Inside Villa Belgica: Jean Nouvel’s vision brings a new landmark to Monaco

The transformation of Villa Belgica is officially complete, illustrating renowned architect Jean Nouvel’s skill in merging historical charm with modern functionality.

Villa Belgica is a notable architectural landmark in Monaco and has undergone numerous modifications throughout its history, reflecting the evolving needs of its occupants and architectural trends of the times. 

Now, the villa, which has served as the headquarters of UBS Monaco since 1998, has undergone the most significant of all its transformations, under the direction of renowned architect Jean Nouvel.

On Monday 4th November, Villa Belgica was unveiled to the media and officially inaugurated by Prince Albert II. Jean Nouvel was there to proudly talk about his vision behind his first ever project in Monaco.

Photo credit: Yvan Grubski 

Jean Nouvel: an innovative and contextual designer

Nouvel is a prominent French architect who is celebrated for his innovative and context-driven designs. The 79-year-old has left a significant mark on the architectural landscape with projects such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Agbar Tower in Barcelona, and the National Museum of Qatar, amongst others.

Nouvel is known for his ability to integrate buildings harmoniously with their surroundings, and he explained during the inauguration, “Architecture must engage with its environment and history while embracing the future.” His projects often reflect a strong awareness of cultural context and sustainability, which have established him as a key figure in contemporary architecture.

In the renovation of Villa Belgica, situated at 2 Avenue de Grande-Bretagne, Nouvel succeeded in preserving the building’s historical essence while incorporating contemporary elements, creating a “harmony of growth”, as he put it.

Photo credit: Yvan Grubski 

A modern sustainable transformation

The early 20th-century villa has been entirely reimagined to accommodate UBS’s offices, including significant reconstruction and elevation, bringing the total surface area to 1,700 m².

The renovation included significant modifications across multiple floors of the villa. The ground floor was redesigned to accommodate a modern reception area, providing a welcoming space for clients and visitors. The layout was optimised for functionality, enhancing accessibility and flow within the building. The first floors feature open-plan offices equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

“My aim was to show that it is possible to create an urban plan that embodies the spirit of a village while ensuring that the building blends seamlessly with the climate,” said Nouvel.

Photo credit: Yvan Grubski 

The upper levels of Villa Belgica have retained some historical elements while integrating modern amenities. “We envisioned a headquarters that is both a workspace and a hub for collaboration,” revealed the architect.

The last three floors of Villa Belgica were designed specifically to cater to UBS Monaco’s clients, featuring panoramic terraces, a bar, a lounge area, and a restaurant. These spaces allow clients to make reservations and invite guests, making them suitable for both business meetings and social gatherings.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of this building is the 11th and final floor, with its panoramic rooftop bar that offers sweeping views of Monaco. This area features a remarkable mirrored ceiling, creating a stunning visual connection between the indoor environment and the outside landscape.

Photo credit: Yvan Grubski 

As Jean Nouvel rightly remarked, “We are very well situated here, and as you ascend through the building, the views of Monaco reveal themselves in ways you have never seen before.”

In keeping with Monaco’s sustainability goals, the project aims to achieve the coveted BREEAM Excellence and BD2M Gold certifications. “Our goal was to create a space that not only meets the needs of UBS Monaco but also sets a precedent for sustainability in the banking sector,” explained Nouvel.  

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Photo credit: Yvan Grubski