As the capital of the European Union, Brussels is the epicenter of modern European democracy.
Place Schuman draws inspiration from the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.
CC-BY-4.0: © European Union 2019 – Source: EP
Europeans under one
roof
How to create an open and democratic space?
Today, the main institutions of the EU are separated by a busy roundabout.
The site is part of the historic street Rue de la Loi, a principal road running through central Brussels.
A cross-linked grid connects to a network of existing public spaces.
The network of public spaces all point towards Place Schuman, making it the entrance and pulse of the European Union.
Place Schuman transforms the former roundabout into an urban space and meeting place for the entire European Union. The new entrance will be a unifying element, creating a meeting place for nationalities, cultures, languages and genders.
Place Schuman offers a terraced meeting place, an urban agora, inspired by the hemicycle of the European Parliament.
A reflective roof funnels visual impressions of the neighbouring institutions and reflects the presence of the people.
A shared urban space transforming the European Quarter from a setting for cars into a setting for people.
Connecting Place Schuman to the neighbouring Cinquantenaire Park
Within this vast area different realms are created, and a multitude of activities can be accomodated along the Rue de la Loi.
The neighbouring Cinquantenaire Park and the bridge over Chausée d’Etterbeek will connect with the Place Schuman via a large pedestrian area with a concentric, continuous pavement, underscoring the role of Place Schuman as the center of European democracy.
Place Schuman will be permanently accessible as a setting for democracy and knowledge sharing. It provides a place to sit, to linger, to protest, to discuss, to reflect and to discuss politics. Here, all citizens of the EU will be united under one roof.
Dan Stubbergaard, architect and founder, Cobe
