The Autism House

The Autism House: a resource hub at the heart of Usquare

Within the new Usquare district, the future Autism House of the Brussels-Capital Region will be located in an environment that is both শান্ত, accessible and rooted in an innovative urban dynamic.

Emerging from the redevelopment of the former Royal Gendarmerie School in Ixelles, Usquare embodies a mixed-use neighbourhood model where higher education (ULB and VUB), family and student housing, high-quality public spaces and collective facilities coexist. It is within this framework that the Autism House is being developed, set to become a key facility serving autistic people and their families.

Located at the corner of Fritz Toussaint Street and Juliette Wytsman Street, it will be housed in existing buildings of high heritage value, formerly used for equestrian training and veterinary care. This location offers a dual advantage: a शांत environment away from major roads, while remaining directly integrated into the life of the Usquare site.

Organised around a central courtyard garden, the Autism House will also benefit from its own outdoor space, allowing both the privacy required for certain uses and openness towards the neighbourhood.

Project ownership for the building has been entrusted to the SAU by the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region, working closely with COCOF, which is responsible for initiating the project and coordinating stakeholders.

A house designed to welcome, support and connect

The architectural project reflects the mission of the Autism House. Awarded in March 2025 to the architects’ cooperative KARBON’, it is structured around four complementary components:

• The Foyer: a space for reception, listening and guidance for autistic people and their relatives
• The Training Hub: dedicated to training, knowledge-sharing and networking
• The Activity Hall: a flexible space for leisure, meetings and events
• The Observatory: a workspace for teams, where the database and knowledge related to autism and services in Brussels will be managed

The Autism House is intended as a vibrant place for interaction, open to associations, professionals and users, offering shared spaces that encourage exchange, activities and the development of initiatives.

A central garden between calm and stimulation

At the heart of the project, the inner courtyard is transformed into a garden conceived as an extension of the indoor spaces.

Designed by landscape architect Jan Minne, this space plays a key role in the overall experience. It aims to provide an environment conducive to calm, restoration and sensory regulation, while integrating playful and stimulating elements, particularly for children.

Water plays a special role: both playful and soothing, it contributes to a rich sensory atmosphere that encourages observation and relaxation.

“Like home”: a reassuring and adaptable environment

The entire project is guided by a strong ambition: to create an environment that evokes the comfort and safety of a घरेलestic setting.

Design choices favour natural and warm materials, careful control of environmental conditions (light, temperature, ventilation), and particular attention to acoustics. Everything is designed to reduce sources of stress and provide optimal welcoming conditions.

“Snoezelen”-type retreat spaces are integrated throughout the building, allowing users to withdraw at any time into a calming environment.

The House is designed not only for autistic individuals, but also for their families and loved ones, so that everyone can find support, understanding and respite.

A design placing autistic people at the heart of the project

To ensure the project closely matches the needs of its future users, and with the support of a clinical psychologist, various consultation and exchange moments have been organised with autistic individuals, professionals and the broader project community. This participatory approach will continue, enriching the project through feedback and experience.

A structured and well-advanced project

The project has already reached several key milestones:

• 2023–2024: definition of the architectural programme based on a preliminary study by CENTRALE
• 27 March 2025: award of the design contract to KARBON’
• 5 March 2026: submission of the planning permission application

The project is now entering the administrative review phase to obtain planning permission, a prerequisite for launching construction works.

The provisional schedule foresees construction works taking place in 2028 and 2029.

Key figures

• Site area: 1,470 m²
• Building footprint: 955 m²
• Above-ground floor area: 1,415.5 m²
• Courtyard garden: 525 m²