRT Morgen team was awarded the contract with a maximum construction cost of approximately $159 million. 

The new VRT headquarters will span 65,000 square meters, with 40,000 square meters of that above ground. It is set to open in the summer of 2026. The new media house focuses on flexibility and cooperation, with spaces for meeting taking a key role. It is a horizontal, publicly accessible building composed of two stacked volumes. It occupies a minimal surface and forms a compact figure. The upper level is a boxy, atelier building measuring 87 x 87 meters that provides hyper flexible work and recording spaces. This three-story space features five generous green courtyards that act as connecting hubs between different departments. Each of these gardens is distinguished by different kinds of vegetation. 

The base of the building is an octagonal volume, consisting of a spacious lobby, the biggest recording studios, logistics areas, meeting places for employees and visitors, and the event space. The new headquarters will be fossil-fuel free with a limited ecological footprint. It is integrated in its natural environment and aims to preserve as many existing trees as possible. The plan also includes an insulating building shell. It will be fully heated by means of recuperated heat and heat pumps. Additionally, 2,300 square meters of solar panels will be installed on the roof to support the electrical installation. 

Given its multi-faceted form, the building has no real backside, making it very accessible for all. It strives for an A ++ label, which designates buildings that are highly accessible to both visitors and employees. The building’s transparent façade invites those outside to see the work of the media house and vice versa. With the new VRT headquarters, the VRT Morgen team has designed an ideal place for creating media through its flexibility and openness.