Servier

As part of the evolution of its property strategy, Servier decided to cease owning its offices outright. This decision led to the sale of its former headquarters in Anderlecht, followed by the launch of a strategic review entitled ‘Stay versus Move’, conducted with external support.

Following this analysis, the pharmaceutical group selected a net area of 1,200 sq m within the Coca-Cola building. This choice was based in particular on the building’s layout and the presence of a central atrium, ensuring a generous supply of natural light at the heart of the workspaces.

The main objective of the project was to create a contemporary working environment that fosters collaboration whilst meeting the group’s functional and cultural requirements.

The building’s strong architectural identity, particularly evident in the façade, presented a major challenge in terms of image and the occupant’s ability to make the spaces their own.

The project was jointly led by local teams in Belgium and the group’s international teams, requiring strict adherence to corporate guidelines as well as a multi-level approval process, particularly regarding design and look & feel. The entire project was also subject to a rigorous financial framework, under the supervision of the finance department, to ensure strict budgetary control.

From a functional perspective, several constraints shaped the design approach: avoiding an overly linear spatial layout, ensuring smooth circulation, and providing working conditions conducive to concentration, privacy and acoustic comfort.

The layout was designed around different zones dedicated to each department, whilst promoting cross-functional collaboration and interaction. To avoid a ‘corridor-style’ circulation pattern, the project is based on a non-linear grid incorporating meeting spaces, concentration zones and private pods, whilst maintaining visual and acoustic privacy within the open-plan areas.

The colour palette and choice of materials were defined in strict accordance with the group’s standards, ensuring consistency with its overall identity.

Lasting a total of ten months, the project was structured around two main phases: a design phase, led by interior architect Dimitri Clerens, followed by the construction phase (Build), managed by Eric Gillot’s project management team.

The project was carried out with complete transparency with the client and involved coordinating the constraints inherent in a multi-tenant building, as well as managing the technical aspects related to operation and maintenance, notably the HVAC works carried out in collaboration with Equans.

The inauguration of the new offices was a success and confirmed the client’s satisfaction with the quality of the spaces delivered and the overall management of the project.

This project stands out for the overall coherence of the concept, the quality of its design and its ability to reflect the group’s ambitions regarding the working environment, making it a notable benchmark among recent projects.