12 architects and artists create interiors for Brussels co-working space

Belgian design gallery Maniera has enlisted 12 artists and architects to create the interiors for Silversquare Central, a new 6,000 sq m co-working space in Brussels

Silversquare co working space
The interior of the Silversquare Central co-working space curated by Maniera in Brussels. Featured here is a curtain by artist Christoph Hefti
(Image credit: Jeroen Verrecht)

Over the years, Brussels gallery Maniera has got us used to unique and unexpected takes on traditional furniture types. Working closely with architects and artists including Studio Mumbai, Christoph Hefti, Christ & Gantenbein and Bernard Dubois, each furniture collection is an expressive interpretation of the domestic, imbued with new ideas and approaches to aesthetic and functionality, often employing traditional building materials to create inventive furniture.

Maniera’s latest project takes this approach to the next level. The gallery was tasked with creating the interiors for Silversquare Central, a co-working space set within the former Shell headquarters, a Modernist building from 1934 originally conceived by Alexis Dumont and Marcel Van Goethem (the duo also behind the former Citroën dealership which in 2018 was transformed into Kanal Pompidou art centre).

Red sofa in co-working space

Sofa by Piovenefabi

(Image credit: Jeroen Verrecht)

The gallery enlisted twelve artists and architects to interpret the theme of co-working space, also working with Doorzon Interieurarchitecten for the space’s layout and Piovenefabi for the restaurant’s interiors. The 6,000 sq m space was completely transformed by the intervention, which has maintained the original architecture while adding subtle details to improve its functionality. A new concrete staircase connects the building’s floors, making the spaces more accessible. 

The industrial architecture forms the backdrop for the colourful furniture, which reinvents the co-working space with a new eclectic approach. To create the furniture, Maniera worked both with its habitual roster of talent and with new creatives, with the aim of giving exposure to emerging design talent.  

Co-working space interior

Cushioned booths by Felt Architecture & Design

(Image credit: Jeroen Verrecht)

The range of pieces created for the project is vast: from artist Christoph Hefti’s colourful carpets and curtains inspired by lockdown walks, to Piovenefabi’s curved sofa, a showpiece referencing the designs of Charlotte Perriand and Eileen Gray. As well as several seating options focusing on comfort (from armchairs to bean bags), the desk is a focal element of the project, with several experimental designs. OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen employs standard components such as L-profiles assembled into a minimal desk, while the Leporello Desk by Brussels-based artists Richard and Leander Venlet is an experimental composition of anthracite sheet material, used as a desk surface and divider to create privacy. Other elements in the space are Jo Taillieu’s freestanding bookcases made of yellow formwork panels, while Maniera newcomer Doorzon Interieur Architecten uses plastic tubes to create a planter. 

On view at the gallery (until 22 May) and ready to experience at Silversquare Central, the project is a testament to Maniera’s inventive approach to furniture and its boundless creativity.

Concrete staircase

The concrete staircase connecting the building

(Image credit: Jeroen Verrecht)

Working pod

(Image credit: Jeroen Verrecht)

Green lamp and geometric rug

Lamp by Piovenefabi, rug by Christoph Hefti

(Image credit: Jeroen Verrecht)

Meeting room

Meeting room

(Image credit: Jeroen Verrecht)

Working booth

Booth by Felt Architecture & Design

(Image credit: Jeroen Verrecht)

Coat rack and colourful curtain

Coat rack by Jo Tallieu, curtain by Christoph Hefti

(Image credit: Jeroen Verrecht)

Co working space restaurant

Restaurant by Piovenefabi

(Image credit: Jeroen Verrecht)

View of Silversquare Central

(Image credit: Jeroen Verrecht)

View of Silversquare Central

(Image credit: Jeroen Verrecht)

Desk in co working space

Desks by Richard and Leander Venlet

(Image credit: Jeroen Verrecht)

View of Silversquare Central

(Image credit: Jeroen Verrecht)

Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.

With contributions from