Rising high above Avenue Louise stands a testament to modernist ambition. That is the Louise Tower. Its story is one of architectural vision, corporate power and urban transformation.
The Louise Tower construction began in 1968. It was completed in 1971. The American company ITT commissioned it. The Louise Tower marked its time. It broke with Brussels’ urban landscape. The tower’s presence at the beginning of Avenue Louise makes a statement. It symbolizes entry into the city.
Walter Bresseleers of the ELD agency designed the Louise Tower. He was associated with architect Walter Gropius. Its architecture draws inspiration from North American skyscrapers. These skyscrapers shared the same modernist style.
The Louise Tower is reminiscent of Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe’s Seagram Building. Its open ground floor and black aluminum facade stand out. This makes it a rare European example of this style. The Louise Tower has 25 floors. It reaches a height of 102 meters. It consists of two towers. One tower is technical. The other tower contains offices.
The Louise Tower’s entrance faces Avenue Louise. This detail adds to its prestige. The ground floor’s layout has seen many changes. The principle remained consistent. A few steps lead up to the entrance. This overcomes the upward slope from Avenue Louise.
Today the entrance features a glass cube. Inside is a dry garden. The entrance opens into a monumental hall. It has a high ceiling of 7.70 meters. The reception area is minimalist. It includes a desk, waiting areas and private access. This leads to the distributive tower.
Renovations aimed to restore nobility to the reception area. New designs align with the building’s history. They also update its vocabulary. The stone floor was replaced with custom granito. Brass joints lead into the building on the staircase. The banister’s top rail is also brass. The glass cube’s structure was repainted black. It was formerly grey steel. This makes it less aggressive and more contemporary.
A custom light fixture welcomes visitors. It is like entering a tunnel. At night, it highlights the cube. It attracts attention with its size. The interior floor was once pink marble. It is now a new screed covered in custom granito. Brass joints punctuate it. The upper part of the hall has a mustard carpet. This recalls the brass theme.
The existing desk was replaced with a monolithic counter. It is covered in the same granito. Brass joints guide visitors towards the elevators. A black aluminum slatted wall adds privacy. This is for visitors near La Cambre Abbey. Selene suspensions provide soft light above the desk. The suspended ceiling is painted black. This gives intimacy and warmth. Existing LEDs guide visitors.
The elevator hall once had pink marble. Now, granito walls match the floor. This creates unity. Brass joints are featured on the walls. The elevator doors are covered with brass film. This adds elegance. The cabin’s interior was transformed. It now features matt black panels and a full-length mirror. This gives a sense of grandeur.
The Louise Tower floor landings were once unwelcoming. Each had different materials. Walls are now covered in white laminate. This provides maximum light. Ceilings are painted black like the entrance hall. Luminous LEDs display the tower’s logo. The floor is covered with light micro-cement. Elevator doors are covered in brass film.
The Louise Tower stands as a symbol. It represents Brussels’ blend of history and modernity. Its story continues to evolve. It adapts to the city’s changing needs.