Charles Malis
studio fiftyfifty

Charles Malis

MAMOUT Architectes as Architects

The building is located in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, a multicultural and dense municipality situated in the north part of Brussels, Belgium


The assignment for the competition was to transform an industrial site into a local city-hall branch including a waiting room, 12 counters and administration offices.


The existing building used to be part of a complex forthe production of cigarettes, which has been largely demolished in the past decades. Nowadays only two volumes remain along the rue Charles Malis.


Each volume has a specific concrete structure and spatial identity. However, they are linked together as a whole by the decorative front façade made out of ornamental bricks and blue stone.


The proposal takes advantage of the existing situation by inserting the program in a fluid and logical disposal into the structure, without degradingit. The shed shaped volume becomes logically the new public entrance,making its public function evident from the street, while the horizontalvolume accommodates the counters and the offices on two levels.


To enhance the accessible nature of this public service, the waiting room is designed as the extension of the street; an in-between space which can be experienced as a part of the city.The counters are organized in a repetitive way, aligned with the concrete beams. They offer room and storage for an effective treatment of the citizen requests.


The offices, situated on the upper level, are linked with the counters by a large circulation area, designed for informal meeting with visual connections in order to create an efficient but yet convivial way of working


Although the existing structure remained untouched, the façades and techniques of the building are greatly improved to achieve high energetic performance and great wellbeing for visitors and employees.

Product Spec Sheet

ElementBrand
ManufacturersAGC Glass Europe
ManufacturersMapei
ManufacturersRecticel B.V.
Product Spec Sheet
Manufacturers
Manufacturers
by Mapei
Manufacturers
Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo
28 Mar 2024 News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo

Global transdisciplinary architecture and design practice Snøhetta has designed a new entranc... More

10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More

Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon
22 Mar 2024 News
Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon

The Eugénie Brazier school project in Lyon, France, undertaken by regional architecture studi... More

Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture
21 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture

Designed by Peter Pichler Architecture, the new Bonfiglioli Headquarters is located in Calderara di... More