B2Ai Architects transformed an existing space into the bright and functional St. Michel Molenbeek School in Brussels, Belgium.

From tobacco depot to school. There is no bigger contrast. September 1st the students moved in on the historical site of former tobacco depot Saint Michel. The new campus should, in the first place, partially solve the shortage in dutch education in Brussels, but also enlivens the Maritime neighbourhood in Molenbeek.

The Maritime neighbourhood is in full development. More and more different functions find their spot in the neighbourhood, as does education from now on. The area around Tour & Taxis has an unseen dynamic with projects such as Herman Teirlinck, Tivoli Green City and the construction of the Picardbridge and the Beco park alongside the Havenlaan. These new schools also get a central spot in the neighbourhood. With this project the VGC wants to create social cohesion and development opportunities for youth, by also offering after-hour leisure activities on site. The campus will cover about 17.000m² and offer a complete secondary education. The GO! Lyceum Martha Somers moves from Laken to Molenbeek and organises ASO education. The Imelda Institute (vzw KatOBA) moves in from Brussels and Anderlecht and will provide technical and vocational education. The capacity of dutch education hereby grows with 1.167 places.

The concrete structure of the former tabaco factory is preserved during the renovation and will facilitate the construction of modular spaces between the existing columns. The building will contain 80 classrooms, 2 gyms, different laboratories, polyvalent rooms and playgrounds on the roof.

Architect: B2Ai Architects
Photography: Klaas Verdru