The project proposes a multidisciplinary renovation of Le Botanique, aiming to enhance its character, functionality, and accessibility ×
type : Social-cultural equipement
surface : 5000 m2
status : Competition
localisation : Schaerbeek
année : 2020
Restricted competition FWB, Second Place
In association with Atelier DE VISSCHER & VINCENTELLI
scenography: TTAS / Ingenium
stability: Ney & Partners
TS & PEB: Energ-IR
acoustics: Daidalos Peutz
The project proposes a multidisciplinary renovation of Le Botanique, aiming to enhance its character, functionality, and accessibility while preserving its heritage value. Developed in close collaboration with technical, structural, and fire-safety experts, the design emphasizes pragmatic architectural interventions that reveal the intrinsic qualities of the building and respect its historical axes, volumes, and symmetries.
Key interventions focus on spatial clarity and circulation: obsolete connections between the Orangerie and Café-Bota are removed, new internal routes and vertical access points are introduced for audiences, staff, and artists, and accessibility for persons with reduced mobility is ensured throughout. The project also improves audience flow, optimizes emergency evacuation, and allows independent operation of Café-Bota from performance spaces.
The architectural concept highlights Le Botanique’s festive, intergenerational, and nocturnal character while proposing reversible and low-impact interventions that maintain the integrity of the historic structure. Technical upgrades include structural reinforcement, new elevators, sanitary facilities, and stage access enhancements, all integrated to optimize functionality without overcomplicating the existing spaces.