A cross a myth. That’s how La Libre Belgique described the Royale Belge building in 2003. Right here before you stands this iconic structure a testament to 1960s corporate architecture.
The Royale Belge building wasn’t just any office complex. It served as the headquarters for the Royale Belge insurance company. Construction began on April 4 1967. The grand inauguration followed on June 25 1970. Architects René Stapels and Pierre Dufau designed this masterpiece. They drew inspiration from Eero Saarinen’s John Deere World Headquarters. The result is this striking cross-shaped building.
Notice the Corten steel and bronze-colored smoke-colored windows. They’re a key part of the building’s distinctive look. The building’s height is 50.8 meters. The floor area covers a massive 54000 square meters. The landscape architects Jean Delogne and Claude Rebold integrated the building beautifully into its surroundings. Ponds and greenery surround the Royale Belge. This creates a harmonious blend of architecture and nature.
After the Royale Belge merged with AXA in 1999 things changed. The complex was sold to Cofinimmo. It was leased back to AXA until 2017. Then AXA moved its headquarters. The United States briefly considered buying the Royale Belge. They planned to use it as their embassy. However the building proved unsuitable. It couldn’t support the heavy bulletproof glass needed for an embassy. This led to the Brussels-Capital Region adding it to its safeguarding list. The US abandoned the project.
The Royale Belge wasn’t forgotten though. It underwent a significant renovation in 2023. Caruso St John Architects and Bovenbouw architectuur led this project. The renovation transformed the building. It now includes a restaurant a coworking space a hotel an auditorium and a health center. The building has been given new life. It’s now a vibrant hub for the community. The Royale Belge building continues to stand as a symbol of Brussels’ architectural heritage. A symbol of adaptation and renewal. A symbol of a city that embraces its past while forging its future.