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Research & Collection campus for the Botanic Garden in Meise​
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The Botanic Garden is dedicated to preserving global plant diversity and translating knowledge into action. The design of the research and collection campus reflects this mission, serving as a symbol of sustainability and circularity.
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The project prioritises conservation and reuse, transforming two 1950s research buildings and an 1980s office building rather than expanding. By optimising existing volumes and focusing on outdoor experience, the overall building mass is reduced.
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The former office building becomes a “stacked garden” — an overgrown vertical landscape and contemporary folly within the garden. At ground level, the campus is opened up: former back façades become public fronts, new passages and seating areas connect to revitalised green spaces, and sightlines toward the garden are restored. Two themed gardens complement the exhibition space.
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New architectural additions subtly express the importance of the herbarium through material, form and colour. The result is a clear, efficient campus shaped by careful mapping of programme, circulation and operations — simple in appearance, precise in purpose.
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Client: Het Facilitair Bedrijf, Vlaamse Overheid
Team:​
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SumProject
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Robbrecht & Daem architecten
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Baro Architectuur
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B. Van der Wee Architects
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VK Architects & Engineers
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3194
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