Docks Bruxsel

Docks Bruxsel arose on Brussels’ oldest industrial site which once housed the legendary Godin heating factory. The project fits seamlessly within the plan of renewing the Brussels northern district with a wink to the past. The industrial legacy of the capital seeps through the contemporary design drawn by Art&Build and carried out by the teams of BESIX and BPC. Its eco-responsible techniques make it the first European shopping complex which has been awarded the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ Certificate.

In order to adhere to the strict planning, the BESIX teams were continuously expanded during the project. They could count on experienced colleagues who had already worked on commercial centres such as the Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Nestled along the Brussels canal, in the busy northern district, the logistics weren’t straightforward. The use of the canal for the transportation of materials turned a negative into a positive and diminished the transport via trucks. Big parts of the complex were prefabricated and delivered in their entirety on site further reducing transport.  

Also a member of BESIX Group, the company Franki Foundations Belgium ensured a solid base for the complex in the redeveloped brownfield site.  890 meters of diaphragm walls were placed at a 13-meter depth. Additionally, they installed 250 anchors.

The early delivery of the project - 3 weeks ahead of schedule -  gave the many trader-tenants a head start in making a profit. Docks Bruxsel is the first European shopping complex which has been awarded the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ Certificate. Rainwater is used to maintain plantations and sanitary facilities. Big open spaces maximally exploit the natural light. The warm water which heats the complex, is sourced from the Brussels incinerator. A total of 10.350 m² of photovoltaic cells help supply the centre of electricity.