Eduardo Souto de Moura and META have been selected as the preferred bidder for the development of the Beurshal en Congresgebouw in Bruges
The City of Bruges has appointed the architectural team of Eduardo Souto de Moura and META for the development of the new Beurshal en Congresgebouw in Bruges. Negotiations will continue over the coming months in order to reach a best and final offer (BAFO), after which the assignment can be awarded. The developer of the project is the Belgian listed company CFE and the contractor MBG.
"The preferred bidder’s team has produced a design that shows respect for the city because it lets Bruges be Bruges. We’re not opting for architecture as spectacle, but for something sober and extremely functional, which is very Bruges."
[ Renaat Landuyt, Mayor of Bruges ]
Following the advice of the assessment committee led by bOb Van Reeth, the College of the Mayor and Aldermen chose this proposal for its genuine and timeless design, and this in respect of appearance, visual value and use of materials. Rather than attempt to radically change the site and its surroundings, the principal aim is to integrate the proposed design and to add value through quality. The building does not have the ambition to be spectacular. In contrast, it is robust and present, and in an honest and enduring manner.
The assessment committee was of the opinion that the new building will serve the neighbourhood and district, and both residents and visitors, as if it had always been there. Furthermore, the design proposal meets the highest demands in terms of durability, accessibility, fire safety, maintenance and user-friendliness.
Horizontal Beurshal and stacked Congresgebouw
Souto de Moura and META have designed the Beurshal as a covered square. The activities are organised horizontally. The functions in the conference centre are stacked. Although the exhibition and conference facilities are housed under one roof, they are structurally separated from each other, which makes double and simultaneous use of the building perfectly possible. The Trade Fair Square is equipped on three sides with sliding glass walls that can be fully opened. This offers the City the opportunity to create a covered (exhibition) square on days when no specific trade fairs or events are planned. Which means the people of Bruges also gain a covered square.
About Eduardo Souto de Moura
Eduardo Souto de Moura (b. 25 July 1952, Porto) is a renowned Portuguese architect and winner of the Pritzker Prize. He is one of the core teachers at the Porto School of Architecture. In Belgium, Souto de Moura previously realized the ‘Uitzicht’ crematorium in Kortrijk (in collaboration with Sum Project). He achieved world-wide recognition for his unique football stadium in Braga, Portugal.
