A Sustainable and Innovative Headquarters for CFE in Belgium

The Challenge

CFE, a major multidisciplinary group active in real estate development, infrastructure, and industrialization, consists of a conglomerate of companies in Belgium, each with its own specific competencies. In 2022, all of the group’s companies were brought together under the same brand, and at the same time, the decision was made to relocate to a new site aimed at promoting collaboration and serving as a flagship. As the organization prioritizes sustainable development, they opted for a unique design with a hypermodern and highly sustainable character. Through the use of a wooden structural base, geothermal energy, and solar panels, the building was designed to be nearly energy-neutral. Recognizing that employee well-being also contributes to sustainability (the “People” aspect), the interior design of the building was also thoroughly reviewed. CFE contacted brainmove to help create an optimal new workplace concept through a participatory process.

Our Approach

brainmove began by interviewing stakeholders from the various companies within the group. Based on these discussions, we sought common elements that could serve as a foundation for developing a shared vision. The vision was then discussed and explored during several workshops with the respective management teams. The client emphasized an evidence-based approach to fully understand the needs of the teams. Through data analysis, we identified the typical profiles within the organization and translated these into a future-proof workplace mix. During interactive workshops, these profiles were further examined and translated into concrete workplace needs.

On the ground floor of the new “Woodhub” building, CFE wanted to create an innovative and inspiring coworking space, following the latest hospitality principles. brainmove took the lead by organizing workshops to develop a tailored concept. We applied the Service Design methodology and used personas to explore the different facilities on the new ground floor.

The Result

CFE had previous experience with New Ways of Working (NWOW) and had already implemented an initial flexible collaboration model. brainmove built upon these experiences and developed a new concept that better aligned with the client’s ambitions and processes. The new, shared vision of hybrid collaboration in the Woodhub, along with the tailor-made workplace environment, reinforces the common values of the group.

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