Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 14, The Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU), formerly the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, has awarded the 2025 Best Tall Building Worldwide title to a converted office tower in Brussels called “ZIN in No(o)rd.”

The 1970s-era World Trade Center Tower 1 was turned into a mixed-use complex with offices, housing, hospitality and public amenities

The project, initiated in 2018 and completed last year, transformed the 111-meter, 1970s-era World Trade Center Tower 1 into a mixed-use complex combining offices, housing, hospitality, and public amenities. The design, led by Jaspers-Eyers Architects in collaboration with 51N4E and l’AUC, introduced active street life across all 30 floors through new terraces, gardens, and public spaces.

Energy efficiency was a key focus, with features including a double-skin façade, passive ventilation, and integrated photovoltaics. Approximately 85% of the original structure, including cores and basements, was preserved, and over 60% of materials were reused either on-site or elsewhere. Developer Befimmo Real Estate Group said the project sets a benchmark for large-scale adaptive reuse in Europe.

John Eyers, CEO of Jaspers-Eyers Architects, commented: “We envisioned ZIN as a vertical neighbourhood that redefines how existing buildings can live again, where people work, live and connect in a continuous urban ecosystem. To have this vision recognised by CVU affirms that sustainable density is not just a design strategy, but a cultural and environmental imperative for cities worldwide.”

The construction team included BPC Group, CFE SA, and Van Laere, bringing together expertise in engineering and urban development.

The CVU’s 2025 Award of Excellence program evaluated over 100 projects across 24 countries, recognizing innovation in design, engineering, sustainability, and community-building. CVU CEO Javier Quintana de Uña said: “These projects go beyond creating efficient buildings; they create ecosystems. They show that we can design upward not merely for density, but for regeneration, reducing carbon, restoring nature, and enriching the social life of cities in the process.”

ZIN in No(o)rd exemplifies a modern approach to vertical urbanism by integrating public spaces, residential areas, and offices in a single high-rise while prioritizing energy savings, material reuse, and environmental responsibility. The project demonstrates how existing structures can be revitalized to meet contemporary urban needs without extensive demolition, promoting sustainability and social interaction.

By turning a single office tower into a vibrant vertical neighbourhood, the project showcases the potential of adaptive reuse in high-density cities, offering lessons for developers and architects worldwide seeking to balance urban growth with environmental stewardship and community enrichment.

This recognition by CVU highlights the growing emphasis on projects that combine architectural innovation with social, cultural, and environmental considerations, reinforcing the value of sustainable vertical urban development in Europe and beyond.