The Berlaymont building in Brussels stands as a testament to the European Union’s commitment to unity and progress. As the headquarters of the European Commission, it is not only a functional office space but also a symbol of the EU’s enduring presence in the heart of Europe.
Function and Role
The Berlaymont building houses the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union. This institution is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties, and managing the day-to-day business of the EU. The building is home to the offices of the President of the European Commission and the College of Commissioners, who meet on the 13th floor. This floor also includes the boardroom and the meeting room for the “Hebdo,” as well as the restaurant La Convivialité.
Architectural Design
Designed by Lucien De Vestel, Jean Gilson, André Polak, and Jean Polak, the Berlaymont building features a distinctive cruciform design with four wings of unequal size extending from a central core. This unique structure is supported by piles beneath each wing, allowing for a 40-metre high narrow ridge of concrete that supports the steel beams forming the frame of the glass façade. The building’s design is so iconic that it is used in the European Commission’s official emblem.
Historical Background
The site of the Berlaymont building was originally occupied by the Convent of the Ladies of Berlaymont, a boarding school for girls established in the 17th century. The Belgian State acquired the site in the mid-20th century, and construction of the Berlaymont building began in 1963, with completion in 1969. Since then, it has become a central hub for EU activities and a symbol of European integration.
Renovation and Modernisation
The Berlaymont building underwent a significant renovation from 1 to 2004 to address asbestos contamination and to modernise the facilities to meet the needs of an expanding EU. This extensive refurbishment, which cost approximately €509 million, took longer than expected but resulted in a state-of-the-art office complex. The renovation included updating the building’s infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing security measures.
The European Quarter
The Berlaymont building is located in the European Quarter of Brussels, an area that hosts many of the EU’s key institutions. Nearby buildings include the Justus Lipsius building, which houses the Council of the European Union, and the European Parliament’s Espace Léopold complex. This concentration of EU institutions makes the European Quarter a bustling hub of political activity and a focal point for European governance.
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