National Airport

The National Airport of Zaventem or 'Brussels National' replaces the airport of Melsbroek and was opened in 1958. The airport building belongs to a series of metropolitan European airport terminals, which were conceived simultaneously during the period mid-50s – early 60s.

These airport buildings of the post-war generation were characterized by an overriding urge for rationality in the organizational chart. Concrete, steel, aluminum and glass were the main components of these cool, monolithic structures.

For the design of the Zaventem airport building, the architects M. Brunfaut, G. Bontinck and J. Moutschen were called upon. The technical feat was the 'transit hall', a space of 100 m long, 55 m wide and 18 m high, spanned by a curved roof structure made entirely of aluminium. It was composed of four sections with a total of eight elliptical trusses. The hall, transparent on three sides, opened up to the tarmac with a self-supporting, kinked aluminium glass wall of 1800 m².

Zaventem airport building is undoubtedly one of the most weighty public construction projects of its time in Belgium. Despite all expectations for the future, the original building became encapsulated in new extensions over the years.

The complex underwent periodic adjustments, modernizations and redesign works. Much of the original decoration was lost or hidden from view.

Metal and glass are also typical of the "new" terminal inaugurated in 1994. Metal elements have been used not only in the façade but also in the interior, such as the roof structure and the panoramic lift of the "Diamant". Airport operator BIAC also assigns the building a role as a "cultural ambassador" for Belgium. Among the works of art with which the terminal has been decorated, the monumental bronze statue of Strebelle stands out in particular. The steel structure of Pier A, which has been in use since 2002, is clearly visible from the panoramic restaurant "Wingtips". During his walk through the airport building, the visitor casually receives useful information about the operation of the airport.

Those who want to visit with their association or in a school context can request a guided group visit throughout the year. (E-mail: [email protected]/guided tours until the end of August 2004 and all other days BIAC, Brussels Airport, 1930 Zaventem, tel. 0032/2/753 43 02 – fax: 0032/2/753 43 05)

Sportdienst Zaventem