Three Belgian projects on shortlist MIPIM Awards 2023

Scholen van Morgen (70 different Belgian and international architects)

Scholen van Morgen is a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Flemish public authorities on the one hand and AG Real Estate with BNP Paribas Fortis on the other, initiated in response to the ageing and overcrowding of schools in the Flemish region in Belgium. In 2010, with AG Real Estate as operational manager, the project started to design, build and finance 165 school infrastructure projects and to maintain them for 30 years. The majority of these initial school projects were completed and delivered by the end of 2017. At that time, based on the proven success of the operation, the programme was expanded to include 17 additional projects, bringing the total to 182 schools, and impacting 133,000 students on more than 710,000 m2. These last 17 projects have been fully delivered in 2021 and 2022, except for the last one, which will be completed in early 2023.

Collegium (Studio Farris Architects)

The former ‘OLV Collegium’ (19th century), situated in the historical center of Zottegem, was purchased by developer, Vanhout in 2017. SFA was selected to design the masterplan for a new residential project and a public underground parking for the city. SFA’s vision was to regenerate the area through reconnection with the historical center and establishing an iconic connection with the historical building. The new design provides a cluster of buildings forming a large green courtyard around the former collegium. A strong connection between the busiest shopping street and the new project creates a serene atmosphere to pass through to the other side of the city, while giving access to the public underground parking. The project includes 65 apartments spread among the historical building and the new extension. A range of terraces, formed by a series of steps, creates beautiful views to the city and a sense of livability.