be AG: BNP Paribas Fortis headquarters receives highest honour at MIPIM in Cannes - Seite 2

On the side of the Rue Montagne du Parc, the building is three storeys higher than on the side of the Rue Baron Horta. Nevertheless, thanks to the undulating levels of the roof, it is linked to its surroundings in an organic and almost natural way. An integrated public lift for pedestrians and cyclists connects the upper and lower city of Brussels. The building has several entrances, almost all of which lead to two courtyards and to the Atrium, from which all office spaces are accessible.

Linked to city life
A key role is played by the Atrium, which runs over four floors and plays a connecting role. Food corners make it a lively meeting place, evoking the atmosphere of the city inside. The commercial areas on the ground floor communicate both with the dynamics inside and with city life on the street. In this way, the new head office of BNP Paribas Fortis reaches out to its surroundings in an unforced manner. The building is supported by an exoskeleton of three hundred columns, which are all unique. The columns are made of white architectural concrete containing a green grain. The green colour creates life and depth, an effect that is reinforced by the fact that the cut-outs in the columns follow a dynamic pattern on the façade.
On the inside of the building, open, modern spaces invite people to meet and interact with each other and with the environment. In addition, the spaces are flexible and modular, so they can meet the changing and shifting needs of the users.

Sustainable and green
When the previous building was demolished, the foundations were preserved. Materials were reused and recycled as much as possible. Because part of the original basement space was no longer needed, the lower level could be used for Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage (STES). There is no less than 14,000 m³ of water under the building, enough for four Olympic-sized swimming pools. The heat stored in the water during the summer months can be used in the winter, without using fossil fuels. The building has an extensive green roof of 5,500 m², which is visible from several places, as well as a large number of photovoltaic panels. It is therefore not surprising that Montagne du Parc is a passive building and has been awarded the BREEAM Excellent label.