The Rectorate Building of the VUB Restored to Its Former Glory - PART 3: FUTURE

Few buildings in Brussels capture the imagination quite like the iconic Rectorate Building of the VUB, designed by modernist architect Renaat Braem (1910–2001). Completed in 1976, the Braem Building will officially reopen on 12 December, over 50 years later, following a comprehensive renovation. How relevant is the Braem building today, and will it stand the test of time in the coming years, especially in terms of sustainability? Three VUB members share their views on the future of the 'Cigar'.

Will the Braem Building stand the test of time?
Rik Röttger: "I hope so. The building has been around for over 50 years, and that was not an easy journey. Thanks to the renovation, the building has been revived, and if ever — should it be necessary — people can once again be found to restore it with such expertise and care, the Braem Building can endure. Since 2007, it has also been classified as a protected monument by the Brussels-Capital Region, including the murals, gardens, and pond."

Do you think it will earn a place in our history books?
"I believe it has already earned and secured its place in our history books. On one hand, as a piece of our collective history, and on the other hand, as a study object for architecture students: a milestone in Braem's oeuvre, but also a symbol of the 1970s. The Braem Building is unique in its genre. It is the only rectorate building with such symbolic layers of meaning."

Will it continue to appeal to future generations?
"I recently had the chance to give a few tours of the renovated building, including to students during the welcome week. When I tell them the stories behind the murals, I can sense that they are intrigued. Braem was very forward-thinking in his ideas. For example, he was highly feminist and explicitly championed women. On the top floor, you can see that every face in the murals is a female figure. In his vision, intellect in the future would be more female-driven. Braem linked masculinity to war and conflict, while associating femininity with dialogue and reflection.

What also leaves an impression on students is how uncompromising Braem was in his approach. His rebellious nature — "difficult or not, I will follow my own path" — really resonates with them. His open-minded view of the world is equally striking. In his murals, he clearly makes a connection between humanity and the cosmos. His belief was that humans have a duty to care for the Earth, not to exploit it recklessly. That ecological perspective feels very relevant today.

Braem was also widely traveled. That’s why you don’t only see white figures in his paintings, but a much more universal depiction of humanity. This universal vision of humanity feels very contemporary to students today."

The Braem Building is an iconic structure from the 1970s. How difficult was it to preserve its heritage character during the renovation while also meeting today's standards for sustainability and innovation?
Bart Sibiel: "In the 1970s, there was a crisis, which forced Braem to make compromises in both his designs and his choice of materials. When renovation work began in 2019, it turned out that the building was in much worse condition than initially expected.

Inside, the building was poorly insulated, and the ventilation and heating systems no longer met today's energy standards. The layout consisted of small partitioned rooms, rather than the open-plan offices Braem had originally envisioned. There were also a number of structural issues: the elevators were not wheelchair accessible and frequently out of service, the parking lot could only be reached by stairs, and the ground floor and first floor had no fully accessible toilets.

To address all these issues, we constantly had to find a middle ground between preserving the essence of the building and meeting modern standards for sustainability and safety. One example is the window frames. The Heritage Department wanted to restore them, but because some windows were in such poor condition, it was more sustainable to replace them all. Throughout the entire process, we had to make such compromises. Origin, the architectural firm we hired to manage the renovation and restoration of the building, guided us well in this process."

What impact will the sustainability measures have on the VUB community?
"The building has been redesigned with open-plan offices and functional spaces. With the widespread adoption of remote work, not everyone needs their own dedicated office anymore. This has made it possible for the rectorate building to house more support services than before. At the same time, more space on the ground floor and first floor has been made available for the entire VUB community. These areas can be used for training, meetings, and other activities, allowing everyone — including students — to experience the building in their own way."

Has the Braem Building, thanks to the renovation, once again become a bold gem from a bold architect for a bold university?
"The elliptical shape, the window frames, the entrance hall with its canopy, the central staircase, and the murals — they all embody the values and philosophy of the university. By restoring these elements to their original splendor while also giving them a modern update, these features now come to life even more vividly, just as Braem originally intended. This makes the Braem Building an even stronger symbol of the VUB community today — a place where our liberal, free-thinking ethos as a university truly takes shape. We should cherish it and be rightfully proud of it."

What impression does the building leave on you?
Jurre Smets: "Across the entire VUB campus in Etterbeek, there are artworks and architectural buildings that emphasize the unique and progressive character of the VUB. For me, the timeless, modernist, and at the same time minimalist Braem Building fits perfectly within this lineup. It’s timeless because it’s hard to pin down a specific style to it — and yet you can. For instance, I wouldn’t be surprised if new students thought it was a recently built structure. It’s modernist because of the repetitive window framework that forms a sort of pattern in an unusual cigar-shaped building. It’s minimalist because, apart from the canopy with its symbols, there aren’t many exterior ornaments. However, on the inside, it’s a completely different story with the staircase and the murals. It’s as if the architect wanted to play a game with the observer, where you have to reach the core of the building to fully understand and grasp it."

Do you think it can continue to inspire students?
"The Braem Building has a distinctive character that can certainly inspire, but I think the story and function of the building might be a bit underexposed for students. Plus, as a student, you’re not necessarily required to be there, so many might not spontaneously walk in. At least, that was my experience. Before participating in this interview, I mainly saw the building as a landmark — a symbol of 'coming home to campus' — and assumed it was mostly used by administrative staff. I had never set foot inside it myself. Since the interview, I’ve had the chance to admire the building in all its glory up close — I even made it to the first floor — and my fascination has only grown. You feel more connected to the VUB community and its values. That’s why I would definitely encourage everyone to take a look at it at least once."