Financial institution transformation planned to follow Bauhaus principles

As part of a multi-national consortium, Tenderstream member Schmidt Hammer Lassen (SHL) has been awarded the design services contract for the European Investment Bank’s (EIB’s) West Campus Programme. The appointment follows a competitive tender process initiated in 2024 and first published by Tenderstream here.

The EIB, headquartered in Luxembourg, is the lending arm of the European Union and one of the biggest multilateral financial institutions in the world. The framework agreement marks a significant step forward in the EIB West Campus Programme, which aims to renovate and extend an existing building while preserving its historic façade. 

Designed by British architect Sir Denys Lasdun, the WKI main building stands as an architectural landmark that set new standards for institutional architecture, which was acclaimed for its human-centred approach, embedding staff well-being and the EIB’s values from the outset. The aim is to continue this legacy in order to create a modern and inclusive work environment for staff and visitors alike with a design that prioritises climate action, energy efficiency, and circularity, while also reflecting the principles of the New European Bauhaus through the integration of sustainability, social inclusion, and aesthetics.

Elif Tinaztepe, partner at Schmidt Hammer Lassen, stated: “It is a true honour - and a deeply inspiring challenge - to engage with built cultural heritage of this stature. Such work calls for a spirit of humility and reverence, as we seek to understand and elevate the site’s inherent qualities and reach a delicate equilibrium between the imperatives of preservation and the transformative potential of thoughtful intervention - once more placing innovation and well-being at the very heart of the architecture.”

In addition to SHL, the consortium comprises Assar Universum Architects, Assar BE Architects, Paul Wurth Geprolux, Tractebel Engineering, Topotek 1, and Papaya Urbanistes et Architectes Paysagistes. The consortium will be initially responsible for developing the preliminary design, for submission to the EIB’s governing bodies in early 2026. 

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

This tender was first published by Tenderstream on 18.07.2024 here

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