Infrabel Service Center

Belgium's rail network requires facilities that work as hard as the trains themselves. Infrabel needed a highly specialized building that would seamlessly bring together rail traffic control, freight logistics, and administrative functions on a narrow strip of land beside Gent-Sint-Pieters station, one of the country's busiest rail hubs.

The site presented an interesting puzzle. Positioned on a narrow strip of land. Adjacent to active tracks and above an existing underground parking. And a building envelope constrained by a 45-degree setback requirement designed to preserve daylight at street level. Amidst these spatial and technical limitations, the design also had to achieve ambitious environmental targets such as integration of blue roofs, photovoltaics, geothermal systems, and achieving a BREEAM certification. 

The challenge extended beyond fitting complex infrastructure into tight constraints. The new facility also has to efficiently perform multiple roles: a technical nerve center managing eastern Flanders' rail operations; a logistics hub coordinating freight movements; and a workplace for hundreds of staff. All while integrating respectfully with the city, reducing environmental impact, and contributing to the railway station environment, rather than detracting from it.

ORG adopted an integrated approach from day one, that brought together architecture, engineering, sustainability, and operations expertise. A close collaboration with consultants helped ORG deliver a contextually expressive, technically robust and environmentally responsible building.

The process centered on understanding how to connect different functions. Through careful programmatic analysis and operational modeling, we developed a strategy of four interlinked duplex volumes: paired floors designed to optimize both workflow efficiency and staff communication. Internal voids and connecting stairs create vertical neighborhoods within the building, while conforming to the 45° setback to preserve daylight at street level.

Environmental considerations shaped the architectural form. Blue roofs capture rainwater to nourish the planted terraces visible from the street below. Integrated photovoltaic panels and geothermal systems support sustainable energy goals. Colored anodized aluminum cladding and volume articulation allude to the railway infrastructure, while elevating the building as a civic landmark.

The final design rises as a four‑level stacked form that consolidates rail control, logistics and offices into a single, cohesive, high-performance structure. 

The stepped form creates a landmark presence, with green terraces and renewable infrastructure demonstrating the building’s sustainability credentials. The facade creates a distinctive presence that connects to railway heritage aesthetics.

Inside, duplex stacking separates high‑traffic logistics and signal functions from quieter administrative areas to promote both clarity and functionality. Internal atria not only encourage interaction, but also allow the maximum amount of daylight to flood in. Staff spaces benefit from this natural light and visual connections to green terraces, creating work environments that support well-being as well as productivity.

The building's environmental infrastructure works together as an integrated system. Blue roofs capture and slowly release rainwater to the green terraces. Photovoltaic panels generate renewable energy, while geothermal systems provide efficient heating and cooling. An application for BREEAM certification is underway.

As construction advances, the project demonstrates how technical facilities can contribute positively to urban environments. By revealing its infrastructure, the building is a manifestation of technical intelligence, functional innovation and good design. In doing so, it sets a new standard of how cities can skillfully accommodate the infrastructure they depend on.