CBR Building, Brutalist office building in Watermael-Boitsfort, Belgium.
The CBR Building is a nine-story office structure with two parallel wings in Watermael-Boitsfort, Belgium. Its facade consists of 756 prefabricated oval modules made from white cement concrete, giving it an organic and flowing appearance.
The structure was designed between 1967 and 1970 by architects Constantin Brodzki and Marcel Lambrichs as headquarters for the Belgian cement manufacturer CBR. It gained international recognition in 1980 when the Museum of Modern Art in New York selected it as one of 200 buildings exemplifying modern architectural innovation.
The building is recognized today as a major example of modern architecture, attracting professionals and visitors interested in concrete design. Its distinctive facade has become a landmark of the neighborhood and represents a particular era in architectural thinking.
The concrete and original furnishings are protected by the building's heritage status since 2018, so visitors should view the structure from the exterior and pay attention to facade details. The best views of all the modules come from different positions around the building to fully appreciate the organic design effect.
Each oval module was developed through extensive experimentation in the cement manufacturer's factories, where architects tested new methods for creating organic shapes in concrete. This craft-based refinement means no two modules are exactly alike, giving the building a subtle individuality.
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