Born in 1989 from the association of the three architects Pierre, Lallemand, Marc Thil, Isidore Zielonka and the civil engineer Philip Van Halteren, Art & Build is based from the outset on a desire for opening out. The four founding members complement each other with their individual experience so that they can diversify their activities and fulfil all the functions connected with the multiple aspects of architecture. This multi disciplinary initiative is converted into numerous projects from town planning to engineering and product design. Talking about these transverse skills, the writer Pierre Loze* affirms that they “also create a dynamic of exchanges and promote the identity of the agency and the prospective dimension of the profession. (…) We never invent anything, everything is in the atmosphere that has to be felt, captured, anticipated, formulated, without going too far or getting stuck in ways, forms or technical solutions which society does not yet want to hear.

A building has to be functional but architects remember that the main driving force is aesthetic. The architectural feat is a result of characteristics determining the object’s reasonable cause. Observing a project’s cultural dimension, the collective identification ensures it a longer life. For the ULB Human Sciences Library (Brussels) with an area of 13000 m2 over 9 floors, it is obvious that it all starts from budgets, a plan and deadlines. It was created in 1994 to be a functional cultural tool. A symbolism of image craves expression. The choice of form (right angled triangle), horizontal lines and materials (white marble, aluminium and glass) which contrast with the existing building is really symbolic. The Museum of Medicine and its extension (1990-2000) integrate a symbolism that retraces history and allegorical elements connected to the practice of medicine. The main building is arranged around a large well of light and is covered in a metallic net masked by a veil of natural stone parted at the level of the entrance.

Hospital centres, the development of grouped residences, banks, tertiary buildings, renovation of cultural centres, casinos, schools, large company headquarters, nothing escapes the architect’s drawing board. In each project the expression of a sensitivity, preferably strong and individual is the simplest testimony to the personality of the various protagonists in Art & Build. But as well as the planning they are aware that their effort must give these projects permanence beyond the purpose they are intended for. Build without polluting materials, consider how to save energy, consider the comfort and health of the occupants, Art & Build takes a line that accounts for all these complex factors. So the Covent Garden complex (2000-20008) with its elliptical form is the first Brussels office building with a water purification unit to recycle water for sanitary, maintenance and watering. For the extensive renovation of Berlaymont seat of the European Commission (1996-2004), the architects commissioned for the concept and design have deliberately chosen the lowest energy consumption as the project’s guideline. The old curtain walls have been replaced by insulating glass facades, sheltered by an articulated heat absorbing glass system.  

An efficient and lasting envelope, this is still the case with the general building of the Council of Europe building in Strasbourg which has received many prizes. Under a large emblematic roof, six building blocks define among themselves the atria and gardens to add life and exchange areas to the work spaces. For buildings intended for the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and Health Care (EDQM), while reflecting the prestige of the institution, a technical language linked to the laboratory and office functions highlights comfort and quality of life. A project which won a competition in 2005 and is aimed at extending and reorganising the Toulouse CHU, the building on stilts is protected from the sun by a double skinned façade. Its external envelope in ornamented clay tile limits sunlight and provides natural air conditioning. The service floor and access bays for firemen define its very expressive external physiognomy.

Today, at the time of balances while realising their thoughts, desires and aspirations, architects are redefining their future objectives. A much more humanistic view of architecture beyond globalisation. Confronted with the new standards of a society in constant evolution they think in advance to stay ahead on the architectural scene. From now on innovative buildings will be in demand with the requirements of the HQE, LEED or BREAAM standards for the environmental performance of buildings. Knowing that these standards are essential for the future, Art & Build keeps to the “C2C in Architecture” manifesto. This quality charter (C2Carchitecture.org) also includes RAU architects (Netherlands), A00 architects (China, Canada) and Zahn Architektur (Germany). A united movement for buildings which carry the flag for the principles of the Cradle to Cradle industrial ecology, the manifesto has been approved by the founders of the C2C paradigm, Michael Braungart and Bill McDonough. Like Art & Build, C2C in Architecture has a decidedly positive vision, “celebrating the abundance of human creativity, of culture and productivity while rejecting the false dichotomy between human development and environmental health.” This is a real industrial revolution. Steven Beckers adds: “Let’s talk about growth and not decline! We are going to expand our working knowledge about construction materials and products. Take for example Desso who are already making use of the scraps form their carpets.”