Official opening of Silversquare Guillemins, the coworking space designed by Jean-Paul Lespagnard

Silversquare Guillemins officially opens its doors today. The space in Liège marks the beginning of a new chapter for the pioneer of coworking in Belgium. Silversquare was initially active in Brussels but is now expanding to Liège. The company is opening its first Walloon space, its tenth in Belgium. 6 April marks the end of an almost three-year creative process between Silversquare and Jean-Paul Lespagnard. The result of this collaboration is an exceptional space: the remarkable study of the functionality of the spaces, the volumes, the materials and the colours offer a fresh, cheerful and inspiring look at the world of coworking. The ideal place for people from Liège looking for a unique workspace.

Conquering the big cities

"The opening of the coworking space in Liège is a very important step for Silversquare," explains Alexandre Ponchon, co-founder of Silversquare. "The first location outside Brussels should set the tone for further expansion, with upcoming openings in Antwerp in June 2023 and Louvain-la-Neuve in early 2024." Axel Kuborn, the other founder, adds, "Working with individual artists allows us to create places that are as surprising as they're unique. This is an essential part of Silversquare's DNA. We can say that the challenge entrusted to Jean-Paul Lespagnard has been met. The places are dynamic and inspiring".

The Silversquare Guillemins site comprises a total area of 3,283 sqm, divided between the ground, first and second floors. The office area has 74 private offices, of which 248 workstations can be set up individually. The coworking space is located in a green area that includes housing, offices, a hotel and local shops. The entire project, developed by Befimmo, is called 'Paradis Express'.

The call of the roots

Jean-Paul Lespagnard was born in Liège and grew up in Harzé. The foundations of his training as a designer were laid at Saint-Luc and Chateau Massart in ‘La Cité Ardente’. He then left his hometown to perfect his skills and develop his creative signature alongside international artists such as Anna Sui (New York) and Meg Stuart (Berlin), to name just two. Without losing sight of his Belgian roots, Jean-Paul sees the world as a vast field for discovery and creation. Hence the term "Worldly Belgian" that is regularly attributed to him.

This nickname also inspired him to create the coworking space. "Silversquare gave me the creative freedom to return to my roots. I approached the design through its location, between the Guillemins train station and the Boverie Fine Arts Museum. So I thought of a place that would make the connection between mobility and heritage. Be it local or international," explains Jean-Paul Lespagnard.

An ode to know-how

To combine a strong global and local approach, Jean-Paul has chosen to work with artisans and small and medium-sized enterprises to produce this concept.

The kitchenware at Silversquare, for example, is made by artisans from Puebla and Jalisco (Mexico). The straw lamps are made by a cooperative in the High Atlas (Morocco). The majestic Tchantchèt doll was made by the coppersmith Pascal Jacques (Liège). And the waffle-shaped door handles, come from Faridabad (India). "My travels and my origins are clearly the basis for my inspiration and for this project," Jean-Paul Lespagnard continues.

A space to work, to be inspired and to grow with others

For Jean-Paul Lespagnard, it was important to make the space interactive. This is evident in the upcycled lockers that are made available to members. They can be used as portable storage space, as a side table and, thanks to their cushions, also as seating. The playground at the window edge of the coworking space creates a place of interaction that invites people to come together, play and relax. The space also includes a "Chai Lobby". A pleasant and flexible waiting room where snacks are available. Train departure times are displayed on screens and offer a cosy alternative to the unpleasant waiting time at the station.

Photos are available here: https://silversquare.prezly.com/media/album/21073

More from Jean-Paul Lespagnard on Instagram (@jeanpaullespagnard) or on his website: https://www.jeanpaullespagnard.com/