Belgacomtoren
Context
This project focuses on designing a small-scale dwelling for two people, located within a chosen site in Belgium. The intervention is limited to a maximum volume of 200 m³ and is conceived in close relation to its surroundings.
The design is driven from the inside out, with a strong emphasis on how the interior experience shapes the perception of the exterior. By anchoring the project to its specific context, the dwelling becomes inseparable from its location.
Proces
The design process explored the idea of a temporary, open dwelling positioned on the threshold between public and private space. The use of glass was essential to fully engage with the surroundings, which led to the introduction of soft curtains to provide privacy — creating a contrast with the rigid, brutalist grid of the existing Belgacom tower.
This dialogue between hardness and softness was further developed through the rounded glass walls, allowing for a panoramic experience of the environment. Subtle level differences within the interior add a sense of movement and spatial dynamism, balancing the otherwise static structure.
Concept
This temporary dwelling is conceived as a space for two open-minded artists, offering a setting that encourages reflection, exchange, and inspiration. Positioned on the edge between public and private, the project explores how living can become a performative act within the city.
Through the use of curtains, the inhabitants can shift between moments of exposure and intimacy, turning the act of dwelling into a subtle performance. In this way, the residence not only frames views of the city, but also presents itself to it — blurring the boundary between observer and participant.
Conclusion
This project reflects on the transformation of the Belgacomtoren, exploring how an existing structure can be reinterpreted within a changing urban context. By combining research and spatial thinking, it translates a complex architectural history into a clear and coherent proposal.
It shows my approach to working with existing conditions and reshaping them into a design outcome.
For plans or more information contact Elouise.debacker@student.hogent.be