The Maison Administrative Provinciale (MAP) project in Namur, designed by engineer and architect Philippe Samyn with Eraerts and Jan De Nul, stands out for its ecological and modern design. This large building, constructed in wood and steel, is organised around several rectangular patios for natural lighting, and includes various relaxation rooms, storage areas and offices. The area around the site is landscaped with green spaces and urban agriculture features.
For the office furnishings, they chose Kewlox furniture, an iconic brand that has embodied Belgian quality and local know-how for decades. By opting for these products, the project is supporting the local economy while guaranteeing high-quality furniture produced near Namur.
MAP advocates innovative work organisation through layouts that encourage ''flexdesk working'', eliminating fixed workstations in favour of shared spaces adapted to different tasks, thereby promoting collaboration and employee well-being. Each employee can choose his or her workstation according to his or her needs at the time, whether for individual concentration or teamwork. This flexibility makes it easier to meet today's work demands, creating a dynamic environment where informal and formal exchanges are facilitated.
Kewlox modular furniture has adapted perfectly to these needs, allowing elements to be designed to separate spaces, acting as partitions when necessary, and intelligently optimising the corners of rooms with small storage units. Their sober, timeless appearance creates a harmony that encourages work.
Employee well-being is also enhanced by a variety of relaxation areas, which encourage regenerative breaks and social interaction, strengthening team cohesion and productivity.
MAP
Provincial Administrative Office, Namur.
The scheme places particular emphasis on sustainability, seeking BREEAM certification which requires, among other things, sustainable materials and low carbon impact. Part of the energy is drawn from groundwater and the offices are supplied with sustainable electricity by solar panels. The circular economy is integrated into purchasing and staff behaviour, with some of the furniture being reused or recycled.
However, new furniture was required for the specific storage needs of the offices. Another reason to choose the Kewlox brand, which aims to continually reduce its ecological impact by producing furniture designed to last over time, a philosophy perfectly aligned with that of MAP.
