Goethe Institut

Designing the Expansion of the Goethe-Institut The expansion of the Goethe-Institut required a careful balance between preserving the existing structure and maximizing the use of the available land. The building at Rue Belliard 58 is one of the last remaining 19th-century houses on the street. Originally built as a patrician house in 1871, it has served as the home of the Goethe-Institut in Brussels since the 1960s. The historic façade of the former mansion was meticulously restored, and behind it, the new structure was built. With its composite-clad, recessed façade, the new building rises discreetly behind the historic one without overshadowing it. We crafted the building’s unique shapes using composite materials, creating a distinctive effect that seamlessly integrates with the historic architecture. The impact lies in the blend of traditional and modern design, with the composite materials accentuating the unique forms and lines of the new construction.