about

Pragmatism and rationalism are the epithets that qualify the work we propose.

Founded in Brussels about twenty years ago, our studio’s production largely consists of complex projects for both public and private clients, often in dense urban environments or on existing buildings to be repurposed.

The architecture we seek to create is simple and uncluttered, going against a way of thinking smoothed out by gratuitous gestures.

In a constant state of research, we favor repetition over exception, longevity over trend, common sense over artifice, contrast as a source of wonder, and precision as a source of balance.

We are convinced that an architect must above all provide generous and robust spaces, that everyday architecture is made of right angles, and that aligning the project with its budget is essential.

The serial use of techniques and materials diverted from industrial architecture (for example, externalizing circulation to maximize available surfaces and reduce maintenance costs), or the use of raw materials (exposed concrete, wood, polycarbonate…), allows us to keep construction costs under control while giving the building its character.

Sustainability, as we understand it, must be taken in its broadest sense: it encompasses site integration, mobility management, accessibility for all, efficient use of energy and water, responsible use of materials, maximum flexibility, as well as anticipating minimal maintenance.

This pared-down vision makes it possible to evoke emotion through a practice that is formally restrained and politically engaged.

Two of our emblematic projects – the Brunfaut Tower and the Buda Recypark – have been awarded Be.Exemplary prizes, recognizing their excellence in sustainability, social innovation, and urbanity. The controlled budgets of these projects demonstrate our ability to combine architectural ambition, economic rigor, and environmental responsibility.

Historically, the atelier was a space for creation and transmission, where different generations and sensibilities worked together. Architecture belongs to this artistic tradition: it is not only an administrative or technical activity, but also a creative discipline. Using the term atelier therefore emphasizes this connection with the artistic world.

An atelier evokes a place of experimentation where multiple skills engage in dialogue, reflecting the collaborative dimension of architectural work: exchanging ideas, testing concepts, working as a team. The atelier is associated with research, trial, model-making, and drawing. We dedicate much time to imagining and exploring different solutions before fixing a project.

The word atelier expresses this creative dynamic, close to artisanal experimentation, rather than a simple service provision. In an atelier, one learns by doing.

This notion remains alive in architecture: projects are opportunities for continuous learning, for transmission between generations, and for dialogue with clients, users, and other stakeholders of the project.

atelier 229 I architect

Marta Vélez Reznak

Architect - San Pablo CEU – 2014

Florence Rosar

Ir Architect - UCLouvain EPL - UCLouvain - 2012

Christoph Andres

Architect - ULiège – 2014

Maxime Lejeune

Architect - ULiège – 2016

Charlène Maréchal

Architect - ENSASE Saint-Etienne - 2016

Chiara De Santis

Architect - Sapienza Università di Roma - 2017

Gaspard Courtois

Architecte - UCLouvain LOCI Bruxelles - 2020

Delphine Gaye

Architecte - Institut Supérieur d'Architecture St-Luc, Bruxelles - 1995

Alizée Henrion

Architect - Ecole d'Architecture de Strasbourg - 2018

Anna Kazimirko

Architect - Universidade de Porto - Faculdade de Arquitectura - 2020

Rute Freire

Architect - Universidade Lusiada Porto – 2014

Chandelle Cifende

Architect - UCLouvain LOCI Bruxelles - 2020

atelier 229 I architecte associé 

Grégoire Houyet

Architecte - Institut Supérieur d'Architecture St-Luc, Bruxelles - 1996

Renaud Van Espen

Architecte - Institut Supérieur d'Architecture St-Luc, Bruxelles - 1996

Jaime Eizaguirre

Architecte - ETSAM. Université Polytechnique de Madrid - 2005

Marcos Alvarez

Architecte - Institut Supérieur d'architecture Victor Horta – 1992

atelier 229 I office manager

Gaëtane Ponet

Anne Van Wallendael, Camille Carpentier, Elena Echeverría Echeverría, Gerardo Solera, Lore Ameel, Marie Noël, Maud Badonnel, Tudor Dulhaz, Jan Srna, Neus Beneyto, Arnaud Raison, Benjamin Matlet, Inés Aguilar, Elena Ruiz Lopez, Alessandra Rizzo, Romain Rodesch, Alexis De Bosscher, Rita Cuggia, Marta Fernandez Rodes, Mouna Kaaouachi, Kenza Haimeur, Maxime Beel, Leonardo Bueno, Simon Rea, Thomas Pittellioen, Guillaume Burietz, Florent Colpaert, Kathleen Schick, Corentin Gilleman, Laura Biasse-Üçgül, Tom Maindiaux, Freddy Cosme, Julien Bertrand, Arnaud Delens, Estelle De Vos, Alexandra Bouillon, Benoit Martens, Evelyne Hauters, Amalia Varesi, Cécile Breuiller, Margot Breillout, Axelle Desaintes