IMAL Space

Programme

Exhibition, production (FABLAB) and education spaces.

The challenges facing public projects in Belgium, particularly those with a focus on inclusivity, can make them a daunting task. However, success in these projects lies not in the hands of a single architect imposing their vision, but in collaboration within an interdisciplinary team with unwavering commitment to the public good. The task of expanding public space within an existing three-story building on a tight budget is especially challenging, yet good architecture has the power to foster social connections through its design. The iMAL Centre for Arts, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Inclusion is a prime example of this concept, bringing a diverse community together under one roof for production, innovation, education, art, exhibition, and social interaction. The strategic architectural intervention in this former factory near the Brussels canal demonstrates the excellence of contemporary Belgian architecture, which values authenticity and ingenuity in the renovation and rehabilitation of existing buildings on limited budgets, while activating public space and intensifying inclusion. This approach has been recognized and acknowledged globally, especially since the 2008 financial crisis.

Oana Bogdan