Clockwise Brussels: Working spaces in the heart of the European District

We are always on the lookout for new inspiring working spaces around the city! Our team recently visited the first Clockwise spot in mainland Europe, located in the heart of the European district in Brussels. Nestled in the iconic Arts 44 building, just near the inner ring road of Brussels and the Parc Royal, Clockwise occupies an impressive corner structure in the brutalist style.

Spread over eight floors, with nearly 600 offices, the Brussels site offers a functional and flexible space for businesses to collaborate and grow. The new Clockwise Brussels includes co-working spaces, private offices and meeting rooms, alongside breakout zones and lounge spaces suitable for different working styles.

Established in 2017, Clockwise provides innovative and flexible workspace solutions, ranging from private offices, shared workspaces and meeting rooms to businesses across the UK. Over the past three years, Clockwise has seen impressive growth which has seen it expand into Exeter, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow, cementing its position as a leading player in the provision of flexible workspace in the UK.

Located in the emblematic Arts 44 building in the Brussels’ Léopold quarter and in the immediate vicinity of Royal Park (the corner of Avenue des Arts and Avenue Belliard), Clockwise offers bright and airy spaces. Natural light has been maximized thanks to large windows offering impressive views of the city.

In the words of Alexandra Livesey, Chief Operating Officer of Clockwise, the opening of the Brussels space is a major step for Clockwise after finding success in the UK.

Brussels has been identified by Clockwise as a key location for its ambitious expansion plans and intends to celebrate brutalist architecture in its design.

To bring its concept to life, Clockwise has partnered with ARCHIMAGE and ARTBUILD. Taking a mindful approach to interiors, the space features industrial finishes – including polished concrete and exposed pipes – which are juxtaposed with decorative details like eclectic mirrors and soft furnishings. The carefully curated furniture features mid-century design with an abundance of green tones, giving the space an elegant hotel lobby feel and creating an environment which inspires work.

Throughout the space design focuses on supporting member businesses with productivity and collaboration. Large windows provide a vista of the city, while inside, carefully curated furniture makes this the perfect home for work.

Bruno Caballé, Architect Senior Partner at ARTBUILD

“Common areas and the café are located on the upper two floors, giving members and their guests the opportunity to relax in the club lounge, have a private chat in one of the meeting rooms or to isolate for a peaceful conversation. All this while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Royal Palace and the city center,” explains Bruno Caballé, Architect Senior Partner at ARTBUILD.

During our visit to Clockwise, we really liked the Two Hands Café, onsite artisan café which is available exclusively for members. Serving hot and cold food and drinks Two Hands is open every working day – from breakfast through to the afternoon. Two Hands is also available to provide catering for meetings and office get togethers.

Members well-being and the design of spaces

The design of Clockwise Brussels spaces has been carefully considered to incorporate elements that help increase productivity, foster community and support the well-being of its members. Natural light is optimized throughout the building to promote circadian rhythm, which helps with concentration while reducing stress. Abundance of plants helps purify the air, improve memory and compassion.

The space has been designed to reflect changes in the nature of work with a flexible approach and technologies enabling pleasant and seamless communication between those working from home or in company offices, including the Clockwise portal, telephone booths and in-house A/V service. Public spaces include a remarkable stairwell at the heart of the building which was designed to allow members of Clockwise to come together, thus encouraging collaboration and connections.

Each Clockwise location has undergone a carefully considered renovation to reflect its industrial architectural history. “The brutalist architecture of the existing building was emphasized by bare materials and exposed structural elements. It became an important source of inspiration for the team of architects who wanted to pay homage to this unique style and highlight it. To preserve, renovate and beautify the existing building, concrete and the technical system are combined with furniture and noble materials. Existing raw materials are enhanced by a luxurious palette including iconic design pieces and the finest textiles, creating an unrivaled work environment,” says Bruno Caballé from ARTBUILD.

To find out more about the Clockwise Brussels offices and meeting spaces, check their website or visit on Avenue des Arts 44 / Kunstlaan 44, 1000 Bruxelles.

Photos: 1-3 by WeLoveBrussels, all other images: Clockwise website.