Beyond these ornamental bricks lies a story of transformation on Rue Charles Malis. This street in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean boasts a building reborn from its industrial past. Once part of a cigarette factory complex, the building now serves a new purpose. The factory was largely demolished. However, two volumes remained standing along the Rue Charles Malis.
The building’s transformation is quite interesting. In 2018, a competition sought to convert this industrial site. The goal was to create a local city-hall branch. It needed to include a waiting room and twelve counters. Administration offices were also required.
The architects cleverly used the existing structure. They incorporated the program in a fluid and logical way. The shed-shaped volume became the new public entrance. This makes its public function clear from the street. The horizontal volume accommodates the counters and offices on two levels.
The waiting room is designed as an extension of the street. This in-between space feels like part of the city. The counters are aligned with concrete beams in a repetitive way. They offer room and storage for efficient citizen service. Offices are on the upper level. A large circulation area connects them to the counters. This design encourages informal meetings and visual connections. It aims to create an efficient and convivial work environment.
The building features a decorative front façade. It is made of ornamental bricks and blue stone. Each volume has a specific concrete structure and spatial identity. Yet, they are linked together.
Although the structure remained untouched, improvements were made. The façades and techniques were greatly improved. These upgrades ensure high energy performance. They also create a great sense of wellbeing for visitors and employees.
The transformation of this building on Rue Charles Malis is remarkable. It breathes new life into a historical industrial site. It now serves the community as a functional and welcoming city-hall branch. The Rue Charles Malis building stands as a testament to innovative design. It is a great example of adaptive reuse in a dense, multicultural municipality.