How thoughtful design transformed an office into a vibrant community center
A milestone in the short but eventful existence of M127. Our story was published in the most recent edition of Monocle, The Entrepreneurs (issue 8, 2025). The article beautifully captures the essence of M127. The main points of the article are reproduced here.
In the heart of Antwerp, an old police station from the 1960s has undergone an impressive transformation, transforming it into a multifunctional hub. Led by Universal Design Studio and Ono Architectuur, the building, now known as M127, is a perfect example of how architecture can not only help businesses move forward, but also have a positive impact on the community.
A building with a story
Schoups, a law firm specializing in construction and real estate law, bought the property with architect and entrepreneur Chris Poulissen. The goal? Not just any office, but a place open to the neighborhood. Only part of the eight floors is reserved for Schoups. The rest of the building was designed with the community in mind.
From café to coworking
The first floor houses a café, run by Belgian coffee roasters Caffènation, and an event space that can be rented by the public. Upstairs you'll find coworking spaces, offices and meeting rooms. The building also houses a terrace and a cozy library, with beautiful textile art by Philip Aguirre y Otegui.
The transformation went beyond interior design. The original concrete structure was exposed, spaces were given new heights with mezzanines, and the facade was made more energy efficient. All this creates a fresh, modern feel that matches the owners' ambitions.
Community central
What makes M127 truly special is its invitation to the community. Students can use the common areas, and visitors from the adjacent church can wander through the garden. “It’s not just an office,” says architect Paul Gulati. “It’s a place that connects to the city and attracts the next generation of lawyers.”
This project shows that a thoughtful approach can help businesses inspire not only their employees, but also the wider community. While many offices struggle to attract people back, M127 proves that opening its doors to the neighbourhood creates a win-win situation.
Inspiration for anyone who wants to show that an office can be more than just a workplace!
(Based on the original text from Monocle, The Entrepreneurs (issue 8, 2025) .
