FRAME reaches new milestone

The construction of the FRAME building, a bold architectural project commissioned by MSI (Society for Urban Development), designed by the partnership of architectural firms Baukunst (Brussels) - Bruther (Paris) and realized by the construction company BAM Interbuild - Groven+, has just reached a crucial stage. Namely, the completion of the shell construction, marked by the removal of all the struts.

Supported by a steel exoskeleton and concrete exterior columns, FRAME is distinguished by the absence of load-bearing walls in the building, offering exceptional flexibility into the future. Concrete core structures at the perimeter of the building, housing the facilities and techniques, contribute to the stability of the building.

FRAME, with its 8,000 m² spread over 7 floors, will become the flagship of the new media park. The regional radio and television BX1, as well as companies in the media and communications sector, will move into this new building.

Thanks to the full glass facade, we get a view of the entire building that reveals its structure, providing maximum transparency and openness to the city and to MediaPark. The future media park of 9.5 hectares that will also house the new infrastructures of VRT and RTBF.

The name chosen for the building, Frame - Brussels media community, refers to the "framework" the building will provide for the development of this media-focused ecosystem.

Gilles Delforge, director of the MSI: " As the architectural figure of a creative district in the making and a symbol of a sector that is constantly evolving, FRAME offers great flexibility and thus guarantees its long-term use, particularly through the introduction of open and modular floors. The design and execution of this project demonstrate both UAA's desire to position itself as a major player in urban planning and architectural innovation in Brussels and its ability to bring complex projects to fruition."

Wim Straetmans, Managing Director of BAM Interbuild: "The Frame project consists of a very complex structure of steel and concrete that only becomes autostable after all the floors have been realized. As a result, the building had to be permanently supported during construction. Now that the struts are finally gone, the first deformations can occur after which work can begin on the facades and finishing. The combination of this particular and legible structure with the austere architecture makes the project paradoxically both simple and extremely difficult. We are happy to begin the next phase and look forward to completion next year."

Adrien Verschuere, director of the architectural firm Baukunst, said, "In line with an infrastructural design that can evolve over time, thanks to its unique structural design, the project offers both great adaptability in use and a strong identity, ushering in the future Media Park."

Marc de Haan, Managing Director of BX1: "BX1's move into FRAME is an essential part of our development. In addition to an ideal location in the new media district, the more pleasant working environment ensures the design and production of tomorrow's media. We are looking forward to our move, which will take place in 2025. This will be exactly 40 years after the creation of the small non-profit organization that was to become the essential regional media in Brussels, on net, radio and television."