The New NATO Headquarters (2001)
Schmidt Hammer Lassen - SHL
Facts:
Architect
schmidt hammer lassen architects
Client
NATO
Area
184,000 m²
Construction sum
€ 294 mio excl. VAT
Competition
2001 - 2002, finalist in restricted international competition
Status
Competition proposal
Engineer
COWI A/S
Description:
The circle as a symbol of unity, openness and collaboration is a recurring architectonic figure in the design proposal for the new NATO Headquarters in Brussels. In the project proposal, the headquarters takes the form of a large circular building complex – a white, transparent and cohesive whole on an open, level surface.
The compact circular structure has a diameter of 380 metres and is encompassed by a 30 metre tall white colonnade. The extensive blue water surface on which the circle sits, sets it somewhat apart from its surroundings – but it also acts as a unifying landscape architectural element penetrating deep into the interspaces between all the various NATO units. A large crossroads – the intersection of north-south oriented and east-west oriented axes at the centre of the circle – houses the headquarters’ many communal functions. On its southern edge a curved breach in the circle creates a striking independent construction element – NATO’s conference centre.
The overall impression of the headquarters is of coolness and whiteness, while the internal organic volumes of the conference centre are clad with bronzed metal sheeting, thus expressing a warm glow.
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