To celebrate the 20th anniversary of ecobuild.brussels, Urban Rally 2026 brought together more than 200 participants for a special edition centred around one key theme: renovate to reveal.
Divided into 12 teams, participants explored the centre of Brussels through 14 points of interest showcasing the many dimensions of the city’s transformation. Remarkable heritage sites, adaptive reuse projects, housing renovations, cultural venues, circular economy initiatives, urban development projects and tools for analysing neighbourhood evolution all offered complementary perspectives on how Brussels is building its future from what already exists. Some stops featured encounters with architects, entrepreneurs and project leaders, while others encouraged participants to observe, question and explore the city from a different perspective.
At CERAA, participants rediscovered the essential role of knowledge sharing and professional support in the transition of the sector. At The Unusual, developed with Design With Sense, reuse took on a very tangible dimension through an interior entirely designed around reclaimed materials. At the Brussels Stock Exchange, transformed into Belgian Beer World, visitors discovered how one of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks has been given a new lease of life through an ambitious adaptive reuse project that combines heritage preservation, meticulous restoration and new cultural, economic and tourism functions. Galerie Bortier likewise demonstrates how historic places can be revitalised by embracing new uses. The Retail Barometer provided an original insight into the transformation of Brussels’ commercial districts and their contribution to urban vitality. The Marolles Lift project demonstrated that ambitious energy renovation can be carried out without relocating residents, combining building improvements with enhanced quality of life and the preservation of social ties. Meanwhile, La Renommée and L’Hermitage on the Grand-Place, along with Espace Magh, highlighted how Brussels’ heritage remains a valuable resource for imagining new uses and writing the next chapters of the city’s story.
To extend the experience, all participants received a catalogue presenting the 14 points of interest, their history, key challenges and the contact details of the speakers and organisations involved. A valuable tool designed to encourage further exchanges and new collaborations.
👉 Consult the full catalogue (DUTCH)
👉 Consult the full catalogue (FRENCH)
👉 View the event photo gallery
This anniversary edition once again demonstrated what has made ecobuild.brussels strong for the past twenty years: curiosity, knowledge sharing and the determination to build together. Cluster members, participating companies, speakers, partners and visitors all contributed to making this day a genuine success.
And if this year’s edition was particularly memorable, it mainly makes us look forward to the next one. See you in 2027 to continue exploring Brussels, its projects and the ideas that will shape the city of tomorrow.
