Upcoming Trade Shows Brussels, Belgium for Building & Construction

The building and construction industry in Brussels finds itself in a peculiar position. On one hand, it needs to meet the growing demands for urban development. On the other, there’s a pressing need to preserve small-scale production spaces, which have defined the city’s identity. Since 2014, the Brussels-Capital Region (BCR) has grappled with the challenge of anchoring productive sectors within its urban fabric. Initiatives like Chemetoff's Plan Canal and collaborative efforts by Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Université libre de Bruxelles reflect the city’s desire to weave production seamlessly into its urban landscape. Yet, amidst the push for urbanization, a poignant concern emerges - the gradual disappearance of small-scale production spaces. This process is part of an ongoing de-industrialization trend fueled by intense real estate dynamics. Factors such as a housing shortage, increasing population, fiscal pressures on property and labor, and a competitive real estate market contribute to the transition of industrial workspaces into residential areas. While Brussels stands out in waste flow studies and circular economy considerations related to construction, the sector grapples with spatial challenges often overlooked by policymakers. The critical spatial needs of construction companies, essential for the city's daily functioning, find limited attention from authorities, trade unions, and sector organizations. Small-scale workspaces, particularly in the construction sector, are frequently assessed solely by their market value, which often neglects their broader impact. Adopting a Foundational Economy perspective, these spaces become integral components that contribute to the city's functioning as part of a complex and interconnected production process. Beyond their market value, these spaces hold intrinsic worth as foundational elements supporting the daily life and functionality of the city. It's a call to recognize the interconnectedness of production spaces and embrace a holistic perspective that safeguards Brussels' production heritage amid urban transformation.