VUB rectorate building – new vibe, new name!

Background

The rectorial building of Vrije Universiteit Brussel and its magnificent interior murals embody the values of our Free, open and tolerant university. This protected monument, realized by architect Renaat Braem in the 70’s, will be renovated as from the autumn of 2018. In a first phase, the ground floor and first floor will be redesigned. 

The renovation plans will be based on the initial plans and ideas of Renaat Braem. That means we’ll integrate open landscape offices and a larger meeting- and event space on the first floor. 

We are also considering making the roof accessible and giving it a function in a later phase of the renovations. 

Hence we opened up a discussion with you around three topics (which is now closed, see feedback below):

1. How should we name the renovated VUB rectorial building?
2. What kind of events should take place in this iconic building?
3. How could we use the roof of this building when made accessible?

Thank you

We are impressed by your creative ideas on how to (re-)name the rectorial building and by the activities you suggested to highlight this monument. Isabelle Selleslagh (VOX.VUB moderator of this project) and her colleagues received more than 60 name proposals via VOX.VUB and in their pop-up mailbox, where you could leave your ideas on post cards as well. They are now further processing your input and would like to thank everyone who shared their thoughts! Interested in some leftover post cards? There’s a few left in the entrance hall of the rectorial building.

What was the outcome?

Isabelle: "Many of the names you suggested where slightly too playful for a formal use. However, it’d be rather funny to announce a rectorial gathering in the VUB Yoghurt Pot or in our Mother Ship! 😊 What we can tell you is that a new name has been chosen… but... we’re keeping it a secret just for now! It will be announced shortly!"

What’s next?

Isabelle:

• We’re working on initiatives to make the rectorial building more known and accessible – such as a folder, exposition and guided tours.
• We’re continuing our work on the building program of the highest floors, including the rooftop
• In the next few months, the new name of the rectorate building will be communicated and the renovation of the ground floor and 1st floor will start!

Want to know more?

Join the event where you can learn about the renovation plans of the rectorial building (in Dutch, http://www.vub.ac.be/events/2018/wij-renoveren-het-braemgebouw-talk-drinks-expo)

Keep up with this work on http://www.vub.ac.be/en/vub-heritage (in English, under construction, see http://www.vub.ac.be/vub-erfgoed for the Dutch site)

Join the "VUB Buildings with a (hi)story" FB community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vubbuildings

Note: Picture of rectorial building by Jean Cosyn