The international competition was organised by the European Union Council to restructure the Residence Palace in Brussels.
In conformity with the UNESCO-UIA regulations, this competition received the approval of the International Union of Architects – UIA.
The objectives of this competition were the restructuring, enlargement, renovation and restoration of the real estate complex “Residence Palace”.
Half of the complex was built between 1922 and 1927 by the architect Michel Polak on behalf of the financier Lucien Raisin, who wanted to develop a programme of prestigious collective housing. Of undeniable heritage value, some parts have been classified as historical monuments.
The design project was destined to welcome the head of the European Council and the Council of Ministers of the European Union. The complex has meeting rooms, offices for the Presidency, for the member state delegations and the leaders of the general secretariat of the council, representation premises and offices for officials and equipment.
All professional architects and teams composed of architects or engineers could participate. All participants needed to be actively practising within the European Union.