Belgian Buildings Agency: international ideas contest involving the Courthouse (Palace of Justice) in Brussels
The Brussels’ Palace of Justice is a symbol for the power of Justice, dominates the skyline of Brussels and is a window to the past. Yet the stately justice building is hard to secure and to modernize. In this context and taking into consideration the Belgian chairmanship of the European Union, the Belgian Buildings Agency and the Department of Justice are holding an international ideas contest under the name of ‘Brussels Courthouse: Imagine the future’.
The goal of the contest is to develop a vision about the future of this Courthouse. This vision will be expressed in one or more rough ideas regarding an architectural and urban project for the building and the surroundings of the Poelaert square. Rather than on finished urban development or architectural projects the contest focuses on ideas involving the functions of the Palace of Justice such as the future judicial or other functions of the building and the surroundings of Poelaert square.
The proposed projects need to take into account the monumental value of the building as well as the significance of this location in a present-day context. The line of approach is kept as wide as possible.
The contest aims at experts from all countries in the fields of architecture, urban development and justice, engineers, trade engineers, artists, .... as well as at schools that are active in these sectors.
The participants may cover one of the following two scenarios:
- or the Palace of Justice with a (partially) judicial function as, e.g., the Court of Appeal (civil department), the Court of Cassation, the office of the public prosecutor, the Court of Assizes and the bars;
- or the Palace of Justice without any sort of “judicial” function.
You can register for contest until 15th October 2010; all necessary information (registration form, etc.) is available on www.brusselscourthousecontest.be The rules of the contest can also be downloaded.
One can enter the contest individually or in group. All projects must be handed in till 16th November 2010 at the latest.
The laureates will be chosen by a jury in both scenarios
An amount of 60,000 euros will be divided under the 2 scenarios in the course of which each scenario will be rewarded as follows:
- 15000 euros for the winner;
- 10000 euros for the runner up;
- 5000 euros for the third laureate.
Contact
Johan Vanderborght: +32 (0)2 541 65 05
Spokesman
johan.vanderborght@regiedergebouwen.be
