11.053 | Congress Centre MICX

Situated between the historic centre and the ‘Grands Prés’ neighbourhood, the Congres Centre constitutated a focal point for economic and social development of Mons. By creating a visual link with the Beffroi tower on the one hand and the new train station designed by the architect Calatrava on the other hand, the building is fully integrated in the city’s urban tissue. The bearing structure is formed by ‘ribbon’ concrete walls, curved and inclined, that follow an ascending spiral. This arrangement allows great flexibility for the varied program of the Centre. Prestressed beams are used for the big spans around the roof glazing. The slabs are prefabricated to the maximum extent, either with precast of post-tensioned slabs. The meeting rooms are located on a mezzanine level which is suspended by the curved ribbon walls. The viewing platform at the tip of the building is a light steel structure.