This assignment consisted of two parts. The first one was to analyse an existing building, in our case the Brussels-North railway station. Alongside a section we had to create a model on a scale of 1/25 to express the materiality and uniqueness of the building. Remarkable identities of the building were then further used in the design of part two. As can be seen in the pictures, there were, three major factors that defined the space. The unique and high windows in the big hall that give its grandeur. The difference in height and the element of surprise or the opening up if you enter the hall. And the different experience of the space when you stand higher on the staircase: Then the windows start from eye-level and you get a glimpse of the outside.

The second part consisted of designing an administration hall. A part of the exercise was to incorporate an element from the first part. A part of the former volume of 'parking 58' in Brussels was used as location. The design that evolved from these restrictions is a rather classical interpretation. This way it ensures a future proof space where afterwards other functions can be established. The administration hall itself is located at the top of the volume giving a nice view over the city. An entrance was made in the middle of the building, enabling a pedestrian connection with two streets.

Before accessing the escalators to the top floor, you enter a room where at both sides commercial or economic activities are possible. A desk or counter gives you information on where you have to be. Mid-level the escalator connects to a platform that provides entrance to offices in the middle of the building. A first view over Brussels is given when reaching the top of the escalators. The view invites you to take a moment and enjoy or visitors can wait their turn. A little higher up is the hall itself with the desks at each side of the space and their backgrounds consisting of a beautiful view over Brussels. Not only are the windows in the hall a reference to the station but also the different experience of different heights. The course to the top surprises and opens up when reaching the end of the parkour the same way the hall of the station surprises after exiting the tunnel in Brussels-North.