Former Industrialized Area in Belgium Transformed Into Futuristic Eco-Village

green sustainable architecture biomimetic design vincent callebaut tour and taxis

Belgian ecological designer Vincent Callebaut is a master of green sustainable architecture. With his new conceptual project, he creates yet another environmentally sensitive fantasy land, this time transforming Brussels' historic Tour & Taxis. The resulting concept is a sleek, futuristic eco-village that any young professional would love to call home.

As a former industrial site, Tour & Taxis was once a symbol of the golden age of Industrialization, and its approximately 100 acres (40 hectares) is currently undergoing a renewal. So, it's only fitting that the native architect turn his incredibly imaginative creative force toward imagining the space as only he can.

Callebaut's concept is a mixed-use eco-village based on principles of biomimetic design. Located along the Brussels canal, the entire neighborhood is energy efficient. In fact, it will generate more energy than needed due to the abundance of provisions incorporated into the design. Passive design, renewable wind and solar energy, evapotranspiration gardens, and geothermal stations are just some of Callebaut's energy efficient projections.

green sustainable architecture biomimetic design vincent callebaut tour and taxis

The space is broken into different zones focusing on residential and commercial spaces. Acting as a hub for the area, the Marine Center will be morphed into a BIOCAMPUS. A mixed use space constructed in solid wood and cross-laminated timber, its curves hug visitors into a welcoming embrace.

The residential core is centered around three landscaped buildings that resemble ski jumps. Labeled vertical gardens, the lush greenery transforms the former wetland area into a garden paradise.

Designing wisely with a futuristic touch, Callebaut has once again proved that sexy aesthetics and sustainable sensibilities can co-exist.

From industrial area to eco-village, Tours & Taxis undergoes a sustainable makeover from Vincent Callebout.

green sustainable architecture biomimetic design vincent callebaut tour and taxis

green sustainable architecture biomimetic design vincent callebaut tour and taxis

The BIOCAMPUS is the center of daily life in this biomimetic design based on the forms of nature.

green sustainable architecture biomimetic design vincent callebaut tour and taxis

green sustainable architecture biomimetic design vincent callebaut tour and taxis

These residential vertical gardens are the perfect example of green sustainable architecture.

green sustainable architecture biomimetic design vincent callebaut tour and taxis

green sustainable architecture biomimetic design vincent callebaut tour and taxis

green sustainable architecture biomimetic design vincent callebaut tour and taxis

green sustainable architecture biomimetic design vincent callebaut tour and taxis

green sustainable architecture biomimetic design vincent callebaut tour and taxis

green sustainable architecture biomimetic design vincent callebaut tour and taxis

green sustainable architecture biomimetic design vincent callebaut tour and taxis

Spread over 100 acres, Callebout's concept is part of an effort to revitalize the former industrial center, which was built on wetlands.

green sustainable architecture biomimetic design vincent callebaut tour and taxis

Vincent Callebaut Architectures: Website | Facebook

h/t: [Inhabitat]

All images via Vincent Callebaut Architectures.

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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