Any design competition is an architectural interpretation of a set of design briefs. A perspective on an issue. The differences between the seven proposals for the landmark competition to create a cultural centre within the Citroën Yser garage complex in Brussels are not expressed through formal flourishes. Rather, they lie in assertive architectural approaches aimed at integrating a cultural centre of a distinct nature into an existing building of high heritage value.

The site had been earmarked for housing, for an attempt at mixed-use development, for Ikea… whilst others dreamt of establishing an architecture school there. It was, moreover, a regular subject of workshops at various architecture faculties across the country.