What if a single campus could support learning from infancy to adulthood — while also responding to the social, architectural and educational challenges of a growing metropolis? In Brussels, Campus STREAM turns that vision into reality. This pioneering project brings together four institutions under one roof, creating a vibrant, inclusive and future-ready learning environment. To help realise this vision, the project partners collaborated with Vanerum, who developed the interior design concept and provided the furniture, ensuring that every space supported the campus’s educational goals.

A landmark project shaping education in Brussels

On 1 September 2025, the new Campus STREAM opened in Anderlecht, along the canal in Brussels. This ambitious project brings together four institutions on a single site:

• a nursery,
• a municipal primary school,
• a GO! secondary school with a focus on STEM,
• and a centre for adult education (CVO).

The goal is bold: to create a continuous learning pathway from infancy to adulthood, in an environment where education, play and daily life are seamlessly integrated.

Campus STREAM is part of a broader movement to strengthen Dutch-language education in Brussels. With over 21,000 m² of floor space and capacity for more than a thousand learners, it stands as one of the most significant educational initiatives in the region in recent years.

A vision for education and society

The Flemish Community Commission (VGC), GO! and the municipality of Anderlecht joined forces to create a learning environment that reflects both educational ambition and social responsibility. Their goal: to offer children, young people and adults in Brussels meaningful and inclusive learning experiences.

Drawing on his experience leading a similar school in Bruges, Mike Goudeseune, headteacher of De Stroomboot primary school, brings a strong pedagogical vision inspired by innovative educational thinkers. “I needed a new challenge, and I certainly found it here,” he says.

“At De Stroomboot, learning will be experiential, exploratory and cooperative, with respect for each child’s pace and talents.”  

Mike Goudeseune, Headteacher of De Stroomboot primary school

“Heterogeneous groups will foster creativity, collaboration and self-reliance”. An approach that reflects the broader ambition of Campus STREAM. Each institution on campus contributes to this vision in its own way:

• De Stroomboot (0–12 years): An integrated space where childcare, learning and recreation come together to support early development.
• GO4Tech (secondary education): A STEM-focused school that prepares young people for the labour market and active participation in society.
• CVO (adult education): A centre where lifelong learning becomes a reality, offering adults the chance to grow and adapt in a changing world.

Designing spaces that support every learner

From the beginning, interior design was seen as a key element — not just for functionality, but to reflect the campus’s educational vision.

“We wanted a design that creates unity across the different levels of education, while allowing each department to express its own identity.”  

Kaat Stessens, Interior Consultant at Vanerum

Warm yellow tones were chosen for the primary school, while the secondary school features calming greens. Consistent shapes and furniture types ensure visual continuity throughout the campus.

To support collaborative learning, the spaces are flexible and ergonomically designed. All furniture complies with European standard EN1729 and is adapted to the age and needs of each group, reinforcing the pedagogical approach through thoughtful design.

Collaboration and flexibility under pressure

Delivering a project of this scale within a tight timeframe required agility and close coordination. Faced with shifting schedules, the municipality of Anderlecht and its partners had to rely on a responsive and solution-oriented approach to interior design.

“We had a clear vision and needed a team that could translate it quickly and effectively,” recalls Wim Jacobs, architect and urban planner for the municipality.

“Despite the time pressure, the concept was developed, produced and installed in time for the school opening. That flexibility really made the difference.”

Wim Jacobs, architect and urban planner for the municipality

Sustainability as a shared value

Campus STREAM reflects a broader ambition: to build responsibly and sustainably in a metropolitan context. From the outset, the project partners prioritized environmental impact, opting for locally produced materials, efficient logistics, and durable furnishings that support long-term use.

The interior design choices align with this vision — furniture tailored to different age groups, compliant with European standards, and built to last. These decisions not only reduce the ecological footprint but also ensure that the learning environment grows with its users, supporting comfort, health and development over time.

A vision rooted in urban reality

Campus STREAM is more than a new school building — it’s a response to the pressing challenges facing Brussels: a growing and diverse population, strained educational infrastructure, and the urgent need for equal access to quality learning. By bringing together nursery, primary, secondary, and adult education on a single site, the campus creates a continuous and safe learning environment where children feel at home, parents experience stability, and adults find new opportunities for growth.

More than a school, Campus STREAM is a statement: about how education can evolve, how design can empower, and how collaboration can shape the cities of tomorrow. It stands as a model for how thoughtful planning and shared vision can transform educational infrastructure into a dynamic and inclusive space for lifelong learning.