Street-level view of the renewed Oxy tower emerging above the Brussels city fabric © Snøhetta
Curated by ArchiRev Editorial | Feature Story | Published May 16th, 2026 | Source: Snøhetta
Typologies: Mixed Use, Transformation & Expansion, Residential, Workspace & Production Facility, Public Space, Sustainability
Status: Ongoing
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Client: Immobel Group and Whitewood
Collaborators: Binst Architects
Size: 62,000 m²
A notable transformation is currently taking place in central Brussels. Formerly characterized by its closed commercial identity, the 1970s landmark is now transforming into Oxy—a mixed-use complex that will once again integrate itself with the urban fabric through housing, workplaces, hospitality, and public facilities.
Not aiming at demolishing the original building, the design takes advantage of its unique silhouette, thus prolonging the building’s lifetime but adding an updated urban program to it. In other words, the approach to the transformation focuses on adaptation and modernization..
Aerial image highlighting the tower’s cross-shaped footprint within Brussels © Snøhetta
The development site is situated at the top of The Mint shopping centre near the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie. New terraces and public spaces are raised above the building to ensure increased pedestrian activity at higher elevations.
The façade emerges as one of the key features of the project. It is reimagined as an environment skin module that includes photovoltaics and passive ventilation but reduces reliance on intensive internal service installations. In this way, flexibility within the floor plans is increased, contributing to adaptability over time.
Detailed façade shot showing the layered modular system and photovoltaic integration © Snøhetta
Accessibility is maintained through new public uses of space. The rooftop garden offers a bird’s-eye view of Brussels, while hospitality functions on upper floors facilitate use of spaces previously out of bounds for visitors.
A circular design concept is also implemented in the project. As much as possible, existing structural components are reused, and minimal demolition takes place to ensure sustainability not only in terms of construction but also operations.
Rooftop terrace and public garden overlooking the Brussels skyline © Snøhetta
Not merely an upgrade, Oxy represents an entire change in approach to how buildings already in existence can grow along with the cities that surround them. With thoughtful design changes, Oxy presents a building well-known in Brussels as an intricate and interactive space based on reuse, interconnection, and current urban living.