On the edge of the Sonian Forest, a monumental silhouette defies the laws of traditional geometry: the former CBR headquarters. A true “modernist ocean liner ” completed in 1970, this white concrete building has becomethe ultimate icon of Brutalist and Functionalist style in Belgium. With its 756 oval windows with coppery reflections and its singular interior, this monument stands out as a total work of art. The only Belgian building recognized by New York’s MoMA, it has captivated art lovers worldwide before transforming into a unique coworking space. Immerse yourself in the history of this Brussels giant, a testament to an architectural era without limits.
The Poetry of the Raw: The Architectural Legacy of the CBR in Brussels
Dominatinglocal architecture from the 1950s to the 1970s, the functionalist style reshaped the neighborhoods of Brussels in its own way. Yet, far from the austerity of classic office towers, a more radical movement emerged: Neo-Brutalism. This movement celebrates the “truth of the material,” where concrete is no longer hidden but exposed in all its raw power. In Brussels, this artistic boldness gave rise to buildings of exceptional quality, such as the headquarters of Banque Lambert or the Royale Belge.
The former CBR headquarters embodies the pinnacle of this vision, as here, concrete becomesthe central decorative element of the site. By using modules with fluid curves,the Belgian-Polish architect Constantin Brodzki succeeded in transforming an industrial element into an organic adornment, proving that functionality could go hand in hand with monumental aesthetics. Today, this legacy is being rediscovered by a generation that sees in these colossal structures a geometric poetry unique in the world.
From Brussels to MoMA: the secrets of the giant of Watermael-Boitsfort
Instantly recognizable with its bold lines, the former CBR headquarters has become a veritable playground for urban strollers and photographers. Completed in 1970, this Brussels giant stands out for its 756 oval windows with copper-tinted glass. A true technical feat of its time, this design also required the installation of Belgium’s very first air-conditioning system. A uniqueness that did not escape the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA), which, in 1980, selected it as one of the most iconic buildings of modern architecture worldwide.
Beyond its sculptural façade, the building’s interior design—the result of an artistic collaboration between Jules Wabbes and Florence Knoll—blends the warmth of mahogany partitions with concrete. A futuristic aesthetic that has served as a film set for François Ozon and Jacques Brel. Listed for preservation in 2018, the building now houses sophisticated coworking spaces. A cultural getaway just a few minutes from downtown Brussels.
📍Chau. de la Hulpe 185, 1170 Watermael-Boitsfort
