KANAL – Centre Pompidou

The KANAL project in Brussels, a former Citroën garage (built 1933-34) currently undergoing a major transformation, is set to become one of Europe’s largest centres for modern and contemporary art and architecture. Thanks to the combined experiences of the three speakers, LUCA invites you to discover this project of exceptional scope, both in terms of its scale and the innovative process orchestrated by the Bouwmeester Maître Architecte (BMA) and its team.

The Ambition of Complexity

By Kristiaan Borret (BMA 2015–2025, Brussels)

Kristiaan Borret, Bouwmeester Maître Architecte from 2015 to 2025, will introduce the vision behind KANAL – a fully public project within Brussels’ major urban transformation. As BMA, he will reflect on the collaborative process shaped through open competitions, highlighting how diversity and experimentation have guided the project’s development: “Definitely complex, like Brussels itself”.

From Car Garage to Third Place

By Philippe Viérin (Architect and Managing Director, noAarchitecten, Brussels + Guest Professor, Politecnico di Milano)

In his presentation, Philippe Viérin will discuss the transformation of the former Citroën factory – composed of an iconic Showroom and a large factory space behind it – into a cultural “Third Place”, a hub hosting arts and performance. He will outline how the project redefines the museum as an open and shared civic space, fostering interaction, production and collective use, responding to an increasing absence of shared public spaces in our cities today.

The Bar-Brasserie – a Venue for Brussels

By Aliki Loïzidis (Architect, L'ÉQUIPE architectes, Brussels)

KANAL’s bar-brasserie has been conceived by L'ÉQUIPE to act as a mediator between city and culture. Aliki Loïzidis will explore its architectural concept, revealing how the project engages with context and users. Designed around the archetypes of the amphitheatre and covered square, it encourages public gathering and flexibility of use. A central sculptural bar, inspired by local car-body craftsmanship, connects the site’s industrial heritage with contemporary architectural expression.

• Language : EN
• Free, upon registration

Organised as part of the “Soft Power: The Brussels Way of Making the City” exhibition.