Liège Expo / Archipelago + Mangado Y Asociados

Architects: archipelago, Mangado Y Asociados
Area: 20000 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: archipelago, Juan Rodriguez, Bruno Dias Ventura
Status: Completed
Program: New construction of the Exhibition and Convention Center in Liège
Partners: Greisch, Proapp, Sweco, Matriciel, Cedia
City: Liège
Country: Belgium

Liège Expo, an event and exhibition center designed by archipelago + Mangado Y Asociados in Liège, integrates a large-scale public venue into the city’s dense urban fabric, creating a strategic cultural and economic landmark. With a total surface of over 16,500 m² and a capacity of up to 10,000 people, the complex includes five expo halls and a multi-purpose hall designed to host fairs, exhibitions, and cultural or sports events. The project introduces a new public square adjacent to the Meuse River and the city’s transit system, reinforcing urban continuity and positioning the building as a gateway to local and international mobility networks. Its layout encourages indoor-outdoor interaction, especially through the 1,000 m² exhibition hall that opens directly onto the square. Flexibility is central to the design, allowing multiple event configurations through adaptable interior divisions and independent circulation routes. Located in the redeveloping Bressoux-Droixhe industrial district, Liège Expo supports the area’s ecological transformation through sustainable materials, rainwater harvesting, temperature control, and maximized daylighting via its roof structure. Landscape and logistics zones are designed to reduce environmental impact through green buffers and infiltration systems.

Liège expo / archipelago + mangado y asociados

Liège Expo expands the conventional role of a Halles des Foires by extending its reach into the immediate urban context, integrating itself into the dense and varied fabric of the city. Serving as a new public institution for Liège and the central hub of its event industry, the facility accommodates up to 10,000 people. It features five expo halls and one multi-purpose hall, offering over 16,500 m² of space for both international and local events including fairs, exhibitions, sports, and cultural activities. The project aims to reestablish Liège as a major European destination for large-scale events.

Liège Expo functions as a civic project that connects directly with the city. It operates both as an urban landmark and a public gathering space, offering a program that unfolds across the interior and exterior. Located near the Meuse River and well integrated into Liège’s transport network, the building contributes to the continuity of the city’s public spaces. It holds a strategic position, serving as both the starting and ending point of the tramway, and aligns with other key city squares while introducing a new public reference point connected to regional and international routes. Its placement at the intersection of regional and European scales makes it ideal for hosting major events.

The architecture prioritizes flexibility, with a design that allows multiple spatial configurations. Different events can be accommodated simultaneously thanks to a layout that enables both combination and separation of the halls. Circulation zones are organized to offer independent access to each space, supporting parallel programming. At the southern edge of the square, the prominent exhibition hall spans over 1,000 m² and connects directly to the plaza, shaping the building’s main entrance. When opened toward the square, the hall extends the event space outward, unifying the building with its public surroundings.

Liège Expo is located in the Bressoux-Droixhe district, a former industrial area currently undergoing significant redevelopment. Through land decontamination and gradual reinvestment, the district is evolving into a model that blends urban planning, mobility, architecture, and economic development toward a more sustainable future. The project reflects these goals through its selection of sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, including rainwater harvesting, climate control mechanisms, and automated lighting. Moreover, the roof design enhances natural illumination, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Outdoor areas, including green zones and vehicle access routes, are developed to minimize ecological impact. Infiltration swales help manage runoff and promote greenery across parking and logistics areas.