Beurspark

Beurspark is a combined exhibition and conference centre in Bruges, conceived as a landscape rather than a singular building object. The project reinterprets the historical relationship between large public institutions and urban space in the city.

Instead of adding another autonomous volume to the dense fabric, the design transforms the site into a new public anchor by placing the core programme underground and returning open space to the city.

The historical structure of Bruges demonstrates how major public buildings contribute to urban cohesion through openness and interaction with public space. The ambition for the exhibition and conference centre was therefore not only functional, but urban: to restore the site as an active connector between neighbourhoods.

After exploring various volumetric strategies, it became clear that only a radical approach could achieve the required spatial generosity. The closed exhibition hall and logistical functions are fully embedded underground. Their roof becomes Beurspark — a new public square and green heart for the district.

The exhibition hall is positioned entirely below ground. Adjacent to it, the conference building is partially sunken and located along the eastern edge of the park. A generous open foyer wraps around the conference volume, providing access to both the exhibition and conference facilities.

This foyer connects directly to existing urban routes from surrounding streets and ’t Zand, functioning as a civic threshold between city and building. Above the main conference hall, smaller flexible conference rooms and break-out spaces overlook the park. A pavilion housing a restaurant completes the ensemble, offering views over Beurspark and towards Bruges’ three historic towers.

The programme is organised to function both independently and as a coherent whole, allowing simultaneous or separate use without spatial conflict.

By embedding the largest volumes underground, the visible building mass is reduced to a minimum. The architectural composition consists of carefully positioned elements — conference volume, foyer and pavilion — that define edges rather than dominate the park.

The structural logic supports large column-free spaces below ground while maintaining a continuous, accessible landscape above.

Beurspark forms the central element of the design. It is conceived as a public place for residents, visitors and event users alike — a space for movement, rest, play and gathering.

By prioritising open space over built mass, the project establishes a dialogue between the contemporary intervention and the historic skyline. The park becomes a new urban lung and a connective anchor within Bruges’ evolving fabric.