

daniel libeskind’s mons congress center opens in belgium

image © hufton + crow

a convention center in mons, belgium – designed by daniel libeskind – has been completed in time for the town’s inauguration as the european capital of culture. situated close to the french border, the building has been conceived as a bold architectural landmark for the region, connecting the historic town center with the region’s new development.



the building has been conceived as a bold architectural landmark for the region

image © hufton + crow

the building is topped with a steel viewing platform, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape – including the 17th century beffroi tower, and a railway station by santiago calatrava that is currently under construction. the structure’s cladding reveals the interior of the scheme, with lower walls finished with upright timber slats. the design’s contrasting upper section boasts vertical bands of anodized aluminum that follow the wall’s curvature.



the building is topped with a steel viewing platform, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape

image © hufton + crow

internally, concrete ribbon walls allow for a greater flexibility of space, providing more floor area for the site’s various facilities. alongside three auditoriums, the complex also houses a grand entrance hall, a multi-purpose space, various conference rooms, offices, a restaurant, underground parking and a green roof. an expansive public forecourt surrounds the building, completed using a polished, earth-colored concrete, flecked with bands of blue belgian stone.

the building will open to the public in january, 2015.



internally, concrete ribbon walls allow for a greater flexibility of space

image © hufton + crow



an expansive public forecourt will eventually surround the building

image © hufton + crow



the design connects the historic town center with the region’s new development

image © hufton + crow

project info:

client: city of mons

building size: total floor area: 12,500 sqm (134,548 sqf)

status: under construction

estimated completion: 2015

photography: hufton + crow

architect of record: H2A IR architecte & associes

cost & site supervision: CIT blaton (cost) SEMACO (site supervision)

structural engineer: ney & partner

mechanical engineer: energys

electrical engineer: putman

contractor: CIT blaton/galère

façade engineer: somec group

auditorium seats: poltrona frau/cassina (‘tangram’ libeskind design)

technical review: SECO

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