Engineering context
DekaBank announced on November 3 that ZIN in Brussels won the 2026/27 International High-Rise Award. The project was designed by 51N4E, l’AUC and Jaspers-Eyers Architects for developer Befimmo. The jury selected a transformation of existing towers rather than a new height record. [1]
The former World Trade Center towers retained their service cores and basement levels. A new structure inserted between them connects the development, which now accommodates offices, homes, a hotel and public-facing spaces. According to the announcement, the jury emphasized adaptability, mixed uses and the building’s contribution to its neighbourhood. [1]
Editorial analysis: Retaining substantial structural elements changes the engineering brief. Existing capacity, interfaces with new construction and the sequence of alterations become central questions. The award highlights reuse as a design strategy, without providing a project-wide carbon calculation.
Sources & references
Sources reviewed 4 November 2026. Undated guidance and product pages can change. Dated research and announcements retain their original context; technical principles do not substitute for locally adopted project standards.