Royale Belge has won a European Heritage / Europa Nostra Award for Conservation and Adaptive Reuse. Overseen by the European Commission in partnership with Europa Nostra, the awards celebrate and promote the highest standards in heritage interventions, research, and education, training and awareness-raising, as well the longstanding dedication of professionals and volunteers.
The Award for Conservation and Adaptive Reuse highlights projects aiming at conservation, regeneration and adaptation to new uses of cultural heritage, including cultural landscapes.
The jury’s statement said:
“The project to restore the Royale Belge is of remarkable scale and quality, and showcases a commitment to sustainability that is visible throughout. By rescuing this 20th-century Modernist landmark from demolition, the restoration ensures the safeguarding of a vital piece of architectural heritage. Its multifunctional design approach, including the restoration of the surrounding garden space which is now accessible to the public, underscores its versatility and community engagement. Notably, the project’s minimalistic approach to both the building and new additions, which minimised the loss of original material, sets a positive precedent for similar architecture. This restoration shows how large-scale private investment can have a significant social impact”
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