Circularium, Brussels, Belgium

In the old industrial district of Brussels, a former garage and car dealership complex has been enjoying a new existence as a focus for short-circuit retail and the cultural life of the capital since March 2020. Regenerated largely with the reuse of existing materials and with a new name, Circularium offers affordable workspaces and meeting facilities on a 2-hectare site.

Providing a new home for start-ups and events projects, the buildings are powered mainly by electricity from on-site photovoltaic panels, and host 3,000m² of shared metalworking, ceramics and textile workshop space. To encourage as many local entrepreneurs as possible to use the new facility, its coworking spaces are free to use. Less than three years after opening, Circularium has already welcomed nearly 100,000 visitors. Occupancy periods, floorspace and ceiling height are all flexible, and can be extended if necessary.

Paying with thanks. The Circularium’s Magasin Gratuit (Free Shop) is a welcoming and sociable space offering clothes, books, home decoration, kitchen utensils and other products at absolutely no cost. Customers ‘pay’ for them simply by writing a Thank You note to their donors.

95% occupancy rate for this new facility opened in March 2020

Technical Sheet

• Architect: 51N4E

• Project owner: D’Ieteren Immo