The Brussels universities on both sides of Belgium's linguistic border – the Dutch-speaking VUB and the Francophone ULB – have literally and figuratively built a bridge between them by opening a shared Learning & Innovation Centre (LIC) to connect their campuses in Ixelles.
For years, the two universities worked side-by-side. However, despite their campuses being nearby, they never really overcame the language divide. But now, the LIC is becoming "a 100% Brussels place" to make cooperation visible and tangible.
"ULB and VUB share a common history. They are sister universities, guided by the same principle of free enquiry. Today, it is time for cooperation and mutual support to meet the challenges facing education today and tomorrow," said Annemie Schaus, chancellor of ULB.
She called the LIC a "true laboratory for pedagogical innovation," adding that it offers "a hybrid environment that provides our students, researchers and teachers with advanced technological tools to support and develop new learning methods."
Connecting campuses
At the front of the building, a rotunda connects the first floor with the upper VUB campus via a pedestrian bridge. VUB chancellor Jan Danckaert said that the LIC means that the "two campuses are now truly connected."
"The VUB and ULB choose to build together, to innovate together and to dream together," said Danckaert, pointing to previous projects such as Usquare in the old gendarmerie barracks, the Institute of Advanced Studies and our Brussels University Alliance.
The LIC was conceived as a space for innovation, as well as a networking centre for scientists, experts from business and civil society organisations. A place where research, exchange and training come together. Therefore, the building was designed to accommodate up to 1,000 visitors a day.
"The building represents a new reference point for learning centres in Belgium and is conceptually unique, thanks in part to the combination of wide opening hours (08:00 to 11:00), 35 meeting rooms and eight classrooms for activating education," said Peter Verbist, director of the University Library and LIC manager.
Credit: Greetje Van Buggenhout
It demonstrates a strong campus vision of ULB and VUB, "literally at the crossroads of both campuses," he said. "It strengthens our service to staff and students of both universities with an open and innovative outlook towards the city of Brussels. In this, we like to be the second ‘1’ of 1+1=3."
With eight floors and 9000 m², the LIC offers diverse spaces: quiet study zones, relaxation areas such as a Zen Zone, group workstations, innovative classrooms, immersive spaces and video studios.
"Almost all spaces and services are shared, and this integration will only increase over time," said Bruno Leclercq, director of the Department of Libraries and Scientific Innovation (ULB). "It is the vibrant heart of university life. You come there to read, study, work in groups, relax or exchange ideas. It is a multifunctional space conceived by design: every activity has its place, with great attention to acoustics so that everything blends harmoniously."
Sustainable and smart building
The LIC also meets high standards in terms of sustainability. The nearly zero-energy building combines a compact footprint with high-performance insulation and an optimised façade: ratio of open to closed surfaces, external sun blinds, and windows that can be tilted for night cooling.
Smart technologies further help optimise energy consumption. Thanks to sensors, not only is energy saved, but the indoor climate in each room remains optimal. €37.1 million was invested in this project: 87% of which was financed by Beliris, and 13% was divided equally between the sister universities.
"This building is the result of a fine Beliris project. 9,000 m2 of state-of-the-art infrastructure for research and training. It represents the Federal Government's contribution to the capital's missions. Brussels is an international university city," said Federal Interior Minister Bernard Quintin (MR).
"In addition to a substantial budget, Beliris has used its expertise to create an energy-efficient building with solar panels and sensors monitoring for optimal energy consumption, highly efficient water management thanks to a reed bed for purification, and a smart building for students and teachers benefiting from innovative learning environments where connection is key."
Credit: Greetje Van Buggenhout
