Be.exemplary: 3rd call for sustainable urban development projects

Be.exemplary celebrates the best architectural solutions – Last April, the Brussels government launched the third edition of be.exemplary, the call for exemplary construction and renovation projects in terms of sustainable urban development. As a reminder, be.exemplary aims to stimulate projects that provide answers to four challenges:

– Promoting quality architecture and urban planning
– Encourage social projects (this challenge is judged differently for category 1)
– Addressing environmental challenges
– Enter the project in a circular economy cycle

The goal of the 2018 edition was clearly to promote the participation of individuals. In this context, the subsidy for the “small projects” category has been increased to 200 € / m² (instead of 125 € / m²) with a minimum of 20 000 € per project, to stimulate their ambitions. In the same vein, the “social reach” dimension has been relaxed for individual projects. In view of the candidatures returned to June 30, we can say that the goal has been achieved! Indeed, the number of projects in this redefined category has experienced a good growth and has increased to 10 projects, whereas the previous year no individual project had applied. Overall, the 2018 edition is a success with a total of 30 candidate projects instead of 25 the previous year.

A very wide range of eligible projects
Be.exemplary aims to reward exemplary and innovative projects. All laureates are evaluated according to the attention they give to the different challenges and the coherence of the project in these choices. The important thing is to explore, to innovate even if maximum performance is not possible in each area.

The aim of the be.exemplary call for projects is above all to be a laboratory for projects: it is about experimenting, being ambitious and innovating. “For the 2018 edition, a budget of € 5.2 million will be set aside to reward exemplary construction and renovation projects in terms of sustainable urban development. Projects that will add value to urban space through the response they give to regional issues”, said Minister-President Rudi Vervoort.

Each architectural project, whatever its size and function, has an opportunity to participate in the enhancement of the living environment. be.exemplary aims to encourage the participation of all stakeholders, public and private, in these regional ambitions. As far as “building” is concerned, all assignments are concerned (schools, sports facilities, housing, etc.). All owners, public or private, can participate, both new construction and renovation operations. Projects located on the territory of the Brussels-Capital Region whose construction has not started yet.

The jury
Brussels Urbanism and Heritage is responsible for the execution of be.exemplary and associates Brussels Environment and the Master architect at the initiative. A jury of experts composed of the master architect, a representative of Brussels Urbanism and Heritage, a representative of Brussels Environment and 4 external experts will evaluate the exemplary and innovative aspects of the projects. The be.exemplary jury meets on 18 September. The winners will be known in December.

More info + photos from all projects – Forum Communication