UBS Monaco a new Architectural Icon
After years of work, Villa Belgica, located at 2 Avenue de Grande Bretagne, has transformed into a space that retains its historical character while meeting the needs of a forward-looking banking institution. Owner of this modern landmark, the Wealth Management UBS Monaco bank has decided to extend the Belle Époque style building to house its headquarters.
Originally built in the 1920s as the Belgian embassy, the Villa Belgica has undergone numerous transformations throughout its history. Since 1998, it has served as UBS Monaco headquarters in Monaco. In recent years, the building underwent a comprehensive modernization under the direction of Jean Nouvel, the celebrated French architect known for projects such as the National Museum of Qatar, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and KKL Luzern.
«Architecture is an art. The architect’s role is to discuss aesthetics, poetry, and humanism. These values can also help us work better and be perceived more positively in today’s world» Jean Nouvel told.
Jean Nouvel’s vision adheres to the principle of «harmony of growth,» which preserves the historical features of Villa Belgica while enhancing them with contemporary elements. Highlights of the new design include a mirrored ceiling that reflects the surrounding environment and light-filled spaces throughout the building. The new upper floors include a restaurant on the ninth floor, a lounge on the tenth, and a rooftop terrace on the eleventh floor offering a 360 degree view of the Principality.
Covering a total of 1,700 square meters, the building will not house all of the bank’s approximately 200 employees in Monaco; some will remain at other locations in the principality.
“It’s also our way of saying to Monaco: we support Monaco, we love Monaco and we’re going to stay here for many years to come. And it’s a way of saying to our customers: you have a home, with three floors that are completely dedicated to you” – says Alejandro Velez, UBS Monaco Managing Director.
Giving the best is good, but respecting the environment at the same time is better. The Villa Belgica project, overseen by the Michel Pastor Group, aims to obtain the prestigious BREEAM Excellence and BD2M Gold certifications in 2025.
by Olga Barrale / photos © Yvan Grubski