Our experiences within buildings remain. However positive or negative – they leave a lasting impression. Architects and designers all strive to instill a sense of awe and lasting wonderment in potential occupants. Despite the duration of occupancy, providing exceptional levels of comfort, function and, of course, the ‘wow’ factor are vital.

With the average person spending 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime, workplace architecture has evolved considerably over the years. From the design right through to the facilities, a high benchmark is being set.

In this month’s Design & Desire focus, FC&A profile’s Europe’s largest passive office hosting the new headquarters of the Brussels Environment Agency. Located in Brussels, these new offices are built around a central atrium that spans seven storeys high under a bulging, transparent roof that ensures constant natural lighting.

Maximising user comfort was a key design consideration for Dutch architectural practice Cepezed. Whereas the external aluminium cladding of the building is black to absorb the sunlight walking through the main entrance you are struck by the light, airy, spacious atmosphere of the main atrium, which feels like a giant greenhouse. To read more about this striking build, nicknamed “the toaster”, turn to page 28.

Elsewhere in this issue you will find dedicated features on Ironmongery, KBB, Glass & Glazing, plus official highlights on the upcoming events UK Construction Week and 100% Design.

I hope you enjoy this edition. Don’t forget you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product new and supplier information at your fingertips via Future Constructor & Architect’s state-of-the-art app. To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘fc&a’ on Google Play or App Store.