Hogeschool PXL is constantly evolving, with a strong focus on innovation and multidisciplinarity. The new Business Hub on the Hasselt campus symbolizes this dynamic transformation. The Hub will serve as the new gateway to the campus, uniting education, research, and business. This initiative is part of a masterplan to transform the site into a contemporary Campus Park, socially, ecologically, and economically integrated with the city of Hasselt.

As part of this redevelopment project, two existing buildings on the site will be preserved and incorporated into a new framework. They will be unified by a new external structure, creating a cohesive and powerful identity.
A key feature of this design is the market hall, or “Mercado.” Located on the first floor between the two buildings, the Mercado functions as a meeting place, fostering interaction among students, researchers, and professionals. Offering an open, informal atmosphere, it connects visually with the city through its elevated position along the Singel. Transparency and openness are central to its design, with seminars and events visible from various spaces. Integrated infrastructure, including modern conference rooms and co-creation areas, makes the campus a living lab for smart technologies.

The concept of a “city within a city” is woven throughout the design. The green urban hall, marked by a transparent dome structure, is anchored at the urban intersection between the future park to the south and the vibrant Singel. Acting as a large greenhouse, it creates a transitional climate that provides access to the Mercado.
The building has a prominent presence along the Singel. Its facades, equipped with solar panels and LED screens, not only generate energy but also serve as a communication platform for events and campus activities. A technical ring surrounding the building supports sustainable technologies such as ventilation and cooling. By placing these systems externally, the issue of limited ceiling height in the existing buildings is resolved. This solution enables the transformation to be completed without disrupting school operations and allows for the integration of high-performing systems in the future.

The Business Hub represents PXL’s forward-thinking vision. The building seamlessly integrates education, business, and sustainability in an innovative way, creating a vibrant campus where knowledge and practice come together in an inspiring environment.